[minalecs]

the moto x and Nexus line has always been considered mid tier, not the latest everything and many compromises made but not low end.

[The_Double]

Every Nexus except the S and Galaxy had the best SOC available at the time (The one and 4 had them before any other android phone). The Galaxy was the first 720p smartphone. They are high end, just not at all costs.

[bookwormAT]

"has always been considered"

by whom? "mid tier" is a very generic term. Most critiques and opinions I know of consider these devices best in class.