I think you or your friend need to feel both phones first. I'm having hard time choosing between 920 820, inclined to get 920 but after testing both at store today 820 feel mush much nicer to hold in hand. Try ask the store for unattached phones, can't really feel if the phone tied to the security thing.

Current retail price 1599 is quite high for 820 but if it drops much later would be good buy.