Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G Set for India Launch, Pricing May Be a Concern
Realme is set to launch the 16 Pro Plus 5G in India with a 200MP camera and 7000mAh battery, but its expected pricing may raise value concerns.
The launch is scheduled for January 6 and comes at a time when smartphone brands are increasingly pushing premium hardware features into price brackets that were once considered mid-range. Over the past year, rising component costs and supply chain pressures have pushed prices upward across categories, forcing companies to rethink how they package and price new devices.
Realme’s latest series appears to be a response to that changing market reality.
Aiming for the Rs 40,000 segment
According to information shared ahead of the launch, the Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G is expected to be priced close to Rs 40,000 in India. While some early listings and box labels mention higher figures, industry sources suggest the final retail price will stay under Rs 45,000, with the base variant likely to start at around Rs 39,999.The phone will be available in multiple RAM and storage configurations, including options with higher memory for users who prioritise performance and long-term usage. Realme is expected to keep the entire lineup below the Rs 50,000 mark.
This pricing places the device squarely in a competitive category where buyers often compare specifications closely and expect near-flagship performance, particularly in cameras, display quality, and battery life.
Design choices and build
The Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G introduces a design that moves away from the glossy glass backs commonly seen in recent launches. The device features an eco-leather finish on the rear panel, giving it a textured surface and a more understated look.It will be offered in three colour options : Master Gold, Pink, and Grey. The grey variant leans towards a darker tone, while the gold and pink versions are intended to stand out visually. The camera module on the back uses a glossy finish and a layout that is noticeably different from earlier Realme phones, signalling a shift in design language for the brand.
Despite housing a large battery, the phone weighs around 203 grams and measures approximately 8.5mm in thickness. Both the front and back panels have slight curves, which help the device feel slimmer in hand.
Realme has also added IP68 and IP69 ratings, meaning the phone is protected against dust and high-pressure water exposure. This level of water resistance is still relatively uncommon in this price segment and may appeal to users looking for added durability.
Large display with high brightness
On the front, the Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. The panel supports a 120Hz refresh rate, which has become increasingly standard in this category but remains an important factor for smooth scrolling and gaming.One of the key highlights of the display is its brightness. Realme claims the screen can reach peak brightness levels of up to 6500 nits, making it easier to use outdoors under direct sunlight. The display also supports over a million colours and includes anti-glare protection.
The screen design includes curved edges and a punch-hole cutout for the front camera. Thin bezels contribute to a high screen-to-body ratio, making the device well suited for video streaming and other multimedia use.
Hardware and software
The smartphone is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 74 chipset, built on a 4nm process. The octa-core processor has a peak clock speed of 2.8GHz and is paired with the Adreno 722 GPU. This combination is expected to handle daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking without major issues.The base variant comes with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, with additional variants offering higher memory options. Realme also supports virtual RAM expansion, allowing part of the internal storage to be used as additional RAM when required.
Out of the box, the Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G runs Android 16 with Realme UI 7.0. The company has confirmed that the device will receive three major Android updates, a commitment that is becoming increasingly important for buyers who plan to keep their phones for several years.
Strong focus on camera hardware
Cameras are a central part of Realme’s pitch with the 16 Pro Plus 5G. The phone features a 200-megapixel primary rear camera, supported by AI-based image processing. High-resolution sensors of this kind are designed to capture finer details and offer greater flexibility for cropping and zooming.Alongside the main camera, the device includes a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera. This setup allows users to switch between wide-angle shots, portraits, and zoom photography without relying heavily on digital zoom.
On the front, the phone houses a 50-megapixel selfie camera. Both the rear and front cameras support 4K video recording. Realme has also highlighted underwater photography and video capabilities, supported by the phone’s water resistance ratings.
Early hands-on impressions suggest that camera performance is one of the device’s stronger aspects, particularly given the price segment it targets.
Battery life and charging
The Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G is equipped with a 7000mAh battery, one of the largest capacities currently offered in this category. Such a battery is expected to comfortably last through a full day of heavy usage, including gaming, navigation, and video streaming.To offset the large battery size, Realme has included 80W fast charging support. An 80W charger is bundled in the box, allowing users to recharge the phone quickly and reduce downtime.
Connectivity and audio
The device supports 5G connectivity and features dual stereo speakers. A noise-cancelling microphone is placed at the top, while the bottom houses the USB Type-C port, SIM tray, and main microphone. Physical volume and power buttons are located on the sides, maintaining a familiar layout.What this launch means for Realme
With the Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G, the company is clearly aiming to consolidate its position in the premium mid-range space. The combination of a large AMOLED display, high-resolution cameras, long battery life, and fast charging reflects the priorities of Indian consumers in this segment.Whether the phone succeeds will depend on final pricing, launch offers, and how it stacks up against competitors that focus heavily on online-only sales. As the official launch approaches, details around availability and variant-wise pricing are expected to be announced.
For now, the Realme 16 Pro Plus 5G appears positioned as a feature-rich option for buyers looking to step up from standard mid-range smartphones without entering the flagship price bracket.
