Can't say which phone and model is the best. But I will suggest you go to the local store and have a look at all the phones and buy the one that suits you and your needs. Pick the one that best fits in your hands, with the best camera for you, display, etc. Good luck!
I have a collection of Galaxy S Series. Like, from Galaxy S to S6, I do not have S6 Edge since I think the "edges" don't serve any purpose at all. But I keep coming to my S4 for some reason
I had battery and overheating problems with two S4's but am absolutely loving my S5. Suits all my needs and the battery lasts a looooong time for me.
I can reccomend Sony Xperia Z5 - really good smartphone with one of the best camers on the market, waterproof, nice looking etc.
My S4 overheats too esp when the data is on, but the battery life of my S4 is pretty decent, lasts half a day. Well yeah, S5 and S6 are way better than the latter models. It's just that I am uncomfortable using them as my "everyday phone" since they are kind of a "head turner" and I do not want to risk them LOL. I use them when I am at home, at a family gathering or at a friend's house.
I only use my phone for calls, emails and texts. I get a few calls per day, a few texts, but have quite a few email accounts and check them every 15-30 minutes. I have almost no applications running and rarely surf the web on my phone (can't remember the last time, in fact.) My battery, is lasting 2+ days with that type of usage. When my S4 was overheating, it would also draw down the battery so that it lasted barely half a day. Since I am pretty much in the office or in my car all day long, I have no worries about someone else coveting my phone.
i'd say samsung, gionee and moto in your price range. In any case i only trust these three brands and apple