Chinese smartphone brand Realme has kick-started 2026 with a major hardware announcement in India. On Tuesday, January 6, the company officially launched the Realme 16 Pro series, introducing two premium smartphones — Realme 16 Pro Plus and Realme 16 Pro. With flagship-grade durability ratings, powerful processors, massive batteries and high-resolution cameras, Realme is clearly aiming to strengthen its position in the upper-midrange and premium smartphone segment.
Alongside the smartphones, the brand also unveiled the Realme Pad 3 5G and Realme Buds Air 8, expanding its ecosystem of connected devices for Indian consumers.
Realme 16 Pro Series: Built for Extreme Durability
One of the biggest highlights of the Realme 16 Pro lineup is its industry-leading durability. Both smartphones come with IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K certifications, making them resistant to dust, high-pressure water jets, submersion, extreme temperatures and exposure to multiple liquids.
This makes the Realme 16 Pro series one of the most rugged smartphones available in its price segment, catering to users who need reliability in harsh environments without compromising on premium design.
Software and User Experience
Out of the box, both models run on Realme UI 7.0, based on Android 16. The new interface focuses on AI-driven features, smoother animations, better privacy controls and improved battery optimisation. Realme claims long-term software support and enhanced performance tuning tailored for power users and gamers.
Realme 16 Pro Plus: Specifications and Features
The Realme 16 Pro Plus is positioned as the flagship model in the series and packs top-tier hardware.
Display
The display is clearly targeted at content consumers and mobile gamers who demand smooth visuals and outdoor visibility.
Performance
The chipset promises significant improvements in CPU, GPU and AI performance, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient power usage.
Camera Setup
With this setup, the Realme 16 Pro+ targets mobile photography enthusiasts, offering high-resolution imaging and versatile zoom capabilities.
Battery and Charging
Realme claims all-day battery life even with heavy usage, making it suitable for power users.
Price and Availability
Available in Master Gold and Camellia Pink colour options. Sales begin January 9 via Flipkart, Realme’s official website and offline retail stores.
Realme 16 Pro: Specifications and Features
The Realme 16 Pro offers many flagship-level features at a more accessible price point.
Display
The slightly smaller display still delivers vibrant colours and smooth scrolling.
Performance
The processor is optimised for power efficiency and stable gaming performance.
Camera Setup
While it lacks a telephoto lens, the high-resolution main sensor ensures detailed photography.
Battery and Charging
Despite being the more affordable model, battery and charging capabilities remain identical to the Pro+ variant.
Price and Availability
Sales start on January 9 via Flipkart, Realme online store and retail outlets.
Realme Pad 3 5G and Buds Air 8 Also Launched
In addition to smartphones, Realme expanded its product lineup with two new accessories:
Realme Pad 3 5G
Realme Buds Air 8
Both products go on sale starting January 16 in India.
Market Impact and Competition
With aggressive pricing and premium specifications, the Realme 16 Pro series directly competes with smartphones from Samsung, Xiaomi, iQOO and OnePlus in the ₹30,000–₹45,000 segment. Features like IP69K certification, a 7,000mAh battery and 200MP cameras give Realme a strong competitive edge.
The Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro Plus offer a compelling combination of durability, performance, battery life and camera technology. Whether you are a power user, gamer or photography enthusiast, the new Realme 16 Pro series delivers flagship-like features at competitive prices, making it one of the most noteworthy smartphone launches of early 2026.
