[T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S 5] SeaFractor:
Even at the end of the year, I still very much like my Galaxy S5. The reasons I purchased it are still completely valid for me, even with the release of the Note 4 as well as several competitor's phones. Part of the criteria is that while I have a larger display, it shouldn't be too much larger in overall footprint than my prior phone. This put it over the Note 3 as the Note 4 was not available at that time.

Couple feature notes:

1. Screen size/quality. Prior to the Note 4, the S5 was also Display mates "best display ever" report winner. The Super AMOLED display at 5.1" also had phenomenal color matching when the display settings are set to Cinema.

2. Camera. 16 megapixel ISO cell outperformed in daylight conditions and in my opinion eliminated the low light issues I had with the Galaxy S3. Note 4 has optical stabilization, so it's a better camera if this is your number one feature.

3. micro SD card. Important feature, I use it extensively to get the most out of my phone. Pictures, Music, Movies do not consume storage on the phone and some applications support installation to SD card.

4. Environmental protection. The S5 is IP67 against dust and water. While it's not water proof, I've started YouTube and thrown it into pitchers of water for 15 minutes or so for the brag factor. So the feared toilet dunk is not as much a concern as you can wash it with soap and water after retrieval.

5. Fingerprint reader. Yeah, it's not perfect but when properly trained, you'll find it works pretty well. I use it not only to unlock my phone, but in combination with Last Pass (has support for S5 fingerprint reader) and Pay Pal applications (fingerprint to pay). There are more on the way. Would be nice if Google adopted the API as a standard so that Google Wallet used it as well.

Pros:

Moving from one Samsung phone to another is extremely easy, especially with the use of the Kies software to backup your content/settings.

Excellent display quality over Galaxy Note 2.

Greatly improved camera.

USB transfers are faster at USB 3.0

Pretty close to waterproof.

Great audio with headphones.

Solid Bluetooth functionality.

Touch Wiz UI has been greatly reduced in footprint and is actually useful.

Great battery life and the ability to go Ultra for days of power.

Fingerprint reader is supported by several third party developers besides just Samsung apps.

Official Samsung Qi wireless charging options are available (charging back or S View wireless cover).

Numerous case options

Cons:

USB cover must be closed for IP67 waterproofing.

Wireless Qi Charging Back from Samsung makes the phone FAT.

Touch Wiz UI as memory/performance impact.

KNOX security has a "electronic fuse" that once tripped voids warranty. Flashing ROMs may trip that fuse if proper methods are not followed.

Fingerprint reader is not as accurate as desired.

Plastic build (low on issue meter as case hides this, other premium build phones have their metal hidden by cases so it's no big deal)

Even well over 8 months after release you'll find that the Galaxy S5 is a great challenger to even the latest released phones. Processor and Video performance are still incredible.

That said, there is rumors of the S6 coming sooner, depending on if you are willing to wait until March you may find the newer product has specs worth waiting for. But if you have to upgrade now, I believe the S5 will continue to be a solid workhorse for a few more years. Which is good, at $600 it's expensive to get every single generation point release. I skipped the S4 for example when waiting to upgrade from my S3.