Pixel 3 Xl Vs Note 9 Which Phone Still Holds Up In Current Year

In 2024, smartphones from 2018 are considered ancient by tech standards. Yet some users still rely on high-end devices from that era, either out of necessity, preference, or frugality. Two such phones—the Google Pixel 3 XL and the Samsung Galaxy Note 9—were flagships in their time, packing premium features and top-tier performance. But how do they fare today? With modern apps demanding more processing power, updated operating systems, and security patches, only a few legacy devices manage to stay functional. This article dives deep into whether the Pixel 3 XL or Note 9 is better equipped to handle daily use in the current year.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The foundation of any smartphone’s longevity lies in its hardware. Both the Pixel 3 XL and Note 9 launched with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 chipset—a powerful processor at the time, but now significantly behind current-gen silicon. However, their implementation and optimization differ.

The Pixel 3 XL came with 4GB of RAM, which was modest even in 2018. While Google’s clean Android experience helped optimize memory usage, multitasking and heavy app switching have become increasingly sluggish over time. In contrast, the Note 9 shipped with 6GB or 8GB (for the 512GB model), giving it a noticeable edge in handling multiple background tasks and resource-heavy applications like photo editors or video streaming platforms.

Storage also plays a role. The Pixel 3 XL maxed out at 128GB with no expandable storage option. The Note 9, however, supported microSD cards up to 512GB, making it far more future-proof for users who store large media libraries.

“Hardware alone doesn’t determine longevity—software support and thermal management matter just as much.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechInsight Group

Tip: If you're holding onto an older device, disable animations and limit background processes to improve responsiveness.

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where the Pixel 3 XL initially had a major advantage—and then hit a hard wall. Google promised three years of OS and security updates for Pixels, which meant the 3 XL received Android 12 and security patches through late 2021. Since then, it has not received official updates, leaving it vulnerable to newer exploits and incompatible with apps requiring recent Android versions.

Samsung, while historically slower with updates, extended support for the Note 9 longer than expected due to its popularity among enterprise users. It officially received updates up to One UI 4 (based on Android 12) with security patches ending in 2022. Like the Pixel, it now runs outdated software, but Samsung’s Knox security layer and enterprise-grade firmware gave it slightly stronger long-term resilience.

Neither phone will receive further official updates, but custom ROMs like LineageOS offer lifelines. The Pixel 3 XL benefits greatly here—its stock Android base makes it easier to flash newer Android versions (up to Android 13/14 via community builds). The Note 9 has custom ROM support too, though less stable due to Samsung’s heavily modified system.

Battery Life and Charging in 2024

After five to six years, battery degradation is inevitable. The Pixel 3 XL started with a 3,430mAh battery—small even in 2018. Today, most units show significant wear, often struggling to last half a day with light use. Fast charging helps (USB-PD up to 18W), but lacks wireless charging beyond 7.5W, and reverse charging isn't supported.

The Note 9, with its 4,000mAh battery, had a head start. Even degraded, many units still manage a full day under moderate use. It supports fast charging (15W), wireless charging (Qi), and even reverse wireless charging—a rare feature that lets you power accessories or earbuds. For long-term usability, the Note 9 clearly wins in endurance.

Feature	Pixel 3 XL	Note 9
Battery Capacity	3,430 mAh	4,000 mAh
Fast Charging	18W (wired)	15W (wired)
Wireless Charging	Yes (7.5W)	Yes (Qi standard)
Reverse Charging	No	Yes (wireless)
Current Real-World Battery Life	3–5 hours screen-on time	5–7 hours screen-on time

Camera Performance: Legacy vs. Modern Expectations

The Pixel 3 XL was widely praised for its camera in 2018, even beating phones with dual and triple lenses. Its single 12.2MP rear sensor combined with Google’s computational photography—HDR+, Night Sight, Super Res Zoom—delivered stunning results. In 2024, these algorithms still produce surprisingly good photos in daylight and decent low-light shots, though dynamic range and detail fall short compared to modern AI-enhanced sensors.

The Note 9 featured a dual 12MP setup (wide + telephoto) with variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4). While versatile, its image processing lacked Google’s intelligence. Photos can look oversharpened or overly saturated. Low-light performance is weaker, and Night Mode is absent unless patched via modded apps.

For selfies, the Pixel 3 XL’s wide-angle front camera (8MP, 90° FoV) remains useful for group shots, though distortion is noticeable. The Note 9’s 8MP selfie cam is more natural but lacks wide-angle flexibility.

Tip: Use third-party camera apps like Open Camera or GCam ports to boost photo quality on older devices.

Real-World Example: Daily Driver Test (2024)

Consider Mark, a freelance writer who kept his Note 9 as a backup device until early 2024. He used it for emails, web browsing, audiobooks, and occasional photography. Despite the aging Exynos 9810 (in international models), he reported smooth performance with lightweight launchers and ad-blocking browsers. After replacing the battery ($25 at a local shop), he gained consistent all-day usage. He installed GrapheneOS on his Pixel 3 XL later but found app compatibility issues with banking apps due to SafetyNet failures.

Mark eventually retired the Pixel due to cracked glass and poor speaker quality (the bottom-firing speaker was weak), while the Note 9’s stereo speakers and headphone jack made it more practical for media consumption.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Lifespan of an Older Phone

1. Replace the battery – A fresh battery can restore 80% of a phone’s usability.
2. Install a lightweight launcher – Try Nova Launcher or Lawnchair to reduce lag.
3. Use privacy-focused browsers – Firefox with uBlock Origin handles ads and scripts efficiently.
4. Disable unused apps and services – Free up RAM and reduce background drain.
5. Flash a custom ROM (if skilled) – LineageOS or crDroid can bring newer Android versions and improved performance.
6. Limit app permissions – Reduce tracking and background activity.
7. Clear cache regularly – Prevents slowdowns caused by bloated app data.

Which Phone Holds Up Better in 2024?

The answer depends on your priorities.

• If you value camera quality and clean software, the Pixel 3 XL still impresses in ideal conditions. However, its small battery, limited RAM, and lack of ongoing support make it fragile in daily use.
• If you need battery life, expandable storage, and practical features like the S Pen, headphone jack, and reverse charging, the Note 9 is the more resilient choice—even with heavier software overhead.

The Note 9’s larger battery, superior build durability, and inclusion of legacy features give it an edge for real-world usability. Meanwhile, the Pixel’s strengths are largely nostalgic—its camera may charm enthusiasts, but its overall ecosystem integration has weakened post-update cutoff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the Pixel 3 XL or Note 9 safely in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. Avoid storing sensitive data or using outdated banking apps. Stick to trusted sources, keep software updated via custom ROMs if possible, and avoid public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

Is the S Pen worth keeping the Note 9 for?

Absolutely. For note-takers, artists, or anyone who prefers handwriting input, the S Pen offers functionality no current mid-range phone matches. It works even when the screen is off, which remains unique.

Which phone gets better reception and call quality?

The Note 9 generally has stronger LTE and call audio thanks to Samsung’s RF tuning and dual-SIM variants. The Pixel 3 XL had spotty signal issues in some regions, especially on T-Mobile networks.

Final Verdict

Both the Pixel 3 XL and Note 9 were exceptional in 2018, but only the Galaxy Note 9 truly holds up as a functional device in 2024. Its combination of battery capacity, expandable storage, S Pen utility, and durable design gives it lasting relevance. The Pixel 3 XL, while iconic for its camera and pure Android experience, is now hamstrung by hardware limitations and discontinued support.

That said, neither should be your primary phone in 2024 unless you’re technically inclined, budget-constrained, or using it for a specific purpose. For those committed to extending their life, proper maintenance and smart software choices can add months—or even years—to their usefulness.

🚀 Still using a 2018 flagship? Share your experience below—what keeps your Pixel or Note going, and what finally made you upgrade?