The Indian smartphone market entered a high-velocity launch cycle Tuesday as major brands prepared for the third week of February 2026. This week’s releases target the competitive sub-₹60,000 segment ahead of Mobile World Congress (MWC).
Google, Vivo, and Infinix confirmed specific launch dates for their mid-range contenders. Meanwhile, supply chain leaks suggest Apple may surprise the market with the iPhone 17e as early as Thursday. These devices prioritize high-density batteries and advanced AI hardware to capture “flagship killer” market share.
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Google Pixel 10a: The Tensor G5 Debut
The Google Pixel 10a is confirmed to launch in India and global markets Wednesday, February 18. Pre-orders will likely begin on the same day via Flipkart and the official Google Store. The device features a 6.3-inch 120Hz P-OLED display and a flush rear camera design.
“The Pixel 10a bridges the gap between value and flagship power,” a Google spokesperson said recently. In fact, most credible leaks point to the inclusion of the 3nm Tensor G5 chipset. Therefore, the device would offer the same AI processing power as the flagship Pixel 10 series for under ₹60,000.
Vivo V70 Series: The Endurance King
The Vivo V70 series will be unveiled in India on Thursday, February 19. The lineup includes the standard V70 and the V70 Elite. Both phones feature the narrowest bezels in their segment at just 1.25mm. They also carry IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance certifications.
Meanwhile, the headline feature is the massive 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery. This allows for up to 40 hours of video playback on a single charge. The Elite model will utilize the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 SoC, while the standard V70 relies on the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4. Still, both models support 90W FlashCharge technology.
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iPhone 17e: Dynamic Island for the Masses
Apple’s iPhone 17e is rumored to break cover Thursday, February 19, coinciding with the anniversary of the 16e. The device reportedly adopts the Dynamic Island and the 3nm A19 chipset. It will likely retain a 6.1-inch OLED panel but remains limited to a 60Hz refresh rate.
Next, the handset is expected to introduce MagSafe charging to the “e” series. A single 48MP Fusion camera serves as the primary shooter. In fact, various reports suggest the iPhone 17e will start at $599 (roughly ₹54,000) for the 128GB base variant. Therefore, it becomes Apple’s most affordable entry point for the 2026 hardware cycle.
Reality Check
Google and Vivo market these devices as “premium mid-range” powerhouses. Still, the Pixel 10a continues to ship with 128GB of non-expandable storage as its base. Therefore, users who record 4K video will find their local storage exhausted within months.
In fact, the iPhone 17e’s 60Hz display remains a major point of criticism in 2026. Most Android competitors in the ₹25,000 segment now offer 120Hz or 144Hz LTPO panels. Still, Apple bets on brand loyalty and the A19’s AI efficiency to justify the dated screen technology.
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The Loopholes
The Infinix Note Edge, launching February 18, claims a “sub-₹25,000” price point. In fact, this price only applies to the 128GB variant after applying specific bank discounts. Therefore, the actual retail price for most consumers will likely sit closer to ₹27,000.
Still, the Vivo V70’s IP69 rating allows the phone to withstand high-pressure water jets. Therefore, it is technically the most durable phone in this week’s lineup. Yet the warranty still excludes internal water damage, which remains a standard industry loophole for all “waterproof” devices.
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What This Means for You
If you are looking for a camera-first experience, wait for the Pixel 10a’s first software reviews on Wednesday. First, verify the exchange offers on Flipkart; Google traditionally offers aggressive buy-back rates for older iPhones. Then, compare the 6,500mAh battery of the V70 against your current daily screen time.
Finally, prepare for the iPhone 17e launch by checking your existing MagSafe accessories. If the rumors are true, this will be the best “budget” iPhone for users coming from an iPhone 13 or older. Before buying, compare the 90W charging of the Vivo against the rumored 20W limit on the Apple device.
What’s Next
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026 event will begin in Barcelona on February 23. Then, we expect flagship launches from Xiaomi and OnePlus to hit the global stage. Finally, the Samsung Galaxy A-series refresh is scheduled for early March to counter the Pixel 10a.
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