Gone are the days when buying a phone in India meant checking if it had a 108MP or 200MP lens. In early 2026, the smartphone battleground has completely shifted. It is no longer about the hardware on the back of your phone; it is about the “brain” inside it.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has officially replaced hardware specs as the top selling point for smartphones in India. From the newly launched Motorola Signature (which went on sale yesterday, January 30) to the highly anticipated Samsung Galaxy S26 series, the message is clear: the future of photography is software, not just glass.
Here is everything you need to know about the AI camera revolution sweeping the Indian market, what features you actually get, and why your next phone upgrade will likely be defined by AI.
The Big Shift: “Smart” Over “Big”
For years, Indian consumers chased higher megapixel counts. Brands like Xiaomi, Realme, and Samsung fought to put 64MP, 108MP, and even 200MP sensors in mid-range phones. But users noticed a problem: a 200MP photo often didn’t look much better than a 12MP photo from an iPhone or Pixel.
Now, in 2026, the focus has flipped. The trend is Computational Photography. This means the phone captures raw data, but an AI chip (NPU) instantly “repairs” the image before you even see it. It fixes lighting, removes blurry faces, and even invents pixels that weren’t there to zoom in clearly.
Breaking News: Major AI Launches in India (January 2026)
This week has been massive for AI camera phones in India.
1. Motorola Signature (The “Signature” Move)
Just yesterday (January 30, 2026), Motorola started sales for its ultra-premium “Motorola Signature” phone in India.
- The AI Angle: It combines Sony’s top-tier LYTIA sensors with “Moto AI.” This allows for automatic motion capture and scene optimization that adapts to Indian lighting conditions better than standard filters.
2. Samsung Galaxy S26 & S25 Ultra
While the Galaxy S25 Ultra (launched last year) brought “Galaxy AI” to the masses, leaks surrounding the Galaxy S26 series (expected to launch anytime now in Jan/Feb 2026) suggest it will double down on AI video processing.
- The Feature: Samsung’s “Generative Edit” allows users to move people around in a photo or remove unwanted objects (like a photobomber at the Taj Mahal) just by circling them.
3. Google Pixel 10 Series
The Pixel 10 and 10 Pro continue to be the gold standard for software magic. Their “Best Take” feature—which swaps faces from a burst of photos to ensure everyone is smiling—has become a favorite for Indian family group photos.
Top AI Features You Can Use Right Now
If you buy an AI-focused phone in India today, these are the real-world features you get. It is not just marketing hype; these tools actually work.
1. Magic Eraser & Generative Fill
This is the most popular feature. Did a stranger walk behind your selfie at India Gate? You can now tap them, and the AI will delete them and fill in the background perfectly. It doesn’t just smudge the area; it understands what should be there (like a wall or sky) and paints it in.
2. AI Portrait & “Face Unblur”
Taking photos of kids or pets is hard because they move. AI cameras now detect a face is blurry while taking the photo and use data from the ultra-wide camera to sharpen the face instantly. For Indian weddings where lighting varies, AI Portrait modes now accurately handle Indian skin tones without washing them out or making them look unnaturally white.
3. Nightography (Low Light AI)
Hardware sensors are small, so they can’t let in much light. AI solves this by taking 10-20 frames in a split second and merging them. The result? Bright, noise-free photos during Diwali or night functions, even if your hand was shaking slightly.
Why This Matters for Indian Users
The impact of AI cameras in India is specific and practical:
- Content Creators: You no longer need a PC with Photoshop. You can edit thumbnails, remove backgrounds, and fix lighting directly on the phone in seconds.
- Old Photo Restoration: Many new AI phones come with tools to scan old, damaged physical photos of grandparents and digitally “restore” them, fixing scratches and adding color.
- Social Media Ready: AI handles compression better, ensuring that when you upload a Reel or Story to Instagram, the quality doesn’t drop drastically.
What Happens Next?
The next frontier is Video AI. While 2025 was about fixing photos, 2026 is about fixing videos. Expect to see “Video Eraser” features soon, where you can remove an object from a moving video clip. We also expect mid-range phones (under ₹25,000) from brands like Poco, Realme, and Nothing to start getting these premium AI features by mid-2026.
Read More : Is Your Mobile Tapped?Â
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need internet for AI camera features to work?
A: It depends. Simple features like “Face Unblur” or “Night Mode” happen on the phone (offline). However, complex edits like “Generative Fill” (where the phone invents new parts of an image) often need an internet connection to reach the cloud.
Q2: Which is the best AI camera phone in India right now?
A: As of January 2026, the Google Pixel 10 Pro is best for pure AI software tricks. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (and upcoming S26) is the best all-rounder for zoom and video. The Motorola Signature is the newest top contender for hardware-software balance.
Q3: Does AI make photos look fake?
A: Sometimes. If you overuse “Beauty Mode” or “Generative Edit,” the photo can look artificial. However, most modern phones let you turn these settings down to keep the photo looking natural.
Q4: Can cheap phones do AI photography?
A: Yes, but limited. Phones under ₹20,000 use basic AI for scene detection (like “Food Mode” or “Plant Mode”). For advanced tools like removing objects or unblurring faces, you usually need premium phones with powerful NPU chips.
Q5: Is AI camera safe for privacy?
A: Generally, yes. Companies like Apple and Google process most personal images directly on your device rather than sending them to a server, which keeps your photos private.
