Mid-range smartphones launching January 2026 in India: Realme 16 Pro, Redmi Note 15 5G, and more

January 2026 marks a major shift toward mid-range smartphones launching in India, offering premium features like massive batteries and high-megapixel cameras at affordable prices. Realme 16 Pro series, Redmi Note 15 5G, Poco M8 5G and Oppo Reno 15 launch with flagship-grade cameras, massive batteries and aggressive pricing between Rs20,000–Rs40,000. Although flagship launches will prevail in the second half of 2025, January 2026 will shift to powerful midrange smartphones in India, with premium specs such as huge batteries and high-megapixel cameras at affordable prices in the range of Rs 20000-40000 range. These powerful mid-range smartphones in India target creators, gamers and everyday users looking for the best smartphones under Rs 40,000 without flagship pricing. These devices are directed at content creators, gamers and everyday users who want to value their devices without compromise. 

Realme 16 Pro Series

The Realme 16 Pro Series India launch introduces the Pro and Pro+ models with flagship-grade metal camera finishes and a 200MP camera smartphone experience. The Realme 16 Pro series is released on January 6, which includes the Pro and Pro + models with high-end metal finishes on the cameras, 200MP main sensors that capture breathtaking portraits and details. The Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset of the Pro+ is efficient when it comes to multitasking and gaming, and the MediaTek Dimensity 7000-series of the base Pro can effectively perform the everyday functions such as editing on the move. They both pack 7,000mAh batteries that charge at 80W, ensuring that creators can shoot 4K videos all day without using plugs, and have a 6.8-inch 144Hz AMOLED display to scroll through content on and without much eye strain. The Pro+ runs on a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 phone platform, while both models feature a massive 7,000mAh battery, making them ideal for creators shooting 4K content all day.

Redmi Note 15 5G

Redmi Note 15 5G comes on January 6 with a narrow body, curved 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a max 3200 nit brightness, and Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 to execute CPU operations 30 percent faster than the old one. The Redmi Note 15 5G India launch brings a curved AMOLED display, Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 smartphone performance, and a 108MP OIS camera phone aimed at budget-focused creators. The 108MP OIS camera with the ability to capture 4K videos benefits photography enthusiasts by capturing high-definition and stable videos suitable for social networking or family time in the dark. The 5,520mAh battery and 45W charging can last heavy usage such as streaming or navigation, and because of the IP66 resistance, the battery can withstand splashes during commuting, which is ideal to all users intending to upgrade to the 5G fluidity on a budget. This makes it one of the most balanced budget 5G phones in India for photography and daily use.

Poco M8 5G

The Poco M8 5G launch in India targets students and first-time buyers looking for an affordable 5G phone under Rs15,000. On January 8, Poco M8 5G will be launched, which is expected to be similar to the slim 7.35mm design of the Note 15, with a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a 50MP AI camera, and Snapdragon 6 Gen 3. Gamers and multitaskers have got stereo Dolby Atmos, a maximum of 8GB RAM to use during lag-free PUBG games or tab-switching, and a 5520mAh battery with 45W charging to reverse charge earbuds during transit. The IP65 rating introduces active lifestyle durability, with entry-level 5G power and features a price that is expected to be Rs 12,000 to students or first-time buyers; they can have the high experience at a low premium cost. With stereo speakers, it doubles as a Dolby Atmos gaming phone in the budget segment, ideal for PUBG and multitasking.

Oppo Reno 15 Series

The Oppo Reno 15 Series in India focuses on premium design with aerospace aluminium frames, making it a premium mid-range smartphone option. Oppo Reno 15 series, Reno 15, 15 Pro and 15 Pro Mini look forward to the beginning of January with aerospace aluminium frames, the HoloFusion technology and the highest IP66/68/69 ratings to use without worrying about rain or dust. The 6.78-inch AMOLED with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and 3,600 nits brightness of the Pro is helpful to any traveler who needs ultra-thin bezels around the screen to view maps or make edits on their device, whereas the smaller 6.32-inch Pro Mini can fit in the pocket. Expensive cameras and 80W charging in models enable creators to have fast top-ups and robust constructions, which suit the pro-level capturer of mixed-environment pro-level content in diverse Indian settings without thick cases. With high IP ratings, it stands out as an IP68-rated phone in India, designed for creators shooting in challenging environments.

Overall, these are among the best phones launching in January 2026, reflecting evolving mid-range smartphone trends in India that prioritise battery life, cameras and long-term value.

Disclaimer: The information regarding the gadgets/devices listed in the table and article has been sourced from various secondary sources. For detailed product specifications, please refer to the brand sources.