It’s almost a new year, and the smartphone industry is already gearing up for a power-packed start. Needless to say, brands are preparing to unveil their latest devices, refreshed designs, and upgraded hardware. On that note, let us take a closer look at the best upcoming smartphones in India for 2026, and what manufacturers are set to offer users as the new year begins.
Also See: Vivo S50 Pro Mini Teased: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 & Flagship Camera Features
Redmi Note 15 5G “108 Master Pixel Edition”
One of the first smartphones to be released in 2026 comes from Xiaomi. The company recently revealed that they will be releasing the Redmi Note 15 5G “108 Master Pixel Edition”, via Amazon and Mi.com. According to some reports on Twitter, the Indian launch for the phone is scheduled to be held on January 6, 2026.
The main highlight of the phone is the 108 MP Master Pixel main camera, with teasers hinting towards a large curved AMOLED display between 6.7 and 6.8 inches. The refresh rate will go up to 120Hz, and is expected to be powered by the Snapdragon 6-series 5G chipset. The battery is a 5520mAh cell with 45W fast charging support confirmed on the official website.
Last but not least, the device will run on HyperOS on top of Android 15. This device can be a good choice for photography lovers as the 108 MP camera is something to look out for.
Realme 16 Pro and 16 Pro+
Another upcoming smartphone series in India is the Realme 16 Pro series. The series will have two smartphones — Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro+. These two phones are expected to launch in early January.
The Realme 16 Pro is rumoured to have a OLED/AMOLED display with 1.5K class resolution and a refresh rate up to 144Hz, and running Realme UI 7 based on Android 16.
The higher-end Realme 16 Pro+ is expected to take things up a notch. Reports suggest it will feature a Snapdragon chipset, a massive 7000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, and a triple-camera setup. The camera system is also tipped to include a periscope telephoto lens, offering up to 10X zoom for long-distance shots.
Xiaomi 17
Xiaomi recently took off the covers of the Xiaomi 17 in China. According to some reports and tipsters, the new Xiaomi phone is expected to launch in February 2026 in India.
It will also feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset under the hood. It will be further paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512 GB UFS 4.1 storage, and running Android 16 with HyperOS 3.0.
The display is a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED/AMOLED with a refresh rate up to 120Hz, with a large 7000mAh battery and 100W wired charging support to back it up.
If we look at the specifications, the Xiaomi 17 looks like a good option for users who prefer a powerful performance in gaming and normal usage, too. The chipset, combined with the large battery, is a good move.
Samsung Galaxy S26 Series
Samsung has been teasing the Galaxy S26 series for a while now. Recent reports suggest that the Korean company is getting ready to launch its flagship lineup. The series is expected to be officially revealed at the Galaxy Unpacked event on February 25, 2026, in San Francisco.
Following the global launch, the India release is expected to take place in late February or shortly after the Unpacked event.
We do not know the full specifications yet, but according to some rumours, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra will be powered by a Snapdragon 8-class or Exynos equivalent chipset, depending on the region. The phone is expected to come with a refined quad-camera system and AI-driven imaging.
OPPO Reno 15 Series
OPPO recently launched the Reno 15 series in China on November 17, 2025. The India release is expected in early January 2026, according to rumours.
The OPPO Reno 15 series is set to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8450 chipset. The base model will come with a 6200mAh battery supporting 80W fast charging and a 6.32-inch display with up to 120Hz refresh rate.
The Reno 15 Pro will step it up with a slightly larger 6500mAh battery, also with 80W fast charging, and a 6.78-inch display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a more immersive viewing experience.
With its strong focus on cameras, battery, and design, the OPPO Reno 15 series is shaping up to be one of the most exciting upper‑mid to premium launches in India for early 2026. It will go head-to-head with rivals like the Realme 16 Pro+ and Xiaomi 17, giving users plenty of options for a feature-packed smartphone experience.
Also See: OPPO Reno 15 Series Rumours Rise: 200MP Camera & Specification Details Emerge
Conclusion
Several smartphones are expected to launch in 2026. Motorola may also bring an Indian variant of the Moto G 2026 and Moto G 5G 2026. The Moto G Stylus could launch in the first few months of the year. On that note, we will keep you updated on all the early 2026 launches.
