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The Ultimate Smartphone Buyer’s Guide India (January 2026): Top Reviews, Secret Smartphone Codes, and AI Trends.
In the fast-paced world of Indian technology, 2026 has already marked a significant shift. We are no longer just looking at megapixels or battery size; we are entering the era of the AI-First Smartphone. Whether you are a student in Bengaluru, a professional in Mumbai, or a creator in Delhi, choosing the right device requires a blend of technical knowledge and “smart” shortcuts.
This comprehensive guide reviews the top-performing smartphones in India this month and reveals the hidden Secret Dialer Codes that power users use to maintain their devices.
Top Smartphone Reviews: The Best of January 2026
1. The Performance King: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The S25 Ultra remains the gold standard for Android enthusiasts in India. With the new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, it handles heavy multitasking and gaming (like BGMI or Genshin Impact) without breaking a sweat.
- Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x, 120Hz, 3000 nits brightness.
- Camera: 200MP Quad Rear Camera with ProVisual AI Engine.
- Battery: 5000mAh with 45W Fast Charging.
- Price in India: ₹1,41,999 onwards.
- Pros: Incredible display, S-Pen utility, 7 years of OS updates.
- Cons: Very expensive; charging speed lags behind Chinese rivals.
2. The “Cure for the Common Phone”: OnePlus 15
OnePlus has reclaimed its “Flagship Killer” roots with the OnePlus 15. It offers a massive battery and the fastest charging in its segment, making it ideal for the busy Indian lifestyle.
- Display: 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED.
- Battery: 7300mAh with 120W SuperVOOC Charging.
- Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
- Price in India: ₹79,998.
- Pros: Best-in-class battery life, extremely fast charging, premium build.
- Cons: Hasselblad camera is good but not quite “Ultra” level.
3. The AI Master: Google Pixel 10 Pro
If you want a phone that acts like a personal assistant, the Pixel 10 Pro is the best choice. Its integration with Google Gemini AI allows for real-time Hindi-to-English translation and advanced photo editing.
- Chipset: Google Tensor G5.
- Camera: 50MP Triple Array with 5x Optical Zoom.
- Pros: Most helpful AI features, clean Android 16 experience.
- Cons: Tensor chip still runs warmer than Snapdragon under heavy load.
Unlocking Your Phone: 20 Essential Secret Smartphone Codes for 2026
Most Indian users are unaware that their dialer is a gateway to hidden system menus. Use these USSD/MMI codes to check your hardware or secure your privacy.
General & Security Codes
- *#06#: Check IMEI Number (Crucial for reporting theft to Indian police).
- *#07#: Check SAR Level (Ensure your phone meets Indian radiation safety standards).
- *#21#: Check Call Forwarding Status (See if your calls are being diverted).
- ##002#: Disable All Forwarding (Instantly stops all call/data diversions).
- *31#: Hide your Caller ID for the next call.
- #31#: Re-enable Caller ID.
- *43#: Activate Call Waiting.
Android Hardware Diagnostics
- *#0*#: General Test Mode (Test screen, speakers, and vibration—works on most Samsung/Xiaomi devices).
- *#*#4636#*#*: Detailed Phone Info, Battery Stats, and Wi-Fi usage.
- *#0228#: Battery Status and Voltage (Essential for checking battery health).
- *#*#2664#*#*: Touchscreen Sensitivity Test.
- *#*#0842#*#*: Vibration and Backlight Test.
- *#9900#: System Dump Mode (Used to delete log files and free up storage).
- *#*#34971539#*#*: Detailed Camera Firmware Information.
Brand-Specific Shortcuts
- *#*#6484#*#*: Xiaomi/POCO Hardware Test (CIT Menu).
- *#800#: Realme/Oppo/OnePlus Feedback and Log Menu.
- *#*#2846579#*#*: Huawei/Honor Project Menu.
Advanced/Dangerous Codes (Use with Caution!)
- *#*#7780#*#*: Soft Factory Reset (Deletes apps and settings, keeps photos).
- *2767*3855#: Hard Factory Reset (Wipes everything instantly—no confirmation!).
- *3001#12345#*: iPhone Field Test Mode (Check actual signal strength in dBm).
Pros and Cons of Buying a Smartphone in 2026
Pros:
- AI Integration: Tools like Circle to Search and Live Translate are now standard.
- Battery Longevity: Modern silicon is more efficient, with many phones lasting 2 days.
- Sustainability: Most brands now offer 5–7 years of software support.
Cons:
- Rising Prices: Flagship prices in India have crossed the ₹1.2 Lakh mark.
- Lack of Innovation in Design: Most “slab” phones look identical to 2024 models.
- Repair Costs: Curved screens and glass backs are expensive to fix without insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which is the best phone under ₹30,000 in India? The Realme 16 Pro and OnePlus Nord CE 5 are top contenders for this budget.
- Is 5G mandatory for phones in 2026? Yes, with Jio and Airtel covering 95% of India, 4G-only phones are obsolete.
- How do I check if my phone is original? Dial *#06# and verify the IMEI on the manufacturer’s official website.
- What is the SAR limit in India? The limit is 1.6 W/kg averaged over 1 gram of human tissue.
- Does *#21# show if I am hacked? No, it usually shows your carrier’s voicemail number. It is not proof of hacking.
- Can secret codes damage my phone? Information codes are safe, but “Reset” codes can wipe your data.
- Why is my battery draining fast? Check *#*#4636#*#* to see which apps are consuming the most power.
- Which phone has the best camera in 2026? The Samsung S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max lead the market.
- Are refurbished phones worth it in India? Yes, platforms like Cashify offer good warranties on 2024-2025 flagships.
- How many GB of RAM do I need? For 2026, 8GB is the minimum, while 12GB is recommended for AI tasks.
- What is the best gaming phone? The ASUS ROG Phone 9 or iQOO 15 are optimized for high-performance gaming.
- Is Samsung better than iPhone? Samsung offers better displays and zoom; iPhone offers better video and resale value.
- Do secret codes work on iPhones? Only a few (like *#06# and *3001#12345#*) work on iOS.
- How do I increase phone storage? Use *#9900# on Samsung to “Delete Dumpstate/logcat” to free up system space.
- What is the *#0*# code? It is the LCD/Hardware test menu for Samsung devices.
- How can I hide my number while calling? Dial *31# before entering the phone number.
- What is “Field Test Mode”? It’s a menu to see technical details about your cellular network connection.
- Can I use 6G in India? No, 6G is still in the testing phase and not commercially available.
- Which processor is best for budget phones? The Snapdragon 7 Gen series or Dimensity 8000 series are excellent.
- Is wireless charging necessary? It’s a convenience, but wired fast-charging is still much more efficient.
Final Thought: As we navigate 2026, the best smartphone isn’t the one with the most cameras, but the one that uses AI to save you time. Always back up your data before trying “Reset” codes, and keep your IMEI safe!
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