5 Best Upcoming Phones in 2026 to Buy Early: Prices, Launch & Features

Samsung and Apple, Google, Realme, and Xiaomi brands are competing to reinvent the possibilities of a smartphone. Let’s break down the 5 best smartphones to buy in early 2026 that you should put on your radar.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Series: Best Upcoming Phones in 2026

If you want raw power and premium design, the Samsung Galaxy S26 Series is designed to meet your needs. This series (which is expected in January or February 2026) includes Galaxy S26, S26+ and the mighty Galaxy S26 Ultra.

What are its specifications:

• 200MP main camera on the Ultra variant
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 processor
• Titanium frame with improved cooling
• Up to 5,000 nits brighter display
• Advanced Galaxy AI for photo and video editing

Expected Price in India: Starting around ₹80,000

It is among the most promising phones in the year 2026 if you value photography and performance the most.

Apple iPhone 18: Best Upcoming Phones in 2026

The Apple iPhone 18 comes highly recommendable to you, if you are an Apple enthusiast. This series will be launched in September 2026 to offer next-gen Apple Intelligence and an elegant design.

What makes it special:

• A20 Pro chip built on 3nm process
• Side punch-hole design (rumoured)
• 48MP ultra-wide camera across models
• 8K video recording at 60fps
• Smarter Siri with iOS 27

Expected Price in India: Around ₹1,20,000

For you, it can be among the best upcoming phones in 2026 if you appreciate privacy, extended updates, and the high-end experience.

Google Pixel 11 Series: Best Upcoming Phones in 2026 

If you want a phone that thinks with you then the Google Pixel 11 Series is designed to match you. This lineup is expected to be launched in October 2026 and is based on the AI-driven features,

Key highlights of this phone:

• New Tensor G6 chip with Gemini 2.0
• Best-in-class computational photography
• Cleaner Android with faster updates
• Improved 5G modem for stability

Expected Starting Price: ₹70,000

Pixel 11 will be one of the most suitable phones in 2026 because it will not have bloatware but smart features.

Realme 16 Pro Series: Best Upcoming Phones in 2026

The Realme 16 Pro Series that will be released on January 6, 2026, is the best choice when you are not willing to spend much to have flagship-level features.

Why it stands out:

• 200MP “Portrait Master” camera
• Snapdragon processor
• AI Edit Genie 2.0
• 4K HDR video across all zoom levels
• Massive battery with fast charging

This will be among the best upcoming phones in 2026 among users who wish to have high-end features at competitive prices.

Xiaomi 17 Series & 16 Ultra: Best Upcoming Phones in 2026

Xiaomi 17 Series is one to consider in case battery life and quality of the cameras are important to you. Xiaomi is betting on power and imaging, expected to be released at the beginning of 2026.

What you will love:

• 7,000mAh battery (Ultra variant)
• Leica-tuned 50MP cameras
• Slim design with AI photography tools

Expected Price Range: ₹60,000 to ₹80,000

This is readily considered among the best upcoming phones in 2026 to the heavy users.

Quick Comparison: Best Upcoming Phones in 2026

The Smartphone Future Is Almost in Your Hands

For you, 2026 is shaping up to be the year when smartphones will truly become futuristic. Smarter AI, improved cameras, advanced foldable designs, and high capacity batteries are changing the landscape of the upcoming flagship phones in 2026. If you are considering an upgrade, then be patient as getting a device that is generations ahead of your current one might be feasible.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best upcoming phones in 2026?
Samsung Galaxy S26, iPhone 18, Pixel 11, Realme 16 Pro, and Xiaomi 17 Series are among the best.

Q2. When will Samsung Galaxy S26 launch?
It is expected to launch in January or February 2026.

Q3. Is Apple launching a foldable iPhone in 2026?
The rumors are circulating, but so far no official confirmation has been made.

Q4. Which upcoming phone is best for AI features?
Google Pixel 11 and Samsung Galaxy S26 offer the most advanced AI features.

Read more: Oppo Find N6 and Oppo Find X9 Ultra China Launch Timeline Leaked: Foldable & Camera Beast Coming in Q1 2026