What do I lose by switching to a non-Nokia Windows Phone?

[Genralkidd]

I currently have a Nokia Lumia 928 on Verizon and I'm due for an upgrade in a few months. Clearly there won't be any new flagship or high end Windows Phones by then. I'm not sure how long I can wait to upgrade my phone once I'm off contract, but I doubt I can wait another year. So I might just have to upgrade to another Windows Phone for the next 2 years.

Currently, Verizon only offers the HTC One M8 and the Samsung Ativ SE. The M8 looks nice, but the 5 MP camera just feels like such a downgrade from my Lumia 928 camera. So if I switch, it'll probably be the Samsung Ativ SE. So my question is, what do I lose by switching to a non-Nokia ecosystem? I know the Denim update was only for Nokia phones, but what exactly will I lose by switching to the Samsung Ativ from my Lumia 928? Or does anyone know if it'd be possible for me to wait a whole year for flagship windows phones?

 

[Lumia925]

You'd lose the Lumia apps (like Lumia camera)
And as you've mentioned, you'd lose firmware updates like the Denim update.

 

[Genralkidd]

You'd lose the Lumia apps (like Lumia camera)
And as you've mentioned, you'd lose firmware updates like the Denim update.

So is it worth it to switch to a non-Lumia phone? Or should I try to wait another year with my 928 for a flagship Windows 10 phone?

 

[Lumia925]

If I were you, and I wasn't having hardware issues with the Lumia 928, I'd wait a year.
The Lumia 928 will probably get a free Windows 10 upgrade as well, heard this in the nokia support discussions website from one of their moderators.
My reasons for sticking with Lumia would be:
1> It's a Microsoft device running Microsoft OS, like an iPhone running iOS, Microsoft would make sure that the OS runs best in their own device. Lumia devices would be tested the most while releasing a new OS update, not only because they are from Microsoft, but also because they are the leading Windows Phone brand.
2>IMO, Samsung devices feel like "cheap plastic" to hold. I have this friend who has a very expensive Samsung galaxy note, and yet, my Lumia 925 feels more expensive, with better overall design and choice of materials to build the body.
3>Lumia devices have better battery life than Samsung devices.
4>US brand. Samsung is Korean.

 

[Genralkidd]

If I were you, and I wasn't having hardware issues with the Lumia 928, I'd wait a year.
The Lumia 928 will probably get a free Windows 10 upgrade as well, heard this in the nokia support discussions website from one of their moderators.
My reasons for sticking with Lumia would be:
1> It's a Microsoft device running Microsoft OS, like an iPhone running iOS, Microsoft would make sure that the OS runs best in their own device. Lumia devices would be tested the most while releasing a new OS update, not only because they are from Microsoft, but also because they are the leading Windows Phone brand.
2>IMO, Samsung devices feel like "cheap plastic" to hold. I have this friend who has a very expensive Samsung galaxy note, and yet, my Lumia 925 feels more expensive, with better overall design and choice of materials to build the body.
3>Lumia devices have better battery life than Samsung devices.
4>US brand. Samsung is Korean.

Ok thanks! I'll probably just wait then. MWC is in march anyways so I'll have a better idea of how long i'll have to wait by then.