Here's my opinion, it is different. It is a true communication device that neatly integrates all your personal communication needs with the cloud. It is also a very capable small computer with a smooth functioning interface and plenty of power to run any of the programs you throw at it. For me it blows the iPhone 4-5 away. Android is a close second, but it is too featured and overly complicated for its purpose. My biggest complaint would be how far WP8 is in application availability. However I have been able to find all of the application I need even if not all of the ones I want.
I wouldn’t mind trying one out. The Note 2 hooked me before I had the chance. Definitely lots of options for us these days.