I think it will be 5.25" with on-screen buttons. 5.25" without would be too large IMO. The original Note was a 5.3" screen.
I know a lot of people hate TouchWiz. I think Samsung will improve the UI greatly with the S5. My biggest issue with the S4 wasn't the performance but rather the hideous stock apps. (Phone, Messaging, Note, Gallery.) The solution is pretty easy as you can change with 3rd party choices. However they really need to improve their stock offerings in that regard. And I think they will.
I know a lot of people hate TouchWiz. I think Samsung will improve the UI greatly with the S5. My biggest issue with the S4 wasn't the performance but rather the hideous stock apps. (Phone, Messaging, Note, Gallery.) The solution is pretty easy as you can change with 3rd party choices. However they really need to improve their stock offerings in that regard. And I think they will.