The mid-range smartphone market in India just got highly competitive with the release of the realme 16 Pro Plus. Launched to capture the attention of photography enthusiasts and power users, this new device offers a premium experience without an ultra-flagship price tag. From an unusually massive battery to a high-resolution periscope zoom camera, the smartphone aims to set a new benchmark in its category. Here is everything you need to know about its features, pricing, and the latest news surrounding it.
What Happened: A Major Mid-Range Launch
Realme officially introduced the realme 16 Pro Plus to the Indian market on January 6, 2026. Arriving alongside the standard realme 16 Pro, the “Plus” model was heavily promoted for bringing top-tier camera technology and unmatched battery life to the sub-Rs. 50,000 segment. The phone is available through major retail channels like Flipkart and the official Realme online store, targeting consumers who want flagship-level aesthetics and reliable performance for daily tasks.
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Key Features and Specifications
Display and Premium Design
The smartphone features a large 6.8-inch curved AMOLED display that delivers a crisp 1.5K resolution. It offers a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and an incredibly high peak brightness of up to 6,500 nits, making it easily readable under harsh outdoor sunlight. Realme has also focused heavily on durability this year. The device holds IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications, meaning it can withstand deep water, dust, and even high-pressure, high-temperature water jets. Buyers can choose from three distinct color options: Master Gold, Master Grey, and an India-exclusive Camellia Pink, all featuring a comfortable, bio-based silicone finish that resembles premium worn leather.
Advanced Camera Capabilities
Photography is a major selling point for this device. The rear camera module is headlined by a massive 200-megapixel primary sensor equipped with optical image stabilization, allowing for sharp, detailed photos in all lighting conditions. What truly makes it stand out is the return of the periscope lens. It features a 50-megapixel telephoto camera capable of 3.5x optical zoom, helping users capture high-quality portraits and distant subjects clearly. An 8-megapixel ultra-wide lens completes the rear setup, while a sharp 50-megapixel front camera handles selfies and high-definition video calls.
Processor and Massive Battery
Under the hood, the phone is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 mobile platform. This highly capable 4nm processor ensures smooth multitasking, reliable gaming performance, and quick app launches. To keep the phone running, Realme packed in an exceptionally large 7,000mAh battery. Despite its slim profile, the phone can easily last up to two days on a single charge for average users. When it finally runs out of power, the included 80W fast charger quickly tops it back up.
Pricing Details and Recent Rumors
At launch, the base variant with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage was priced at Rs. 39,999. The mid-tier 8GB RAM with 256GB storage model costs Rs. 41,999, while the top-end 12GB RAM and 256GB storage version is priced at Rs. 44,999. However, recent industry leaks from February 2026 suggest that a price hike might be imminent. Due to the rising global costs of memory components and chipsets, Realme is reportedly planning to increase the price of the Plus models by up to Rs. 4,000. While the company has not officially confirmed this, buyers are advised to check current retail prices before making a purchase.
Why It Matters and Impact in India
This launch is significant for the Indian tech market because it forces competitors to offer better hardware at lower prices. By introducing extreme military-grade water resistance ratings and a periscope zoom camera well under Rs. 50,000, Realme is blurring the lines between mid-range and premium smartphones. It directly challenges established rivals to innovate further in this highly lucrative and demanding price bracket.
What Happens Next?
Looking forward, consumers who purchase the device can expect strong long-term software support. The company has promised three years of major Android operating system updates and four years of security patches. The phone currently runs on the smooth Realme UI 7.0 software based on Android 16. As rumors of price hikes continue to circulate, budget-conscious buyers might want to finalize their purchase decisions quickly to lock in the launch prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the realme 16 Pro Plus in India?
The smartphone originally launched at a starting price of Rs. 39,999 for the 128GB storage model. However, retail prices may vary slightly depending on available bank offers and potential company price adjustments.
Does the phone have a curved display?
Yes, the device features a 6.8-inch curved AMOLED screen that provides an immersive viewing experience, vibrant colors, and smooth edge-to-edge scrolling.
Is the realme 16 Pro Plus waterproof?
The phone is highly durable and features comprehensive IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings. This means it is highly protected against dust, continuous water submersion, and even direct high-pressure water jets.
What processor is used in this smartphone?
It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, which delivers efficient, fast, and lag-free performance for everyday applications and modern mobile gaming.
How big is the battery?
The device comes with an unusually large 7,000mAh battery, which is significantly larger than the industry average, and it supports 80W fast charging for quick top-ups.
