I find the Note 2 hand and pocket friendly. But I am 6'3" and have large hands. My wife on the other hand has a hard time with the Note 2 in her hand. That's the problem most people have...it is just too big for the practical user. The S3 is a good compromise of size and functionality for most.
Iphone 5 is worth it because of size and the way it feels. Samsung better because of more phone features. I would go myself with an iphone because of the design and way it feels. I don't care if it doesnt have all way the samsung has. At the end of the day who the heck uses every app in the store either android or ios.
Apple in general is overrated...it is all clever marketing. I've never had any ipod, ipad, iphone, etc. I like practical things rather than hyped up things I need to buy a new version of every year or less.