with samsung devices, trust me its much easier than HTC, I did a big mistake, i took its first update and it updated its hboot, which is needed to unlock the phone to update radio after rooting it. I was able to root it but had to wait a 3 or 4 months before they came out with a easy unlocking method(DirtyRacun), not as easy as my note 2 but easier than all those multiple steps doing it by hand adb commands, needing to use linyx in order to complete.
one reason i rooted my galaxy note 2, is because i wanted to move app data from evo lte into note 2, like saved game data from games, my car maintenance reminders, etc...oh and my text messages as well all in one shot LOL
but i havent loaded a custom rom on this phone, "why break the phone if it isnt broken" so imma hold off on loading a custom rom when this phone just works how it should be.
the processor on s4 is way faster, but my note 2 is just fast enough, if u want more speed and still holding off u can wait to compare the both....
as far with my note 2, i am very happy customer and will be for remainder of this year