Last updated on December 5, 2025
If you’re looking at phones in late 2025, you might be wondering about older flagships that were once top-of-the-line. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9, first launched back in August 2018, was a powerhouse in its day. It featured a gorgeous screen, the famous S Pen, and a solid camera system. Now, years later, you might be asking: How Much Does A Galaxy Note 9 Cost Now? Is it still a good idea to buy one, especially if you’re trying to save some money? This article will break down the Galaxy Note 9 price 2025, its current value, and whether it’s still a smart purchase for your specific needs.
Quick Summary: Note 9 Pricing & Value Today
If you’re in a hurry, here’s the quick lowdown on the Galaxy Note 9 in December 2025. You won’t find new units anymore; the market is entirely for used or refurbished phones.
| Condition | Typical Price Range (USD) | Quick Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbished (Excellent/Good) | $120 – $180 | Best option for reliability, often with a warranty. |
| Used (Good/Fair) | $80 – $150 | Prices vary widely; check seller ratings and condition carefully. |
| “For Parts” or Heavily Damaged | Below $70 | Avoid unless you’re an experienced phone repairer. |
The short answer is, a Galaxy Note 9 can be a decent budget pick if you understand its limitations, especially regarding software and battery. It’s definitely not for everyone, but its enduring features still hold some appeal.
How Much Does a Galaxy Note 9 Cost in December 2025?
As we head into December 2025, finding a brand new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is practically impossible. The phone is simply too old to be sold as new inventory. Your best options are the refurbished phone market or buying a used device directly from another person. The used Galaxy Note 9 price varies quite a bit depending on where you look and the phone’s condition. You’ll primarily be checking out online marketplaces and dedicated refurbished electronics stores, especially in the US.
| Source | Typical Unlocked Price Range (USD) | Notes on Buying |
|---|---|---|
| eBay | $80 – $170 | Wide range of conditions. Always check seller reputation, photos, and return policy. Look for “seller refurbished” or “used – good condition.” This is often where you’ll find the lowest Note 9 eBay price. |
| Swappa | $100 – $180 | A pickd marketplace for used tech. Generally reliable sellers and condition grading. Often a good place for a slightly higher quality Swappa Note 9. |
| Amazon Renewed | $130 – $200 | “Certified refurbished” phones with a 90-day guarantee. Higher price point for more peace of mind. |
| Back Market / Gazelle | $120 – $190 | Dedicated refurbished electronics retailers. Offer warranties and rigorous testing. Often higher prices, but with better guarantees. |
| Local Marketplaces (e.g., Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace) | $70 – $140 | Can find deals, but carries more risk. Always meet in a public place and inspect the phone thoroughly. Ensure it’s an unlocked phone. |
The Galaxy Note 9 unlocked price will usually be higher than one tied to a specific carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. Always make sure you’re getting an unlocked version if you want the flexibility to use it with any network.
Why Consider the Galaxy Note 9 in 2025? Enduring Features
Even though the Galaxy Note 9 is an older phone, it still packs a punch in a few key areas that might make it appealing, especially if you can get a good Galaxy Note 9 deal December 2025. I’ve always appreciated a phone that delivers on practical features, and the Note 9 has some real staying power. First up is the S Pen functionality. This is still one of the biggest selling points for the Galaxy Note series. If you love to take notes, draw, or precisely navigate your phone, the S Pen is fantastic. Newer Samsung phones have it, of course, but the Note 9 offers that experience at a fraction of the cost. The AMOLED display on the Galaxy Note 9 is another highlight. It’s a gorgeous 6.4-inch screen with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Even compared to some newer budget phones, this display can often look better. Media consumption on this phone is still a joy. You also get a traditional headphone jack, which is a feature many modern phones have dropped. If you still rely on wired headphones, this is a huge plus. On top of that, there’s a microSD card slot for expandable storage, so you can add tons of photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out of space. Many newer phones skip this too. Finally, the Note 9 camera was considered excellent in its day. While it won’t compete with the absolute latest flagships, it still takes very respectable photos and videos in good lighting. For everyday snapshots and social media, the camera quality Note 9 still holds up surprisingly well.
The Downsides: What to Know Before Buying in 2025
While the Galaxy Note 9 has some great features, it’s crucial to be realistic about its age in late 2025. There are some significant drawbacks you need to be aware of before you decide to buy one. From my experience with older devices, these are the areas where you’ll feel the age the most. The biggest issue is Note 9 software updates. The phone officially stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 10, and security patches stopped a while ago. This means you won’t get new features from One UI, and more importantly, you’re missing out on the latest security patches. Running an older Android version with outdated security can expose your phone to vulnerabilities. This is one of the main security risks older phones face. Another major concern is Note 9 battery life. A phone from 2018 will almost certainly have a degraded battery, especially if it hasn’t been replaced. You might find yourself needing to charge it multiple times a day. While you can get a battery replacement, that’s an added cost and hassle. Performance-wise, the Galaxy Note 9 still has a capable Snapdragon or Exynos processor. But, it won’t feel as snappy as newer phones, especially with demanding apps or games. You might notice occasional lag or slower loading times. Lastly, with older AMOLED displays, there’s always a risk of screen burn-in. This happens when static images leave a faint ghost image on the screen. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a possibility with any older AMOLED panel. Always inspect the screen carefully if you’re buying used.
Where to Safely Buy a Used or Refurbished Galaxy Note 9
If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided the Galaxy Note 9 is still for you, knowing where to buy Note 9 safely is key. The refurbished phone market is a great place to start, but you need to be smart about your purchase. I always recommend going with reputable sellers when buying second-hand tech. Here are some of the best places to look for a used Galaxy Note 9 or a refurbished Note 9:
- Swappa: This is my go-to recommendation for used phones. Sellers have to meet certain criteria, and phones generally come with an IMEI check to ensure they aren’t stolen or blacklisted. You can usually find detailed photos and descriptions.
- Amazon Renewed: For a more “hands-off” approach, Amazon Renewed offers certified refurbished devices with a 90-day warranty. The prices might be a little higher, but the return policy and quality control are usually better than individual sellers.
- Back Market: Similar to Amazon Renewed, Back Market specializes in refurbished electronics. They offer a minimum 12-month warranty, which is a huge plus for peace of mind.
- Gazelle: Another well-known site for buying and selling used devices. They inspect and certify their phones, making them a reliable option.
- eBay: You can find the widest selection on eBay, but it also requires the most caution. Filter by seller rating (only buy from highly-rated sellers), read descriptions carefully, and always check the return policy. Ensure the listing confirms it’s an unlocked phone.
No matter where you buy, always:
- Ask for actual photos of the device, not just stock images.
- Confirm the IMEI check has been done and the phone is clear.
- Check the battery health if possible (some Android diagnostic apps can help).
- Verify it’s an unlocked phone unless you specifically need it for a certain carrier.
- Understand the seller’s return policy before you finalize the purchase.
Galaxy Note 9 vs. Modern Budget Phones (2025 Comparison)
You might be wondering if it’s better to get an older flagship like the Galaxy Note 9 or a newer budget phone in 2025. It’s a common dilemma, and my take is it depends on what you prioritize. For roughly the same price (around $150-$250), you could get a newer Samsung Galaxy A-series or a Google Pixel A-series phone. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Galaxy Note 9 (Used/Refurbished) | Modern Budget Phone (e.g., Galaxy A35, Pixel 7a, iPhone SE) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $80 – $200 | $200 – $400 |
| Software Updates | No longer receiving updates (stuck on Android 10). | Years of guaranteed Android updates and security patches. |
| Performance | Still decent for everyday tasks, but can show age with heavy use. | Faster, more efficient processors for smooth performance. |
| Camera | Good in ideal lighting; struggles more in low light. | Better low-light performance, more advanced computational photography. |
| Battery Life | Likely degraded; may need replacement. | Newer battery, generally better tuning. |
| Unique Features | S Pen, headphone jack, microSD card slot. | Often 5G connectivity, newer design, modern software features. |
| Display | High-quality AMOLED display. | Often good quality, but may not be as high-res or vibrant as Note 9’s original panel. |
While the Note 9 offers a lower entry price, the overall value of newer models might differ. If the S Pen and headphone jack are absolute must-haves, and you don’t mind the lack of software updates, the Note 9 might still win. But if you value long-term software support, better battery life out of the box, and 5G connectivity, a newer budget phone is probably the smarter choice.
Is the Galaxy Note 9 Still Worth Buying in December 2025?
So, after all that, the big question remains: is Galaxy Note 9 worth it in 2025? It’s a nuanced answer, but I can give you a clear verdict based on different user needs. The Galaxy Note 9 value has changed significantly over the years, and it’s certainly not for everyone.
| Pros of Buying in 2025 | Cons of Buying in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Affordable Price: Great way to get a former flagship for cheap. | No Software Updates: Stuck on Android 10, no new features. |
| S Pen: Unique productivity and creativity tool. | Security Risks: No recent security patches, potential vulnerabilities. |
| Premium Build & Display: High-quality hardware, beautiful AMOLED display. | Battery Degradation: Expect poor battery life unless replaced. |
| Headphone Jack & Expandable Storage: Convenient physical features often missing on newer phones. | Performance Lag: Not as fast or smooth as modern devices. |
| Decent Camera: Still takes good photos in favorable conditions. | No 5G: Limited to 4G LTE connectivity. |
If you are a student on a very tight budget who primarily needs the S Pen for notes, or if you simply want a secondary device for media consumption with a great screen and headphone jack, and you understand the security risks older phones present, then the Galaxy Note 9 *could* be worth it. The Note 9 current price makes it an attractive option for specific niche uses. But, if you need a reliable daily driver, the latest software, excellent battery life, or want the fastest performance and 5G, you’re better off spending a bit more on a newer budget or mid-range phone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Android version does the Galaxy Note 9 run?
The Galaxy Note 9 officially stopped receiving major Android updates at Android 10. It will not get newer versions like Android 11, 12, 13, or beyond.
Does the Galaxy Note 9 support 5G?
No, the Galaxy Note 9 does not have 5G capabilities. It supports up to 4G LTE networks.
Can I replace the battery in a Galaxy Note 9?
Yes, you can replace the Note 9 battery if it has degraded. It’s best to have a professional do it, as it involves opening the phone. This will add to your overall refurbished Note 9 cost but can significantly improve its usability.
Does the Galaxy Note 9 still get security updates?
No, official Note 9 security updates from Samsung have ceased. This means the phone is more vulnerable to newly discovered security flaws.
Is the S Pen still functional on an older Note 9?
Yes, the S Pen is a hardware feature and should be fully functional on an older Galaxy Note 9, assuming it hasn’t been damaged.
Conclusion: Making Your Galaxy Note 9 Purchase Decision
Deciding whether to buy a Galaxy Note 9 in December 2025 really comes down to what you need and what you’re willing to compromise on. The low used Galaxy Note 9 price is tempting, and features like the S Pen, AMOLED display, and headphone jack are still excellent. But, the lack of software updates, potential Note 9 battery life issues, and the associated security risks older phones carry are significant drawbacks. If you’re okay with those trade-offs for a budget-friendly device with unique features, then finding a well-maintained or certified refurbished Galaxy Note 9 could still be a good move. For most people looking for a primary phone, a newer budget model might offer better long-term value and peace of mind.
