Xiaomi is preparing to open 2026 with the arrival of its next mainstream Redmi Note series in India. The company has already confirmed that the Redmi Note 15 lineup is on the way, and early hints suggest that the first model to reach the market will be the 108-megapixel MasterPixel Edition. While the brand hasn’t announced an exact date, the phone is expected to appear in early January, setting up one of the year’s first big smartphone launches. Here are six key things to know before the official reveal.
1. The Series Is Confirmed for an Early 2026 Release
Xiaomi has started teasing the upcoming launch through its social channels, highlighting the Note 15 5G model. The teaser doesn’t reveal much, but it does show that Xiaomi is leaning into a slim, stylish profile for this generation. Industry leaksters are pointing to the first week of January, with the Pro models likely arriving a little later in the month.
2. A Sleek Look and a Big AMOLED Display
The regular Redmi Note 15 is expected to feature a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen. A 120Hz refresh rate should keep animations smooth, and this generation may finally bring an in-display fingerprint sensor to the Note lineup in India. That would be a notable shift, as previous models relied on side-mounted sensors.
3. Stronger Durability for the Indian Variant
The global version was introduced with an IP65 rating, but Indian leaks suggest that Xiaomi might offer IP68 protection here. If accurate, the phone would be capable of handling short submersion in water—an upgrade over both the Chinese model and last year’s Note 14.
4. A 108-Megapixel Camera Leads the Setup
Xiaomi has already confirmed that the main highlight of the phone is its 108MP primary camera. An 8MP ultrawide is expected to accompany it, along with a 20MP selfie camera. Xiaomi’s “MasterPixel” branding indicates that image processing will be an area of focus, especially for low-light photography and more accurate colour output.
5. Snapdragon Power Paired With HyperOS 2
Performance is expected to come from the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3, which should offer a noticeable improvement over last year’s mid-range chipset. The phone is also set to run HyperOS 2, based on Android 15. Xiaomi appears to be concentrating on stability this year, with tighter device-to-device integration and smoother everyday app handling.
6. A Bigger Battery With Faster Charging
For battery life, the Note 15 may rely on a 5,520mAh unit. Charging speeds could reach 45W, giving users quick top-ups without compromising long-term battery health. Xiaomi usually includes a charger with its mid-range phones, so users may not have to buy one separately—though this will be confirmed closer to launch.
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Redmi Note 15: Expected Price in India
Last year’s Note 14 started around ₹18,999 for the base configuration. Despite fluctuations in global component pricing, early estimates suggest that Xiaomi might try to keep the Note 15 near the ₹20,000 range. With improvements to design, water protection, display tech, and camera hardware, the phone is shaping up to be a strong value contender.
Final Thoughts
The Redmi Note 15 series appears ready to kick off 2026 with a polished design, upgraded internals, better durability, and a strong emphasis on photography. Xiaomi hasn’t disclosed the official date yet, but the launch window seems clear. For anyone planning to buy a mid-range smartphone early next year, this one is definitely worth watching.
