So I received my handset this morning, and it's worth it! Function aside, the build quality of it is superb. Phone is a little heavier than I'm used to, but then again, it is bigger too.
Coming from a 7-year stretch with iPhones, navigating the UI is still new, but very intuitive. The phone is VERY responsive, and I haven't experienced any lag when launching applications, games, etc. The display quality is also top notch, and photos look great on it.
All-in-all well worth the money, and I'll recommend it to anyone. Will see how the next couple of weeks go, once the "honeymoon phase" is over.