First things first, happy new year to all our readers! As we step into 2026, the smartphone launch calendar isn’t wasting any time.
After a packed 2025 that brought bigger batteries, sharper cameras, and more AI features across price segments, January is starting on a similar note.
Several brands already have launches lined up in the first week itself, covering everything from budget phones to premium and performance-focused devices.
Here’s a clear look at the smartphones set to launch in January 2026, based on confirmed dates and reliable leaks so far.
Redmi Note 15 5G
Redmi is set to kick off the month with the Redmi Note 15 5G, launching in India on January 6. The phone is expected to feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,200 nits of peak brightness.
It’s likely to be powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB of UFS 2.2 storage. A 5,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging and a 108MP main camera are tipped as key highlights. Pricing is expected to stay under Rs 25,000.
Realme 16 Pro
Realme will launch the Realme 16 Pro in India on January 6. The phone is confirmed to feature a 200MP primary camera and a large 7,000mAh battery with fast charging support.
It’s expected to come with a high-refresh-rate AMOLED display with strong peak brightness, positioning it in the upper mid-range segment.
Realme 16 Pro+
The Realme 16 Pro+ launches alongside the 16 Pro on January 6 and sits higher in the lineup. It adds a 50MP periscope telephoto camera and runs on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset.
The phone is confirmed to pack a 7,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging and is expected to be priced under Rs 30,000 in India.
For a detailed look at the pricing, check out our dedicated price leak coveragehere.
Motorola Signature
Motorola has confirmed that the Motorola Signature will debut in India on January 7. Official teasers show a fabric-finished rear panel, a flat display with slim bezels, and an extra button on the left frame, the function of which hasn’t been detailed yet.
The phone will feature a periscope telephoto camera. Leaks suggest a triple 50MP rear camera setup, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5-class chipset, 16GB RAM, and Android 16 out of the box. Pricing and final specifications will be revealed at launch.
Oppo Reno 15
Oppo is expected to bring the Reno 15 to India in early January, with January 8 widely tipped as the launch date. The phone is likely to feature an AMOLED display, fast charging, and a triple rear camera setup led by a 200MP sensor.
Oppo Reno 15 Pro
The Oppo Reno 15 Pro is expected to sit above the standard model and bring a more premium design along with upgraded camera hardware. It’s tipped to include a 200MP primary camera, a 50MP telephoto lens, and fast charging backed by a large battery. Pricing is expected to remain under Rs 60,000.
Oppo Reno 15 Pro Mini
The Reno 15 Pro Mini is expected to be the most distinctive model in the lineup due to its compact size. It’s tipped to feature a 6.32-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 200MP main camera, and a 6,200mAh battery with 80W fast charging.
Poco M8
Poco is set to launch the Poco M8 in India on January 8. The phone targets the budget segment and is expected to feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and high peak brightness.
Despite its slim 7.35mm profile and 178g weight, the phone is expected to pack a 5,520mAh battery with 45W fast charging. It will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 and priced under Rs 20,000.
OnePlus Turbo 6 Series
OnePlus will launch the OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V in China on January 8. An India launch hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the phones are clearly aimed at performance-focused users.
The OnePlus Turbo 6 and Turbo 6V share most of their core hardware, with a few key differences. The Turbo 6 is teased with a 1.5K display and a 165Hz refresh rate, while the Turbo 6V uses a 6.8-inch 1.5K OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate.
The Turbo 6 runs on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, while the Turbo 6V switches to the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4. Both phones will ship with Android 16, LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.1 storage, and an optical in-display fingerprint sensor.
Camera hardware is shared, including a 50MP main camera, an 8MP secondary sensor, and a 32MP front camera. Battery capacity is a major highlight, with both models confirmed to pack a 9,000mAh battery supporting 80W wired and 27W reverse wired charging, along with IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings despite a plastic frame.
Honor Power 2
Honor is launching theHonor Power 2in China on January 5. The phone is built around battery life and is confirmed to pack a 10,080mAh battery with fast charging and reverse charging support.
It will be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8500 Elite chipset. There’s no confirmation yet on an India launch.
Realme Neo 8 / Realme GT 8
Realme is also expected to introduce the Realme Neo 8 in January 2026, with the phone likely to arrive in India as the Realme GT 8. The device is tipped to run on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage.
Battery life could be a major focus, with reports pointing to an 8,000mAh battery and 80W fast charging. Other expected features include a flat 1.5K display, ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, metal frame, improved haptics, and IP68 or IP69-rated protection.
A Busy Start To 2026
From budget phones under Rs 20,000 to performance-centric devices with massive batteries and flagship-grade chipsets, January 2026 is already shaping up to be a crowded month for smartphone launches. And if the first week is anything to go by, the new year is getting off to a fast start.