Smart step
Samsung Galaxy S23
from ~$599
- 120Hz AMOLED
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Much better night photos
Samsung · Phone · 2018
Upgrading your Samsung Galaxy S9? The best upgrades right now: Samsung Galaxy S23, Samsung Galaxy S24, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Compare specs, prices, and buy on Amazon in one tap.
Find your upgrade in the interactive 3D finder →| Display | 5.8" 60Hz AMOLED |
|---|---|
| Chip | Snapdragon 845 |
| Storage | 64GB |
| Battery | 3000 mAh |
| Camera | 12MP single |
from ~$599
from ~$799
from ~$1299
Only the specs that actually change are listed — everything else is broadly the same.
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8" 60Hz AMOLED | 6.2" 120Hz AMOLED |
| Chip | Snapdragon 845 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Storage | 64GB | 256GB |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Camera | 12MP single | 50MP triple |
Your Samsung Galaxy S9 is 8+ years old, which is past the point where most phones stop receiving full software and security updates and where battery wear is significant. This is a genuine upgrade case — and the gains below are large enough that you'll notice them daily, not just on a spec sheet.
For most people the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the best balance of price and improvement, starting around $799. The main gains: Galaxy AI; 7 years of updates; Brighter display.
The Samsung Galaxy S23, from about $599. It's the smallest step up that still feels like a real change from a 2018 phone.
It still works, but at 8+ years you're likely past full software support and well into battery wear. Most owners at this age notice a real difference after upgrading.
Trade-in values move constantly with condition and carrier promotions, so treat any fixed number with suspicion. Check the current offer from Apple, Samsung, or your carrier directly, and compare it against selling privately — private sales usually pay more but take longer.