Samsung's are fun out of the box. There's a lot of settings and features they cover that stock Android devices make you take extra steps for, or don't do at all.
That said, I have come to like my temporary stock like Motorola G (after selling a Galaxy Note 3) on the latest stock Android 5.1 with the extra amenities Lollipop offers; and also the ever improving Google day to day information available once I finally succumbed and let Google in to my life completely.
Apple I'm sure is similar/as good /better - I don't know yet.
I would definitely recommend Samsung's as a first Android device, as they make life easier and have killer features and spec, especially the screens. Whether they integrate well for power users with office products, exchange, may be down to Touchwiz or integrated apps, but Microsoft apps for Android have really nailed Android recently it seems to me, though I am not a heavy user.
There are quite a few excellent mid price Android devices now that make more sense at near half the money or less, so I am looking elsewhere and the Note 5 is not destined for the UK as yet.
Android is getting very fragmented over different OEM's again. I got the Lollipop update late, and now Android M is out soon, so too many complete settings and other changes just for changes sake in my view, and an awful lot to keep up with.
I don't fiddle much with layouts and
widgets etc, so part of me thinks iOS could suit me better for several reasons.
I have no experience really but may need to try a pre-owned 4s / 5 soon for a work requirement, and see if I like it - though it won't be a 6+ like ride I grant you.
Samsung will work well and be a ton of fun until that next software update. Then it will become a calling and texting brick, at best. I'll stay with iPhone.
There you are! Nice to see you.
I remember your issues with the Pro tablet and Note 3.
Comment allez-vouz, Madame ?
(Evilguppy : "Who the heck is this guy?)