If you're still using a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 in 2024, you're likely holding onto one of the last true flagship devices before the smartphone market shifted toward higher refresh rates, 5G, and more aggressive design language. The Note 9 was a powerhouse in its time—solid build, excellent stylus integration, and top-tier specs for 2018. But now, nearly six years later, newer devices like the OnePlus 8 Pro offer significant technological leaps. So, is upgrading from the Galaxy Note 9 to the OnePlus 8 Pro actually worth it? Let’s break down the key differences and real-world implications.
Performance: A Generational Leap
The Galaxy Note 9 launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 outside the U.S.), which was impressive at the time but now struggles with modern multitasking and high-end gaming. In contrast, the OnePlus 8 Pro runs on the Snapdragon 865, a chip that delivers up to 25% faster CPU performance and nearly 30% better GPU efficiency.
Real-world usage reflects this gap. Apps open noticeably faster on the OnePlus 8 Pro. Scrolling through social media feeds is smoother, and games like Genshin Impact run at high settings without throttling as quickly. The Note 9, while still functional for basic tasks, shows lag when switching between multiple apps or using newer versions of Android-based interfaces.
Display and Design: From Great to Elite
The Note 9 featured a 6.4-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a flat screen—a favorite among users who disliked curved edges. Its display was sharp and vibrant, earning praise at launch.
The OnePlus 8 Pro improves on this with a 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED display that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. This means smoother animations, faster touch response, and a more fluid overall experience. While the color accuracy is slightly cooler out of the box compared to Samsung’s warm default tone, the 8 Pro offers both sRGB and DCI-P3 calibration modes for professional-grade accuracy.
Design-wise, the Note 9 feels chunky by today’s standards. It’s thick, heavy (201g), and lacks IP68 water resistance in all regions (only IP68 in some markets). The OnePlus 8 Pro, despite being larger, feels more balanced and modern with symmetrical bezels, a glass back, and full IP68 certification globally.
“High refresh rate displays have changed user expectations. Once you go 120Hz, going back to 60Hz feels like watching old VHS tapes.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst at TechPulse Insights
Camera Comparison: Evolution vs Revolution
The Galaxy Note 9 had a solid dual-camera setup: a 12MP main sensor with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4) and a 12MP telephoto lens. It excelled in low light and offered reliable portrait shots. However, software processing has aged poorly—colors can look oversaturated, and HDR is inconsistent.
The OnePlus 8 Pro introduces a quad-camera system: a 48MP main sensor (with pixel binning), a 48MP ultra-wide, an 8MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and a fifth color filter camera (discontinued in later models). The ultra-wide lens is where the 8 Pro truly shines, capturing significantly more detail than the Note 9’s secondary shooter.
In daylight, both phones produce usable images, but the 8 Pro captures more dynamic range and finer textures. At night, the difference is stark. The OnePlus 8 Pro’s Nightscape mode produces cleaner, brighter photos with less noise. The Note 9’s low-light performance, once class-leading, now looks muddy in comparison.
| Feature | Galaxy Note 9 | OnePlus 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP f/1.5–2.4 | 48MP f/1.79 (pixel-binned to 12MP) |
| Ultra-Wide Lens | No | 48MP f/2.2 |
| Zoom | 2x optical | 3x optical, up to 30x digital |
| Night Mode | Limited HDR | Dedicated Nightscape with AI enhancement |
| Front Camera | 8MP f/1.7 | 16MP f/2.0 |
Battery and Charging: A Night-and-Day Difference
The Note 9 came with a 4,000mAh battery and supported 15W fast charging via Adaptive Fast Charging. A full charge took about 90 minutes. Wireless charging was included, but at only 9W, it was slow even for its time.
The OnePlus 8 Pro packs a similar 4,510mAh battery but supports Warp Charge 30T, delivering a 50% charge in just 23 minutes. It also includes 30W wireless charging—one of the fastest available in 2020. For users tired of waiting hours to recharge, this is a major upgrade.
More importantly, the OnePlus 8 Pro’s efficient chipset and adaptive refresh rate mean better battery optimization. Despite the larger screen and higher peak brightness, many users report longer daily endurance than the Note 9, especially with 120Hz dynamically adjusted based on content.
Software and Long-Term Value
This is where the decision gets nuanced. The Galaxy Note 9 originally shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo and received updates up to Android 10 with One UI 2.5. It no longer receives security patches from Samsung, making it increasingly vulnerable to exploits.
The OnePlus 8 Pro launched with Android 10 and OxygenOS 10, and received updates up to Android 12. While it also reached end-of-life in terms of OS upgrades, it benefited from faster patch cycles and cleaner software. OxygenOS was known for its near-stock Android experience, minimal bloatware, and intuitive gesture navigation.
If you value timely updates and long-term support, neither phone is ideal today. However, the OnePlus 8 Pro had a shorter but more consistent update path, and its unlocked bootloader makes it more suitable for custom ROMs like LineageOS—extending its usable lifespan beyond official support.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey
Sarah used her Galaxy Note 9 for over four years. As a freelance designer, she relied on the S Pen for quick sketches and client notes. By late 2023, she noticed frequent app crashes, sluggish performance in Adobe Fresco, and poor low-light photo quality during site visits. She considered the Galaxy S23 Ultra but found it too expensive.
Instead, she bought a used OnePlus 8 Pro for $220. The 120Hz display made sketching with third-party styluses (like the Wacom Bamboo Sketch) feel more responsive. App launches were instant, and the improved camera helped her document projects clearly. Though she missed the built-in S Pen, she gained speed, reliability, and future-proof features like 5G and faster charging.
For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it was about staying productive without breaking the bank.
Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?
Before making the switch, consider these factors:
- Evaluate your current pain points: Is your Note 9 lagging, overheating, or failing to install app updates?
- Check app compatibility: Some newer apps may not run on Android 10 or older systems.
- Assess your need for S Pen functionality: If you rely heavily on stylus input, the lack of integrated pen support on the 8 Pro could be a dealbreaker.
- Consider resale value: The Note 9 still holds modest value in secondhand markets—use it to offset the cost of a new device.
- Look at alternatives: If the 8 Pro is hard to find, consider the Pixel 6a or refurbished iPhone 12 for similar generational jumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the OnePlus 8 Pro replace the S Pen functionality?
Not natively. The OnePlus 8 Pro doesn’t have an embedded stylus. However, it supports Bluetooth styluses and capacitive pens for note-taking and drawing. Third-party apps like Squid or Noteshelf can replicate some S Pen features, but the experience isn’t seamless.
Is the OnePlus 8 Pro still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, for moderate users. It handles everyday tasks effortlessly, has excellent speakers, and supports 5G. While it won’t receive more OS updates, it remains stable and secure with current firmware. Performance still beats many mid-range 2023 phones.
Will my Note 9 accessories work with the OnePlus 8 Pro?
Most wired headphones and USB-C accessories will work. However, proprietary Samsung DeX docks, wireless power-sharing, and S Pen holders are incompatible. You’ll need new cases and potentially different fast chargers.
Conclusion: Yes, But With Caveats
Upgrading from the Galaxy Note 9 to the OnePlus 8 Pro is absolutely worth it if you prioritize speed, display quality, camera performance, and modern charging standards. The leap in user experience—from 60Hz to 120Hz, from slow charging to 30W wired and wireless, and from aging software to a cleaner, faster interface—is substantial.
However, if your workflow depends on the S Pen or Samsung DeX, the transition may require adjustments. For creative professionals or business users tied to Samsung’s ecosystem, a Galaxy S21 or later might be a more natural evolution.
For everyone else—especially those seeking a budget-friendly way to re-enter the modern smartphone experience—the OnePlus 8 Pro delivers exceptional value. It’s not the newest phone on the market, but as a successor to the Note 9, it represents everything that’s changed in five years of innovation.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4
Comments
No comments yet. Why don't you start the discussion?