I do agree: Apple, Samsung and others DO overcharge for their top models and yes, most of those do not bring a lot of really important new stuff to the table. That's how technology is "regulated" by manufacturers, unfortunately: small steps, so consumers buy more devices over time.

What HAS happened, though, is that mid-range smartphones got really, really good as tech "trickled down" from the flagship models. About 90% of people get 90% of what they need from a $500/€500 nowadays, which is great. $600/€600 gets you nearer to flagship quality than ever before.

That wasn't the case three or four years ago. It's just that manufacturers try to make more noise about their expensive models because that's where the fat margins are. If one can make a couple of compromises here and there he/she can get a smartphone that does everything well with half the money.