I can't imagine leaving Android for an iPhone, so I'm not sure my thoughts will help you.
I like my Note 8, some things about it I like more than my note 2 or note 5, like live message, iris scanner, and all apps in multi window.
However I liked the width and sturdiness of the note 2 more. The note 2 felt like you could drive over it with a car and not hurt it, even with the plastic back.
I have never had a desire to own an iphone.