The Samsung Galaxy Note 4, like clockwork, released six months after this year’s disappointing Galaxy S 5. Like every note before it, the Note 4 is positioned as the phablet alternative to Samsung’s mainstream S series. The concern this time around is that the Note 4, much like the S 5, isn’t changing enough to keep up with the competition. Well, now that the phone has been out on the market for more than a month, what do the professionals think?

To start, the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is a beast of a device. It sports a 2.7GHz quad-core CPU, 3GB of RAM, a 1440×2560 5.7-inch display, 32GB of on-board memory and a 32 MP rear camera. In other words, you’re not going to find yourself lacking in power with the device. Its power was pretty much a given at this point though. What about everything else?

In reviews, the Note 4 is praised for its display, included software and power. Much the same could be said of the Galaxy Note 3. What sets this phone apart from the previous device besides the bump in specs? Trusted Review draws attention to the build quality and additional hardware, such as the fingerprint scanner and heart rate monitor, as the major additions over its previous incarnation. Other publications agree that the Note 4 is a worthy successor to the Note 4 and definitely worth the upgrade.

When compared to other devices, it isn’t as clear. It’s not that any one phone is obviously superior to the other, but rather a matter of preference. Does it bother you that Samsung still uses plastic on the backs of its phones? While the company has made some improvements to the back of the Note 4, it still lacks the full metal backing of the iPhone 6 Plus. When compared to other Android devices, the Note 4 comes a bit more favorable as its closest competition – the LG G3 – has an inferior display and cameras.

If you found yourself disappointed by the Galaxy S 5, the Galaxy Note 4 may be the Android phone for you this year. It has improved upon everything found in the Galaxy Note 3 while retaining everything that makes the Note line shine. Besides, Samsung is marketing the device with cute animals – everybody loves cute animals:

Vote for the #CutestAnimal in the GALAXY by retweeting your favorite! #GALAXYNote4 http://t.co/zP34VLXMwt pic.twitter.com/1XshNQUwmY

— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) November 28, 2014

Vote for the #CutestAnimal in the GALAXY by retweeting your favorite! #GALAXYNote4 http://t.co/WghPQUz0yi pic.twitter.com/2hAezd8qyW

— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) November 28, 2014

Last day to vote for the #CutestAnimal in the GALAXY! Retweet to cast your vote. #GALAXYNote4 http://t.co/VqYEiAYiDy pic.twitter.com/V7A8Lzu7pC

— Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) November 30, 2014

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 is available from every major carrier in the United States and it retails for $749.