Xiaomi is starting 2026 with a bang. The company is launching the Redmi Note 15 5G in India today, January 6, and it looks like a serious upgrade from last year’s model.
If you’ve been waiting for a new budget phone with great cameras and a premium look, this might be the one to watch.
When and Where to Watch the Launch
The Redmi Note 15 5G launch event starts at 11 AM IST today. You can watch it live on Xiaomi’s YouTube channel. The company is also launching the Redmi Pad 2 Pro tablet at the same event.
After the launch, the phone will be available on Amazon, Xiaomi’s official website, and in stores across India.
How Much Will It Cost?
Here’s the big question everyone wants answered. Based on early reports, the Redmi Note 15 5G will start at around Rs 22,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage version. The higher storage model with 256GB might cost Rs 24,999.
That’s about Rs 5,000 more than the Redmi Note 14 5G, which launched at Rs 17,999. The price jump is higher than expected, but you’re getting some major upgrades for that extra money.
The Big Camera Upgrade
Xiaomi is calling this the “108 MasterPixel Edition,” and that’s because of the huge camera upgrade. The Redmi Note 15 5G comes with a 108-megapixel main camera with optical image stabilization.
For comparison, last year’s Note 14 5G had a 50MP camera. This is more than double the resolution.
The camera can record 4K videos at 60 frames per second, which is great for content creators and anyone who loves making videos. The phone also includes something called “Dynamic Shot,” which is similar to Apple’s Live Photos feature.
There’s also a second camera on the back, likely an ultrawide lens for group photos and landscape shots.
A Display That Curves Like Premium Phones
One of the coolest things about the Redmi Note 15 5G is its curved AMOLED display. This is the same type of screen you find on phones that cost twice as much.
The screen measures 6.77 inches and refreshes at 120Hz, making scrolling super smooth. The peak brightness reaches 3,200 nits, which means you can easily see the screen even in direct sunlight.
The display also has something called Hydro Touch 2.0. This lets you use your phone even when your fingers are wet, which is perfect for checking messages in the rain or while washing your hands.
Performance That Won’t Slow Down
Inside, the Redmi Note 15 5G runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor. Xiaomi says this chip offers 30% better CPU performance and 10% better graphics compared to the previous generation.
The company promises the phone will stay smooth for at least 48 months. That’s four years of good performance, which is impressive for a budget phone.
The phone comes with 8GB of RAM, which should handle everyday tasks like social media, messaging, and even some gaming without any problems.
Battery Life That Lasts More Than a Day
Battery anxiety is real, but the Redmi Note 15 5G tries to solve that problem. It packs a large 5,520mAh battery that Xiaomi claims can last up to 1.6 days on a single charge.
When you do need to charge, the phone supports 45W fast charging. That’s faster than many phones in this price range and should get you back to full power quickly.
Thin Design with Premium Feel
Despite the big battery and curved screen, the Redmi Note 15 5G is surprisingly thin at just 7.35mm. That’s about 0.65mm slimmer than the Note 14 5G.
The phone comes in three colors: purple, black, and silver. The curved screen and slim design should make it feel more expensive than it actually is.
Built to Last
The Redmi Note 15 5G has an IP66 rating. This means it can handle dust and water splashes, though you shouldn’t try swimming with it.
This protection is useful for everyday accidents like getting caught in the rain or accidentally splashing water on your phone while doing dishes.
What Software Does It Run?
The phone comes with Android 15 right out of the box, running Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 interface. This is the latest version of Android, so you’re getting all the newest features and security updates.
Is the Price Increase Worth It?
The Rs 5,000 price jump from the Note 14 5G might seem like a lot, but let’s look at what you’re getting:
- A much better 108MP camera with OIS
- A curved AMOLED screen instead of LCD
- A bigger battery (5,520mAh vs 5,110mAh)
- Faster charging (45W vs 33W)
- A more powerful processor
- A thinner and more premium design
If you care about taking great photos and want a phone that looks and feels premium, the extra money might be worth it.
How It Compares to Competitors
At Rs 22,999, the Redmi Note 15 5G will compete with phones like the OnePlus Nord CE 5 and Realme P4 Pro. Each phone has its own strengths, but the 108MP camera and curved display make the Redmi stand out.
The challenge will be convincing buyers that the camera upgrade is worth the higher price compared to other options in the market.
Should You Buy It?
The Redmi Note 15 5G looks like a solid upgrade if you’re coming from an older phone or if camera quality matters to you.
The combination of the 108MP camera, curved AMOLED display, long battery life, and slim design makes it one of the more interesting budget phones launching this year.
However, if you’re on a tight budget and already have a recent Redmi phone, you might want to wait for sales or look at other options.
What’s Next?
After today’s launch, we’ll get the official pricing and any special launch offers. Xiaomi usually offers some deals during the first few days of sale, so it’s worth watching for discounts on Amazon and Xiaomi’s website.
Keep an eye out for early reviews to see how the camera and battery life perform in real-world use.
Bottom Line: The Redmi Note 15 5G brings flagship features to the budget segment with its 108MP camera and curved AMOLED screen. While the price is higher than expected, the upgrades justify the cost for photography lovers and anyone wanting a premium-feeling phone without spending Rs 40,000 or more.
Available: January 6, 2026
Starting Price: Rs 22,999 (expected)
Where to Buy: Amazon, Xiaomi.com, retail stores across India
Have questions about the Redmi Note 15 5G? Drop them in the comments below. We’ll update this article with official details and hands-on impressions after the launch event
