I think it's time to admit that Android is better for more reasons than just customization.
It's simply easier to do most of the same basic functions on a modern day Android device than on an iOS device. I can make a phone call to a very specific person with literally one touch, as oppose to requiring multiple touches and/or holding for Siri and speaking (not always practical in a place you can't or don't want to talk) and waiting for Siri to dial the right person. One touch on Android that is guaranteed the right person.
It's easier to open new tabs, or switch tabs, or start private browsing on Chrome than it is to do any of that in Safari. Safari has tap to go back to the top that is one advantage, but not much else. The freedom of scrolling all the way to the top with one flick in Chrome also helps mitigate this.
Accessing mail is easier through Gmail if you have multiple accounts. Sharing is easier because you can actually share to any app you want, as oppose to iOS only allowing you to share to FB/Twitter. DropBox, for example, I can share directly to if I snap a picture, check it out from the camera gallery, and decide I want to load this onto DropBox. I can do this right away. With iOS, I have to exit and go to DropBox and find the picture again to "upload" it.
Then things like the dedicated menu button or the dedicated back button; always there, always reliable. With iOS, sometimes the settings is in the main iOS Settings area, sometimes it's in the app. With the "back" button on iOS, sometimes it's top left, sometimes top right, sometimes it's a "cancel" button on the center-bottom of screen. You have to "look" for it many times.
These are but a few examples. I can go on about turning on/off WiFi, Bluetooth, the lock screen when I don't need the added security, or quickly changing the volume toggles (yes there's a "vibrate" hardware switch but when in an important meeting, even vibrating can be heard and unwanted) -- all these things are doable with Android with one touch. One.
I can launch any app I want directly from the lock screen. Again, easier, faster access.
And don't get me started on the keyboard...
There are a few exceptions, of course, but it's time people realize that most of the things that iOS used to be better at are now either on fair grounds or has been surpassed by Android this day and age. It's not just customizations anymore -- that's now just a bonus. Android has figured out how to do most of the same basic functions in better, faster, easier ways.
EDIT: This post isn't necessarily directed at the OP. I'm happy you found the phone you want and like. Just saying, throughout the thread, noticing people keep mentioning customizations about Android being the only thing "fun" about it. It is fun, but there's much more to Android now than just customizations, is my point.