I'm finding the experience really quite good. I'm not finding it awkward to hold or use but I also came into this experience with my eyes wide open. I didn't expect to use it predominantly one-handed so it's met my expectations in that regard. I have it in a black leather Apple case, not so much because it's awkward to hold but rather because I like the look and really like leather (would've gotten the leather back on the new Moto X if I bought one). The extra screen real estate is very welcome--web browsing is once again a
tolerable experience on my phone.
Don't get me wrong, it's a big phone---wouldn't want to go running with it, but then I wouldn't want to go running with most devices with at least a 4.7" display. I have no problem with the larger bezels to accommodate the Touch ID, something I value greatly. There are also plenty of apps that haven't been optimized to take advantage of the larger display/higher resolution but knew it would be like that going in and it's gets better every day as every time I check, I have app updates to install. If the situation is dramatically different in a few months, then I'd take some issue with it.
I'm REALLY loving the battery life though. Went to bed very late the other night (guess it was technically early next morning
) after a full day of steady use with heavy spurts and it was at 44%. Never would've happened on my 5S.
Go ahead and check it out but from what I know of you and your preferences, there's nothing here that will entice you from your Note.