Can they sync with Apple products? I only ask because he mentions he has apple products. I don't doubt androids can sync together.
I've owned a Note 3 for almost a month now, I've never had an issue fitting it in any of my pockets from jeans to dress pants to suit pockets. It's not as bad as what everybody had been complaining about. I would recommend the note 3, the faux-leather back is actually nice and doesn't give me that cheap plasticky feel I had with the S3.
Switch and get the Nexus 5. Best bang for your buck phone, bar none. Secondary choice, I'd say the LG G2 or Galaxy Note 3.
Either Note 3 or LG G2. HTC One and S4 are old enough where it's worth it to just wait for the new ones to get released. I have an S3, but just rooted it, so going to hold out for the S5.
I'd say either lg g2 or note 3. Lg has stepped up their game since working with google. That battery life thanks to the large battery is awesome. Not a fan of touchwiz at all but they've got some pretty good hardware to work with when it comes to flashing Roms.
I have an HTC One and absolutely love it, but the One and the S4 have been out long enough that I would probably at least look at the newer phones. But honestly the "answer" to the right phone has a lot to do with your priorities.
I think they've proved themselves after the Nexus 4. Prior to the Nexus 4, I would totally agree. LG used to be the worst manufacturer of Android phones out there. I would also recommend the Motorola X to OP. Moto Maker is supposedly going to arrive on Verizon in about a week. My GF ordered her customized Moto X on at&t and she loves it. Very fast user experience, and it has already been confirmed it's going to get Android 4.4 KitKat.
My son recently got a Samsung Galaxy S4, and really likes it. Appears to be an impressive phone. My significant other, my daughter, and I have the new 5s from Apple, another truly excellent phone.