I'd check out the Note 2. Initially, I had reservations about its size, but it's amazing how quickly you adapt to it and how much it changes your whole outlook about other phones. It's so surreal now how small other phones look and feel. Every time I see a family member's iPhone or look at my old Thunderbolt, it's almost laughable how small and toyish they look. Always makes me think: "I used to use something so small? I could never use that again!" LOL To me it feels like the bar has been raised. Then again I?ve always primarily used my phones two handed, even though the Note 2 has a one-handed mode you can turn on that moves things toward one side to assist. Even without it, I have little problem hitting most of the screen with one hand anyway. I have to admit though, can't see a phone any bigger. It'd be like holding my Nexus 7 to my head.
Not cool! :-! There is a limit. But I?d say the Note 2 is right in that sweet spot. If you?re hesitant about it, try out a store demo, you might be surprised (as I was).
Also, something to consider: the Note 2 has a user-replaceable battery (compared to the DNA), which even though it gets phenomenal battery life (6 hours of screen on time or days on a single charge), I find it invaluable never needing to worry about tethering to a charge regardless of what I'm doing on the phone; always have a fully charged spare waiting, just swap and go at a moments notice! That?s a feature I?m simple not ready to give up! YMMV