Chinese technology giant Xiaomi has kicked off 2026 with a strong product push in the Indian market. On Tuesday, January 6, the company introduced two new devices under its popular Redmi sub-brand — the Redmi Note 15 5G smartphone and the Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G tablet.
The launch signals Xiaomi’s strategy to strengthen its mid-range and affordable premium portfolio despite increasing component and memory costs that continue to impact global smartphone pricing. This year, the company has slightly stretched the pricing of its traditionally budget-friendly Note series, while adding several premium features aimed at value-conscious Indian consumers.
Redmi Note 15 5G: Premium Design Meets Mid-Range Performance
The Redmi Note series has long been a volume driver for Xiaomi in India, and the Note 15 5G continues that legacy with notable upgrades in display quality, battery capacity, and software experience.
Display and Design
The Redmi Note 15 5G features a large 6.77-inch curved AMOLED display that delivers a peak brightness of up to 3,200 nits, making it one of the brightest panels in its segment. The screen supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother scrolling, better gaming visuals, and an improved overall user experience.
Adding to its durability credentials, the smartphone comes with an IP66 rating, offering resistance against dust and water splashes — a feature increasingly valued by users in everyday conditions.
Performance, Software, and Battery
Under the hood, the Redmi Note 15 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor. Xiaomi has paired the chipset with 8GB of RAM and storage options going up to 256GB, targeting users who demand consistent multitasking and reliable daily performance.
On the software front, the device ships with HyperOS 2, Xiaomi’s latest operating system layered on top of Android 15. The new OS promises better system optimization, smoother animations, and tighter ecosystem integration with other Xiaomi devices.
Powering the handset is a 5,520mAh battery, designed to comfortably last a full day of heavy usage. Xiaomi includes a 45W fast charger in the box, ensuring quick top-ups without requiring additional purchases.
Camera Capabilities
Photography remains a key selling point for the Note series. The Redmi Note 15 5G is equipped with a 108MP primary camera, capable of capturing detailed images in various lighting conditions. Supporting the main sensor is an 8MP ultra-wide camera, allowing users to shoot landscapes and group photos with ease.
For selfies and video calls, the smartphone features a 20MP front-facing camera, catering to social media users and remote workers alike.
Redmi Note 15 5G: Price and Availability in India
Xiaomi has positioned the Redmi Note 15 5G competitively, albeit at a slightly higher price compared to earlier generations:
The smartphone will go on sale starting January 9 across Xiaomi’s online platforms, offline retail stores, and major e-commerce websites.
Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G: A Tablet Built for Productivity and Entertainment
Alongside the smartphone, Xiaomi also unveiled the Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G, aimed at users seeking a versatile tablet for work, learning, and entertainment.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The tablet sports a large 12.1-inch display with 2.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. With up to 600 nits of brightness and Dolby Vision support, the Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G is designed for immersive content consumption, whether streaming movies or attending online classes.
Audio is handled by quad speakers tuned with Dolby Atmos, offering a rich and spatial sound experience that enhances gaming and media playback.
Performance, Battery, and AI Features
The Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The tablet also runs HyperOS 2, ensuring continuity with Xiaomi’s smartphone ecosystem.
One of the highlights of the tablet is its support for next-generation AI features. Users get access to tools like Circle to Search and Gemini AI, aimed at improving productivity, search, and contextual assistance.
The tablet houses a massive 12,000mAh battery, backed by a 33W fast charger in the box. Additionally, it supports 27W reverse charging, allowing it to power other compatible devices when needed.
Camera and Accessories
While tablets are not typically photography-focused devices, Xiaomi has included an 8MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. These are suitable for document scanning, video conferencing, and online meetings.
The Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G also supports optional stylus and keyboard accessories, making it a viable option for students, professionals, and creators looking for a laptop-like experience in a more portable form factor.
Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G: Price and Sale Details
Xiaomi has announced multiple variants for the Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G:
The tablet will go on sale starting January 12 via Flipkart, Amazon, Mi.com, and offline retail stores across India.
Xiaomi’s 2026 Strategy in India
With the launch of the Redmi Note 15 5G and Redmi Pad 2 Pro 5G, Xiaomi appears focused on delivering feature-rich devices that bridge the gap between affordability and premium usability. While rising memory and component costs have nudged prices upward, the company continues to emphasize value by offering high-refresh-rate displays, large batteries, fast charging, and the latest Android-based software.
As competition intensifies in India’s mid-range smartphone and tablet segments, Xiaomi’s early 2026 launches set the tone for what consumers can expect in terms of innovation, pricing balance, and ecosystem-driven experiences.
