Today is January 1st, and as the new year begins, smartphone enthusiasts in India can start planning which devices to snag this month. January 2026 kicks off with several exciting launches, giving buyers the chance to grab midrange and feature-packed devices early. From high-resolution cameras to massive batteries, this month is set to offer phones that balance performance and affordability.
The first month of the year is shaping up to offer a mix of performance, camera innovation, and design upgrades. From high-resolution cameras to massive batteries, premium displays, and AI features, these devices show that midrange smartphones are becoming increasingly powerful. Whether you’re hunting for a gaming-friendly phone, a photography powerhouse, or a durable everyday device, January has options for every buyer.
David Adubiina
Top January 2026 Smartphone Launches
/1. Realme 16 Pro Series — January 6
Realme kicks off the year with its 16 Pro series, which includes the Realme 16 Pro and 16 Pro Plus. Both phones bring premium design and photography upgrades, featuring a 200-megapixel main sensor, while the Pro Plus model adds a 50-megapixel periscope telephoto lens and metallic camera module finishes.
The Pro Plus is powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, while the standard Pro uses MediaTek Dimensity 7000. Both devices come with massive 7,000mAh batteries supporting 80W fast charging. In addition, Realme will also launch the Realme Pad 3 in India alongside these phones, offering a 12,200mAh battery, 2.8K display, and AI-powered features. Pricing for the series remains unannounced but is expected to be higher than the Realme 15 series.
/2. Redmi Note 15 5G — January 6
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series continues to be a bestseller in India, and the Note 15 5G has a lot to live up to. It comes with a 108-megapixel main camera that supports 4K video recording, and a curved AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate in a sleek 7.35mm body. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and houses a 5,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging.
Alongside the Note 15 5G, Redmi is set to launch the Pad 2 Pro 5G in India, featuring Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support, a QHD+ display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset, and a 12,000mAh battery. Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the Redmi Note 14 launched for Rs 17,999, giving a rough benchmark.
/3. Poco M8 — January 8
Poco will follow with its latest M series device, the Poco M8, on January 8. While detailed specs remain scarce, teaser images suggest it will resemble the Redmi Note 15 5G and will have the same 7.35mm thin profile. Poco continues to target buyers looking for a balance of performance, design, and affordability.
/4. Oppo Reno 15 Series — January 2026 (Date TBC)
Oppo’s Reno 15 series is also set to launch in India soon, with pre-orders already open via privilege packs. The lineup includes the Reno 15, Reno 15 Pro, and Reno 15 Pro Mini. All three devices feature aerospace-grade aluminium frames and Oppo’s HoloFusion Technology.
The Reno 15 Pro has a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with Gorilla Glass Victus 2, while the Pro Mini offers a 6.32-inch AMOLED panel and the standard Reno 15 comes with a 6.59-inch AMOLED screen; both of these use Gorilla Glass 7i. The series also features IP66, IP68, and IP69 ratings, making them durable choices. Colour options include Cocoa Brown, Sunset Gold, Glacier White, Twilight Blue, and Aurora Blue depending on the model.
Why January 2026 Matters for India’s Smartphone Market
The early 2026 wave shows that midrange smartphones are becoming increasingly feature-rich. High megapixel cameras, massive batteries, fast processors, and premium design no longer require a flagship price tag. With tablets launching alongside phones, brands are also pushing to expand their ecosystems early in the year, offering buyers more options across devices.
Conclusion
From Realme 16 Pro and Redmi Note 15 5G to Poco M8 and the Oppo Reno 15 series, January 2026 promises choice, performance, and innovation for Indian buyers. Whether photography, battery life, or durability is your priority, this first wave of devices sets a strong tone for the year ahead.
Ejiro Onose
