Had to post my .02 about this phone. Huge personal debate. Had a Note 2 and loved it but it was time to upgrade. I've been following the Edge since it was announced and was waiting on Verizon. Went to Best Buy and looked at a Tmobile or ATT version. Was not impressed.....still debated.
Verizon finally released it. Decided to go get the edge and if I didn't like it I would switch to the Note 4. After using it for a week, I can tell you I will not return it. What could be seen as a gimmick really is functional for what I do. I love scrolling to my apps without sliding across the screen. Texts don't interfere when reading a book etc. I do not find holding it any different than my Note 2. I was a bit concerned about the power button. I ended up putting a power button on the edge screen where it is handy. I actually find that is better than the side one that was on my Note 2. I would always hit it by accident or turn up/down the volume with the power button, lol. I turn the phone on with the home screen button and off with the app on the edge panel.
The 4 and the edge are the same phone + or - a few pixels depending on if you count the screen only or add in the edge panel. Either way it's fine. I think either phone would be really awesome. Battery drain is not an issue for me. I've been off 13 hours and I'm at 75%. Some days it's 50% depending on how much reading, app browsing or web browsing I do. But to this point I'm not having issues.
Night clock is nice. The screen is really nice and the lack of accessories is not so nice. Seido just came out with Holster and kickstand case that I ordered today. Same one I use with my Note 2 only built for the Edge. Hope it works well.
If I had something I wish I could have it would be another panel for apps on the edge. I can only see 2 panels to put apps on and the rest are for weather, health and other things Samsung has. I put my lesser used apps on normal screen panels.
If you are debating, get the Edge and if you don't like it return within 14 days and get the 4. Bottom line It's really not a gimmick. The Edge panel is a really nice feature.