Samsung A16 Vs S9 Plus Is It Worth Upgrading In 2024

As smartphone technology evolves rapidly, many users find themselves questioning whether an older flagship still holds up against newer mid-range models. One such dilemma arises when comparing the Samsung Galaxy A16, a budget-friendly device released in 2023, with the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, a premium flagship launched back in 2018. At first glance, the S9 Plus might seem outdated, but its legacy lingers among enthusiasts. So, in 2024, does it make sense to upgrade from the A16 to the S9 Plus—or should you consider the reverse?

This comparison isn’t just about specs; it’s about real-world usability, software longevity, camera quality, and overall value. Let’s break down both devices across key categories to determine whether stepping back in time to the S9 Plus offers any tangible benefits over the more modern A16.

Performance and Hardware: A Tale of Two Eras

The core difference between these phones lies in their processing power and build philosophy. The Galaxy A16 runs on the MediaTek Helio G36, a dual-core chipset designed for basic tasks like messaging, web browsing, and light social media use. It comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage—adequate for entry-level functionality but limited under multitasking or gaming loads.

In contrast, the S9 Plus was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), a high-end chip that was top-tier in 2018. With 6GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage, it handled intensive applications, 4K video editing, and mobile gaming with ease—even by 2021 standards.

Tip: While the S9 Plus had superior hardware, lack of software updates means it may struggle with current apps due to security patches and compatibility issues.

However, age has taken its toll. The S9 Plus no longer receives Android OS upgrades—it's capped at Android 10 with One UI 2.5—and security patches ended in 2021. Meanwhile, the A16 ships with Android 13 (Go Edition) and is eligible for one major OS update and two years of security patches, making it more secure and future-proof in 2024.

Display and Design Comparison

Design-wise, both phones represent different philosophies. The A16 features a 6.5-inch HD+ PLS TFT display with thick bezels and a teardrop notch. It’s functional but not immersive, targeting durability and affordability over visual flair.

The S9 Plus, however, boasts a stunning 6.2-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED display with curved edges and minimal bezels. Its infinity display remains vibrant and sharp even today, offering deeper blacks, richer colors, and better outdoor visibility than the A16’s screen.

“The S9 Plus display was ahead of its time. Even in 2024, few mid-range phones match its color accuracy and brightness.” — David Lin, Mobile Display Analyst

Build quality also favors the S9 Plus. It features glass front and back with an aluminum frame and carries IP68 water and dust resistance—a feature absent on the plastic-bodied A16.

Camera Capabilities: Legacy vs. Modern Tuning

On paper, the S9 Plus wins with a dual-camera setup: a 12MP main sensor with Dual Pixel AF and variable aperture (f/1.5–f/2.4), plus a 12MP telephoto lens enabling 2x optical zoom. Its low-light performance was groundbreaking in 2018.

The A16, meanwhile, uses a triple rear system: 50MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro. While the megapixel count is higher, the smaller sensor size and lower-quality optics result in softer detail, especially in dim lighting. Video recording tops out at 1080p@30fps on both, though the S9 Plus supports super slow-mo at 960fps—a fun party trick.

Feature	Galaxy A16	Galaxy S9 Plus
Main Camera	50MP, f/1.8	12MP, f/1.5–2.4
Secondary Lens	Depth + Macro	12MP Telephoto (2x zoom)
Low-Light Performance	Fair	Excellent (for its era)
Front Camera	5MP, f/2.0	8MP, f/1.7 with autofocus
Video Recording	1080p@30fps	4K@30fps, 1080p@240/960fps

In practical terms, the S9 Plus still captures more natural dynamic range and better bokeh effects. However, the A16 benefits from modern AI enhancements that improve skin tones and background separation in portraits—albeit artificially.

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency vs. Capacity

The A16 packs a 5000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day, even with moderate usage. It supports 15W fast charging, though the included charger is often only 10W.

The S9 Plus has a smaller 3500mAh cell, which under heavy load may require midday charging in 2024 due to battery degradation. Even when new, it struggled to last beyond 14 hours. Fast charging (Adaptive Fast Charging) reaches 15W, and it supports wireless charging—an advantage the A16 lacks.

Tip: If you're considering buying a used S9 Plus in 2024, always check the battery health. Most units will have degraded below 70% capacity.

Should You Upgrade from A16 to S9 Plus?

Upgrading from the A16 to the S9 Plus in 2024 doesn't align with typical logic. You’d be moving from a newer, supported phone to an unsupported one with aging components. However, if you already own the S9 Plus and are using the A16 as a backup, the reverse question makes more sense: can the A16 replace the S9 Plus as a daily driver?

For most users, yes. The A16 offers longer battery life, modern software support, cleaner app experiences, and sufficient performance for everyday needs. Unless you’re emotionally attached to the S9 Plus’s display or camera behavior, the A16 is the more reliable choice in 2024.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Dilemma

Maria, a teacher in her late 30s, inherited her brother’s S9 Plus after he upgraded to a Galaxy S23. She used it for two years, appreciating its crisp screen and excellent camera for scanning documents and taking student photos. But by early 2024, she noticed frequent app crashes, slow boot times, and inability to install newer versions of Google Classroom.

She switched to a Samsung A16 on a budget plan. Though disappointed by the flat design and weaker camera, she gained smoother performance, longer battery life, and peace of mind knowing her phone receives regular updates. “It’s not flashy,” she said, “but it works when I need it.”

Checklist: Is the S9 Plus Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Can still perform basic calling, texting, and browsing
• ✅ Excellent display and speaker quality remain competitive
• ✅ Lacks critical security updates—risky for banking or shopping apps
• ❌ App compatibility declining (e.g., WhatsApp may drop support soon)
• ❌ Battery likely degraded; replacement hard to find
• ❌ No official path to Android 11 or later
• ⚠️ Only recommended as a secondary phone or emergency device

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S9 Plus run Android 13?

No. The S9 Plus received its final official OS update with Android 10. While custom ROMs like LineageOS offer Android 13 ports, they require technical expertise and void warranties.

Is the A16 better than the S9 Plus overall?

For most users in 2024, yes. The A16 provides better software support, longer battery life, and adequate performance. The S9 Plus excels only in display quality and camera legacy—but those advantages are outweighed by obsolescence risks.

Why do people still talk about the S9 Plus?

The S9 series was the last Samsung flagship to include a headphone jack, microSD expansion, and user-replaceable battery options (via service). It also marked the peak of Samsung’s pre-foldable innovation before shifting focus to premium pricing.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Path in 2024

Upgrading from the Samsung A16 to the S9 Plus in 2024 is not advisable. You’d sacrifice software security, battery reliability, and long-term usability for slightly better camera optics and a superior display—features that don’t compensate for systemic limitations.

If you're seeking a meaningful upgrade from either device, consider stepping into the Galaxy A54 or refurbished Galaxy S21 tier. These offer modern software, 5G connectivity, improved cameras, and at least three years of updates—critical for staying safe and productive in today’s digital landscape.

💬 Have experience using either the A16 or S9 Plus in 2024? Share your thoughts on performance, battery life, or app compatibility—we’d love to hear what’s working (or failing) for you now.