How about a hierarchy of previous released flagship phones instead?
I'll put them in order of best to worst, and in groups of "stages"
This hierarchy is quite useful, now that I think of it : )



SONY Z3 (2014) ~ iPhone 6 > Moto X ~ LG G3 > HTC M8 ~ SGS5 ~ 1+1 (2014) >
LG G2 (2013) > Nexus 5 ~ SGS4 ~ Lumia 930 > Xperia Z ~ One ~ L1020 (2013) >
HTC One X 4G (2012) ~ BB Z10 > SGS3 ~ LG 4X ~ L920 > Jolla ~ Gnex (2011)

(and some legacy fun)
iPhone 4S (2011) > S2 (2011) >
N9 (2011) ~ iPhone 4 ~ L820 ~ EPIC 4G > SGS > EVO 4G (2010) >
Nexus One (2010) ~ N900 > iPhone 3GS ~ Moto Droid ~ BB Torch ~ Palm Pre (2009) >
(and even more legacy fun)
iPhone 3G (2008) >Moto Cliq > HTC TyTnII ~ Mitac A702 > iPaq rw6815 (2005) >
Palm Treo 650 (2004) > Nokia 9500 > Nokia 6630 (2004) >
Palm Treo 90 (2002) > Nokia 9210 > IBM Simon (1992) > ???


If you have an old device like a SGS2 (or older) or an iPhone 5S (or older), its time for an upgrade. A HTC One X 4G, its a middle-class device by today's standards and can be had for $50 - $200 for a cheap upgrade. However, if the phone has to be new, the Sharp Aquos Crystal is a competent mid-range offering and the best bang-for-buck device at $150 brand new.

If you want something better than that go for the LG G2. Its a phenomenal device that can be had around the $200 mark. Again, if you're not into old/used devices then grab the OnePlus One 64GB. They're still hard to get a hold of, but offer great value for $349 brand new.

However, if only the best will do then you'll be looking to spend above $700.
Here you can grab the NOTE 4, SONY Z3 or iPhone 6.... devices with the least compromises.