A smartphone market is dynamic and by the time 2026 arrives, tech lovers are already talking about the best phones coming in early 2026. There is a new generation of flagship processors, new camera systems, and state of the art designs in sight. The next big releases will happen in the first quarter of 2026, and will be in all categories: flagship powerhouse phones, solid-midrange models, creative foldables, and even gaming-based devices. We unravel what the leaks and announcements are foaming at the mouth of each category, so you can feel plugged into the excitement ahead.
Top 15+ Most Anticipated Phone Releases for 2026
Flagship Smartphone Expected to be Released by early 2026
1) Samsung Galaxy S26
World-famous brands are preparing to release their next flagship best phones by the beginning of 2026. The Galaxy S26 series by Samsung is set to take over headlines. There are rumors that there will be an Unpacked event towards the end of February to launch the S26 line and the devices will be available in March. The leak mill indicates that Samsung will trim the design down and update camera array, particularly on the Ultra model. As an example, one of the latest rumors states that the S26+ might be able to be reconfigured with a 6.9inch display (the size of the Ultra) and built-in Qi2 magnetic wireless charging on all models.
The camera improvements are also hinted: even the entry-level S26 can receive a 12-megapixel 3x zoom to replace the outdated 10MP lens. Looking forward, expect quicker charging on the high-end, as well – one leakage indicates that the S26 Ultra will be capable of charging up to 60W over wire, as well as changing its 5,000 mAh battery to a larger 5,000 mAh one. The S26 Ultra will probably run on Samsung Exynos 2600 (Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5) depending on the region.
2) OnePlus 14 series
OnePlus will also be able to start 2026 on a high note. OnePlus 14 series is expected to launch in January right after a late-2025 release in China. It is reported that the OnePlus 14 will feature a flat 120Hz OLED display and the newest chip in the Snapdragon 8-series, not to mention OnePluses historically-fast charging feature. There should also be a new periscope telephoto camera, which has never been available on a Oneplus device before.
The given specs indicate that OnePlus is trying to compete directly with the latest Samsung and Google flagships immediately at the beginning of 2026.
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3). Xiaomi 16 Ultra
New flagships will be also represented by Chinese manufacturers. It is said that Xiaomi will release the Xiaomi 16 Ultra early in 2026. This model is reported to concentrate on photography, whereby Leica-branded optics are packed on a large one-inch sensor and scalding 120W charging. Xiaomi has a track record of innovative camera features in Ultra phones, and thus the 16 Ultra would bring the envelope further.
4). Huawei Mate 80 GTS
Meanwhile Huawei – although still suffering global sanctions – seems to be preparing to launch a comeback flagship. It is reported that a new Huawei Mate 80 GTS will be introduced by March 2026, using its own Kirin 9030 Pro chipset.
Remarkably, the Mate 80 GTS might even ship with a cooling fan (a wink to gaming-grade performance) and is said to be presented side-by-side with the next Huawei foldable (see below).
5). Xperia 1 VII by Sony
There is also stirring on the part of other established players. The next Xperia 1 VII by Sony will come either in March through to August 2026. It is expected to have a 4K HDR OLED display, and adjustable-aperture professional-style camera controls to users who demand it.
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6). Realme 16 Pro series
And Realme has hinted at a 16 Pro series release on January 6, 2026 with a headline 200MP primary camera sensor and 3.5x periscope telephoto lens. These phones are designed to provide a hint of flagship, but at a lower cost, which makes them highly competitive releases of early 2026.
As there are already numerous large companies updating their rosters, the Best Phones Coming in Early 2026 are promising mighty chips, intelligent camera tech, and more refined designs. There is already a leak and teasers, which propose that every prominent manufacturer wants to be the first to strike, with Samsung Galaxy S26 to Huawei Mate 80 GTS and Xiaomi-based camera-driven Ultra. It is becoming a promising beginning of the year.
Mid-Range Powerhouses
The flagship updates can take the headlines, yet the early 2026 window will also feature numerous value-charged models in the mid-range.
7). Google Pixel 10a
An example is Google, which is predicted to launch the Pixel 10a (the next A series low-cost model) in the period of March 2026. CAD render leaks demonstrate the Pixel 10a with the Pillar-shaped camera island of the Pixel 9a. It is also said to have a slightly downsized Tensor G4 chip (rather than the G5 of the Pixel 10 flagships) and 2 rear cameras like the Pixel 9a. Amazingly, the Pixel 10a could even feature a 6.2-inch OLED display and an under-screen selfie camera and is the first incarnation in Google phones.
It is being suggested in the marketing of Google that the latest version of Pixel 10a will come in about March 2026 with an approximate price of $499. Once again, it is expected to provide a clean Android experience and AI capabilities at a relatively cheaper price than flagship Pixels, and it is one of the best mid-range selections of early 2026.
8). Samsung Galaxies A37 and A57
Samsung will upgrade its workhorse mid range line up earlier as well. On X (previously Twitter), there is a rumor that Samsung will release Galaxies A37 and A57 in February 2026, which is 1 or 2 months earlier than it usually releases its products. Selling at a good price and good specifications, these A-series phones have been selling well traditionally, and Samsung evidently wants them in the market with the release of the S26. And should this be the case, in February Galaxy users will have a choice of the colorful plastic structure of the A57 or the high-end glass-plastic phones in the Galaxy S26 series.
9). Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
It should also be noted that the same leak stated that the Galaxy A07 5G (the budget workhorse of Samsung) will also come in January 2026. Concisely, Samsung appears already prepared to saturate the market with new mid-range gadgets at the very beginning of the year, so that buyers with smaller budgets will not be left behind.
10). Redmi Note 16 series
In China, mid-range innovation is still being driven by companies. It is believed that Xiaomi will also release the Redmi Note 16 series in early 2026 (probably in China first). A particularly interesting leak says that the highest performance model Redmi Note 16 Pro + might have a tremendous 200MP main camera sensor – equal to the best phone cameras – and a battery capacity over 7,000 mAh. This would make high quality imaging and range more affordable within a range of budget flagships. The trend is also being followed by rival Realme: their 16 Pro series (available early January 2026) will have a 200MP Samsung HP5 sensor and, in fact, a 3.5x periscope zoom lens, a setup usually only found in true flagships. These better than excellent cameras, and the sophisticated portrait applications of realme, ensure that the Realme 16 Pro models are a powerful mid-range alternative.
11). Moto G Stylus
The updates of Motorola are other mid-range competitors. An Moto G Stylus (2026) leak reveals that it will retain the same design and stylus pocket as the 2025. Stated in another way, the G Stylus (2026) is supposed to be a budget phone taking notes, which would mean that it would be in the same price range of approximately $300-400. Motorola appears to also be enticing a pricier Edge 70 Ultra in 2026, perhaps with stylus support also. Though there is limited information, it indicates that Motorola is interested in providing a flagship lite with the ability to compete with Samsung and its S-Pen phones.
To conclude, the list of the Best Phones Coming in Early 2026 is full of powerful mid-range phones. The Pixel 10a of Google, the A-series of Samsung, the high-end Note phones of Xiaomi/Redmi, the 200MP-equipped model of Realme and the stylus phones of Motorola all have a potential to offer something above the standard budget offering. The phones will bring the latest technology closer to people and continue making the market dynamic and providing the consumers with more options.
Innovative Foldable Phones to be released by Early 2026
Foldable smartphones are no longer niche curiosities – in early 2026 they’re becoming mainstream contenders. Samsung, Google, and Oppo are each preparing new foldable designs. Samsung is expected to continue its Galaxy Z Fold/Flip lineup, but according to one rumor the next Z Fold/Flip pair (possibly called Fold 8 and Flip 8) may not arrive until mid-2026. That suggests Samsung won’t rush its next foldable until after the S26 launch.
12). Oppo Find N6
In the meantime, Oppo is set to bring back its folding “Find N” series. The Oppo Find N6 is rumored for Q1 202. Early reports mention a sleeker, lighter body, longer battery life, and a tougher hinge than before. Oppo’s previous foldables have earned praise for refined design, and the N6 could be the one that truly challenges Samsung’s dominance in foldables.
13). Pixel 10 Pro Fold
Google is also pitching a foldable into the fray. The company’s first foldable, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, was introduced as part of the Pixel 10 series (launching late 2025). While much of Google’s attention goes to AI features, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold brings Google’s AI to a large 8″ inner screen. It offers unique camera tricks for multi-screen editing and collaboration. If Google follows a similar schedule, we may see the Pixel 11 foldable in 2026. For now, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will start to become available globally in early 2026 (it was initially released in limited markets).
14). Huawei Pura X2
Chinese brands are even more adventurous. Huawei is said to have a second-generation foldable in the works. Alongside the Mate 80 GTS, the tipster mentioned the Huawei Pura X2 foldable launching by March 2026. Details are scarce, but it’s expected to follow Huawei’s high-end design language and possibly sport its latest Kirin chipset under the hood. A Weibo source even hints that the Pura X2 might incorporate some kind of active cooling fan (just like its Mate GTS flagship, underscoring Huawei’s interest in pushing performance on a foldable.
15). Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7/Flip 7
When it comes to best foldable experiences, Samsung still sets the bar for balance and polish. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7/Flip 7 (2025 models) were well-received, and we expect more refinements in 2026. Even if their successors debut later in the year, Samsung might tease features like an invisible crease and S Pen support. In contrast, brands like Oppo, Google, and Huawei are driving innovation in new ways – whether it’s design, materials, or AI integration.
With so many foldable devices on the way, early 2026 feels like a turning point for the category. By mid-2026 we could see foldables become truly mainstream. For now, keep an eye on announcements from Oppo’s Find N6 and Google’s foldable; these will show how diverse and “out there” foldable phones can be.
Gaming and Performance Phones heading your way Early 2026
The other trend to be excited about in 2026 is the revival of dedicated gaming phones and performance monsters. ROG Phone by ASUS has carried the banner here, although rumors of ROG phone 10 in 2026 remain unproven.
16). Lenovo Legion Y700 (2026)
Lenovo it is also entering the gaming market with the Legion gaming line: the next Lenovo Legion Y700 (2026) may possess a very large 3K display, 165Hz vapor-chilled cooling, and an enormous 9,000 3. a battery. It would also have the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip under the hood that provides raw power. This would turn the Legion Y700 into a real marathon-running gaming phone (the Gen4 model already was capable of having a huge battery), and this is anticipated to be released in the first half of 2026.
17). Red Magic 11 Air
Another name in the gaming phones is Nubia RedMagic. The Product Manager of Nubia in China on December 24, 2025, confirmed the Red Magic 11 Air in January 2026. The leaks by the tipster Digital Chat Station indicate that this Air model will come with the active cooling fan that RedMagic has become known for using as well as a Snapdragon 8 Elite (the same Gen 5 chip that will be found in other flagships). It will be powered with a huge ~7,000mAh battery and a 6.85 inch OLED screen, and an under-screen 16MP selfie camera that is a cool feature.
This will render the Red Magic 11 Air one of the earliest phones of 2026 that have an in-display front camera. It is an affordable-priced gaming phone with up to 24GB RAM and 1TB storage, so it might be a good choice to any gamer with a limited budget but willing to invest in a phone that provides their needs with performance.
Long battery life is also something that OnePlus is immersing itself in. Leaked benchmarks of late 2025 showed that OnePlus is working on a Turbo series phone that has an unbelievable 9,000 mAh capacity. Geekbench scores indicate the possibility of two models: one with a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 (an expensive, but slightly reduced chip) and one with the complete Snapdragon 8 Gen 5. In both instances, it is understandable: performance and endurance. Instead of imitating the charging rate, OnePlus appears to focus on days of charge.
These so-called Turbo phones (one of them might be called a Nord or an Ace version) will be available early in 2026, and they may become a sweet spot of gamers or power users who dislike carrying a battery pack.
High performance seems to be eagerly being added by the other brands such as Motorola. The leaked Edge 70 Ultra phone (which Motorola is supposedly launching in 2026) can, in fact, feature the stylus support, so it will be a single flagship alternative to the Samsung Note series. In that case, it would appeal to productivity-oriented customers. In the meantime, the Moto G Stylus (2026) with a stylus is a better middle-range phone, although it demonstrates how familiar a stylus phone can become again.
To be brief, the beginning of 2026 is optimistic to the fans of a high-powered phone. Not only cameras and foldables, but also raw performance and game-changing features will be featured in the Best Phones Coming in Early 2026. In the Lenovo Legion, RedMagic, OnePlus Turbo and whatever Moto or ASUS might have, gamers and power users should have a lot of options.
All of these future products demonstrate the variety and the boldness of Smartphones. To the readers, it will be more choices and more innovation at the beginning of 2026. Having read about these verified launches and plausible leakages, like the Galaxy S26 and Redmi Note 16 and RedMagic 11 Air will be prepared to shop your next phone whenever it is announced. The latest releases are indeed exciting and new year brings, and the list of the Best Phones Coming in Early 2026 is a reminder of the rate at which the world of mobile technology is evolving.
