REDMI Note 15 users left waiting as HyperOS 3 update remains missing

Xiaomi has officially pulled the curtain back on the Redmi Note 15 series for 2026, showcasing some of the most impressive mid-range hardware we’ve seen to date. From massive Silicon Carbon batteries to 200MP cameras, the spec sheet reads like a flagship, yet there is a significant cloud hanging over this launch.

Despite the cutting-edge internals, the devices are shipping with Android 15-based HyperOS 2.2 instead of the newly announced HyperOS 3. This decision has sparked a wave of backlash across Reddit and tech forums, as users feel “left behind” before they even unbox their new phones.

TL;DR

• The Problem: The Redmi Note 15 series ships with the older HyperOS 2.2 instead of the latest HyperOS 3.
• Hardware Wins: Features like the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 and 6580 mAh batteries are top-tier for the price.
• The Wait: While older models like the Redmi Note 13 Pro is already getting HyperOS 3, Note 15 users must wait until Q1/Q2 2026.

Is HyperOS 2.2 Holding Back the Hardware?

We’ve spent some time looking at the performance metrics, and the results are a mixed bag. While the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 in the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ is a beast, HyperOS 2.2 doesn’t seem fully optimized for this new silicon.

Users are reporting micro-stutters during app switching and a camera app that feels sluggish when processing high-res 200MP shots. It’s a classic case of the engine being too powerful for the transmission; the hardware is ready to fly, but the software is keeping it grounded.

Why the Delay for HyperOS 3?

One of the biggest questions we’re seeing is: “Why does an older phone have newer software?” It’s a fair point. The Redmi Note 14 5G started receiving HyperOS 3 in late 2025, yet the brand-new Redmi Note 15 is stuck in a waiting room.

Xiaomi’s “bottom-up” strategy focuses on stabilizing the core experience on older, high-volume models before porting the new Liquid Engine 2.0 animations to newer chipsets. This means if you buy the latest tech today, you might actually be last in line for the smoothest software experience.

Key Specs: Redmi Note 15 Series At a Glance

The Competition is Catching Up

While Xiaomi fumbles the rollout, Samsung is waiting in the wings. The Galaxy A56 might not have a 200MP sensor, but it offers a guaranteed 6-year OS update path and a much more synchronized global rollout.

If Xiaomi wants to maintain its lead in the “value king” segment, it needs to bridge the gap between its hardware release and its software maturity. For now, the Redmi Note 15 is a powerhouse in a software cage, waiting for HyperOS 3 to finally set it free.