note 2 have external storage, something that i hope they will keep, as many other major already deleting their option to have external storage, so keep your videos and mp3s on the external, and let the internal for apps, and system files.
samsung never been top notch in their updating department, htc is the best on that.
BUT, REALLY REALLY BIG BUT, samsung is one of the top device of having support from developer,
as you can see even now samsung galaxy s1, still alive and kicking with ICS even though samsung only release until gingerbread if im not mistaken. i didnt check on them recently but i think even JB has been port to GS1.
samsung phone may not have the best looks, or the best support OFFICIALLY,
but off the record, the phone is flexible, almost as flexible as nexus line, no locks, no strict, no cage,
the only rule is that you must buy POPULAR phone. flagship, the phone that you know developer will be having it too.
and yes samsung is the best in the design department but its hardware are less problematic than htc