It can be, although the community is often divided on key issues. Are you getting the Google Edition S4 through the Play Store (
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=samsung_galaxy_s4)? I'm guessing not, although I'd personally recommend it, so the following is based on the plain Samsung one you get through a carrier.
I'll try to give uncontroversial advice:
* Set up Google+ or Dropbox or both to automatically backup your photos; each of these apps will offer you the choice upon logging in. This way, you never have to worry about losing your pictures.
* Try a "launcher" like Nova or Apex. They allow you to customize your homescreen (usually to make it neater) and have a lot of looks you can play around with.
* Change the raindrop sound effect that is the default on the S4 for touching things. It will drive you crazy.
* my favorite apps include Duolingo for learning a new language, Business Calendar for different calendar widgets, Osmos for playing a pretty relaxing game, Google Play Music for access to all my music, Hangouts for group/picture messaging, NFC Task Launcher for auto switching settings based on NFC tags or WiFi. These are just to name a few.
Controversial advice:
* Root your device and flash the Google Edition 4.3 image onto the phone, advice and instructions for which you can find here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/