WTF is this nag about lag. Sorry for the rant, but lag usually happens when people install sh*t apps on their phone. People are brainwashed by some fruit logo-ed company that everything without that logo is sub-standard. That company can go somewhere where the sun doesn't shine. Their product lags as well.

Come on, the Note 2 is the top end quad core phone of the last generation, and it still holds its own in any normal use case for browsing, gaming, IM, camera etc.

If you have budget constraints, for around 1.5k, this is the best new phone you can get. Most other higher end phones with current specs are 1.8k and above.

If you don't want a stylus but FHD screen, then the LG Optimus G Pro is a good choice but probably 1.8k+

If you want a 2nd hand Note 2, you can get some off forumers here for around 1k-1.2k maybe.

If you want to mod your phone, the Note 2 is the phone to get as there are a huge number of ROMs available and still active development.

Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.