Recommendation. I'm probably not the standard user by SOSH standards, I don't game or consume much media or sports via my phone. been using a Moto X (2nd generation) US Cellular model as it's the best carrier in most of NH. It's been serviceable, stable and had about the best reception, also it comes very close to stock Android, but US Cellular never provides updates so it's been 5.1 Lollipop.
After 3 years it was time to upgrade. I wound up with a Moto e4 Plus that runs 7.1.2 Nougat. Unlike the standard e4 it has a larger, better screen (5.5 "), a better cpu and fingerprint sensor. Instead of a 2400 mAh replaceable battery, you get a fixed 5000 mAh battery. Standard miniusb power and normal headphone socket and no wireless charging. US Cellular always only offers a low memory (16 Gig) option, which is frustrating, but there is a micro SD slot, although Android still makes that memory of limited value/access.
Nougat is so much better/stable, the Moto experience is so close to stock it's unlikely you would bother rooting, reception is much better and the phone seems to have easily 90% of the functionality of a top end iPhone and US Cellular offers it at $120 payable as 30 months of $4/per month. I'll guess if you do heavy gaming it turns into a slug, but otherwise it's a serious value.