Oneplus 7 Pro Vs Galaxy S9 Plus In 2024 Is The Upgrade Worth It Even Now

In 2024, flagship smartphones from 2019 might seem like relics. Yet, many users still rely on devices like the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus and OnePlus 7 Pro—two phones that once defined premium Android experiences. For those clinging to a Galaxy S9 Plus, the question isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s practical. Is upgrading to a OnePlus 7 Pro—or holding onto one now—still a smart move?

The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and how much longer you plan to keep your device. While both phones are past their prime, they represent different philosophies in design, performance, and software support. This analysis dives into real-world usability today, not just launch-day specs.

Performance & Hardware: A Clear Generational Leap

The Galaxy S9 Plus launched in March 2018 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), 6GB of RAM, and microSD expandability. It was a powerhouse at the time, but by 2024 standards, it struggles with multitasking, app loading times, and background processes—especially with heavier apps like Chrome or social media platforms.

In contrast, the OnePlus 7 Pro arrived in May 2019 with the Snapdragon 855, up to 12GB of RAM, and UFS 3.0 storage—a significant upgrade over the S9 Plus’s UFS 2.1. The difference in daily use is tangible: faster app launches, smoother transitions, and better handling of modern games and photo editing tools.

But more than raw power, the 7 Pro introduced features that remain relevant: a 90Hz fluid AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and a pop-up front camera enabling a true full-screen experience. The S9 Plus, while featuring a solid 6.2-inch Quad HD+ display, remains locked at 60Hz and has noticeable bezels and a front-facing camera cutout.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open common apps, consider that a sign of hardware fatigue—upgrading can restore responsiveness.

Software & Longevity: Where Support Matters Most

Samsung promised four years of security updates for the Galaxy S9 series, which ended in 2022. As of 2024, the S9 Plus no longer receives patches, making it vulnerable to emerging threats and incompatible with newer app requirements. It runs Android 10 at best, limiting access to modern privacy controls and AI-powered features.

The OnePlus 7 Pro fared slightly better. It launched with Android 9 and received updates up to Android 12, with OxygenOS 12 being its final major version. Security updates officially ended in late 2022. However, the open-source nature of OxygenOS means active communities still provide custom ROMs like LineageOS, extending usability for tech-savvy users.

“Even if a phone feels fast, outdated software becomes a liability—not just for security, but for app compatibility.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

For average users, this means no Google Play Protect updates, limited banking app support, and potential issues with messaging or video conferencing platforms that require newer OS versions.

Camera Comparison: Quality vs. Consistency

The Galaxy S9 Plus featured a dual-camera setup: a 12MP wide lens with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and a 12MP telephoto lens. Its low-light performance was class-leading in 2018, thanks to the adaptive aperture. However, image processing hasn't aged well. Photos taken in 2024 often appear oversharpened, with aggressive HDR and inconsistent color science.

The OnePlus 7 Pro brought a triple-camera system: a 48MP main sensor (with pixel binning to 12MP), a 16MP ultra-wide, and an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom. While its default tuning favored punchy saturation, it captured more detail and offered far greater flexibility with the ultra-wide lens—an increasingly essential feature in modern photography.

Feature	Galaxy S9 Plus	OnePlus 7 Pro
Main Sensor	12MP, Dual Aperture	48MP (12MP output)
Ultra-Wide Lens	No	Yes, 16MP
Zoom Capability	2x Optical	3x Optical, 30x Digital
Low-Light Performance	Strong in 2018	Better processed, more consistent
Video Recording	4K@30fps, no gyro-EIS	4K@30/60fps, improved stabilization

In 2024, the OnePlus 7 Pro’s camera still holds up better for social media sharing, especially when capturing landscapes or group shots requiring wider angles. The S9 Plus lacks versatility and struggles with dynamic range in high-contrast scenes.

Real-World Example: Daily Use After Five Years

Consider Maria, a freelance photographer who used her Galaxy S9 Plus as a backup device until early 2024. She found that Instagram would crash repeatedly, WhatsApp failed to verify her number due to API incompatibility, and Google Maps took over 15 seconds to load routes. She switched to a refurbished OnePlus 7 Pro and immediately noticed improvements: apps loaded faster, navigation was smoother, and she could finally use Google’s Night Sight mode for dimly lit venue shots.

While battery life required a replacement (original batteries degrade after 500+ cycles), the overall experience felt closer to a modern mid-range phone than a five-year-old flagship. Her case illustrates a broader trend: hardware longevity matters, but so does ecosystem alignment.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

If you're still using a Galaxy S9 Plus, upgrading to a OnePlus 7 Pro—even in 2024—offers measurable benefits:

• Display: The 90Hz QHD+ screen provides a noticeably smoother scroll and brighter HDR viewing.
• Performance: Apps open faster, multitasking is more reliable, and gaming remains viable at medium settings.
• Camera Flexibility: The ultra-wide lens adds creative options missing on the S9 Plus.
• Battery Efficiency: Despite similar capacities (~4000mAh), the 7 Pro’s newer chipset uses power more efficiently.

However, it's not a future-proof investment. Neither phone supports 5G, and both lack modern features like under-display fingerprint sensors or IP68 water resistance (the 7 Pro has no official rating).

Tip: When buying older flagships, always check battery health. A replacement battery can add 1–2 years of usable life.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Assess Your Current Phone: Does the S9 Plus freeze, lag, or fail to update critical apps?
2. Check App Compatibility: Try installing TikTok, modern banking apps, or Zoom. Do they run smoothly?
3. Evaluate Battery Life: If it dies before noon or swells, replacement parts may be hard to find.
4. Research Refurbished Options: Look for OnePlus 7 Pro units with replaced batteries and clean IMEI.
5. Set Realistic Expectations: This isn’t a leap to 2024 flagship levels—it’s a bridge to basic modern functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OnePlus 7 Pro run Android 13 or 14?

No, official support ended at Android 12. However, community-developed ROMs like LineageOS or crDroid can bring Android 13/14 functionality to advanced users comfortable with rooting and flashing.

Is the Galaxy S9 Plus still safe to use in 2024?

Not recommended for primary use. Without security patches since 2022, it's vulnerable to exploits. Avoid storing sensitive data or using it for online banking.

Does the OnePlus 7 Pro have better speakers than the S9 Plus?

Yes. The 7 Pro features dual stereo speakers tuned by Dirac, offering louder volume and clearer audio separation compared to the S9 Plus’s single bottom-firing speaker and earpiece combo.

Final Verdict: A Practical, Not Future-Proof, Upgrade

Upgrading from the Galaxy S9 Plus to the OnePlus 7 Pro in 2024 isn’t about chasing cutting-edge tech—it’s about reclaiming usability. The 7 Pro delivers a more responsive interface, better cameras, and a display that still impresses. For users on a tight budget or seeking a temporary solution, it’s a worthwhile step up.

That said, neither phone should be considered a long-term device. If you’re looking beyond 2025, consider investing in a recent mid-range phone like the Pixel 7a or Samsung Galaxy A54, which offer guaranteed updates, modern chipsets, and 5G connectivity.

But if you’re holding onto an aging S9 Plus and need just a bit more life without spending hundreds, the OnePlus 7 Pro remains a compelling second-life upgrade—even now.

💬 Have you made the switch from S9 Plus to OnePlus 7 Pro—or another older flagship? Share your experience and tips in the comments below.