Ok, so after a weekend, here's my impressions for those who are either on Android, or debating on upgrading.
The Pros:
-Apple's build quality is second to none. Went on a camping trip this weekend with around 50 other people, and everyone was admiring the phone. I loved my HTC One M8 (still quite a few things I miss from it), but that never got the attention that the new iPhone got over initial impressions.
-The "reachability" end sounds silly, but it does work well in practice. Makes using the device one handed a breeze.
-The display, even though its technically 750P, looks better than most devices with 1080P displays on 4.7" screens. Viewing angles are fantastic, and the screen really does "pop". Looks like the icons are above the screen, not in the screen. Kind of hard to understand until you see it.
-The camera. Oh man, the camera. I defended the One M7 and M8's camera. I never really saw the difference. Until I started snapping photos with the new iPhone. Incredibly fast focus, and zooming in on photos, hardly any detail is lost.
-Apps. So many apps.
The Cons.
-I miss my widgets. I had everything right on my home screen on my M8. I could see my notes to remind me of things to do. I had my MLB At Bat app w/ the detail I needed to see. Apple needs to find a way to fit these on future releases. Its one of those things that you really don't realize you miss, until you don't have it.
-While there's a lot about iOS I like, it really does seem like its taken a step back now that KitKat is out. "Ok,Google" was a really great feature. Siri gets the job done, but its no where close to what Google Voice can do.
-I wanted to load a ringtone. So I went to Zedge's app, and picked a ringtone. I then was prompted to connect to iTunes with my phone, and had to set up WiFi Sync. In this day and age, there is no reason I should ever have to connect my phone to my PC, unless I'm transferring photos, videos etc. Something like a ringtone shouldn't need to go through those methods.
-I know Apple loves the grid method. But I already have 3 screens full of icons. Folders help, but I like my home screens with a little less clutter. App drawer from Android works well, since you have the apps, but they're hidden and easily accessible in the drawer.
Overall, iOS 8 is a big step forward that bridges some of the gaps between Android and iOS. But if you've been riding on KitKat, going to iOS may be a tough transition. The phone itself is fantastic. Build quality, camera, display is jaw dropping in person. I took the foray after an unfortunate screen shatter on my M8, and decided to jump back to Apple to see if the magic was still there. Its there still, but I can't say I won't jump back to next years Android flagships, depending on whats offered.