Realme has kicked off 2026 with a major smartphone launch in India. On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the Chinese smartphone brand unveiled its first smartphones of the year under the Realme 16 Pro series, introducing the Realme 16 Pro+ and Realme 16 Pro. With premium design, advanced durability ratings and camera-focused hardware, the new lineup is aimed squarely at buyers looking for high-end features without stepping into ultra-flagship pricing.
The launch also marks Realme’s push into tougher, more durable smartphones, while keeping performance and photography at the center of the experience.
Realme 16 Pro Series: Built for Durability and Performance
One of the standout highlights of the Realme 16 Pro series is its industry-leading durability. Both smartphones come with IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K ratings, offering protection against dust, water immersion, extreme temperatures and even exposure to multiple liquids.
On the software side, the series runs on Realme UI 7.0, based on Android 16, straight out of the box, ensuring the latest features and security updates from day one.
Realme Expands Portfolio With New Tablet and TWS
Alongside the smartphones, Realme also introduced two new products in India:
- Realme Pad 3 5G with a 2.8K book-view display, AI-powered productivity tools and a massive 12,200mAh battery, priced at ₹24,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant.
- Realme Buds Air 8, featuring 55dB active noise cancellation, dual-driver acoustics and an AI voice assistant powered by Google Gemini, priced at ₹3,599.
Both products will go on sale starting January 16.
Realme 16 Pro+ Specifications and Features
The Realme 16 Pro+ positions itself as the top model in the lineup with a strong focus on display quality, performance and photography.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED panel
- Brightness: Up to 6,500 nits peak
- Refresh Rate: Up to 144Hz
- Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 4
- RAM & Storage: Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
Camera Setup
- 200MP primary rear camera
- 50MP telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom
- 8MP ultra-wide camera
- 50MP front camera
Battery
- 7,000mAh battery
- 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging (charger included)
Price and Availability
- ₹39,999 – 8GB + 128GB
- ₹41,999 – 8GB + 256GB
- ₹44,999 – 12GB + 256GB
Available in Master Gold and Camellia Pink colour options.
Sale starts January 9 via Flipkart, Realme online store and offline retail outlets.
Realme 16 Pro Specifications and Features
The Realme 16 Pro offers many of the flagship features of the Pro+ at a more accessible price, making it a strong contender in the premium mid-range segment.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED panel
- Brightness: Up to 6,500 nits peak
- Refresh Rate: 120Hz
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Max
- RAM & Storage: Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage
Camera Setup
- 200MP primary rear camera
- 8MP secondary camera
- 50MP selfie camera
Battery
- 7,000mAh battery
- 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging (charger included)
Price and Availability
- ₹31,999 – 8GB + 128GB
- ₹33,999 – 8GB + 256GB
- ₹36,999 – 12GB + 256GB
The Realme 16 Pro will also go on sale starting January 9 across Flipkart, Realme’s official store and retail channels.
Final Thoughts
With the launch of the Realme 16 Pro+ and Realme 16 Pro, Realme has set an aggressive tone for 2026. Features like a 200MP camera, extreme durability ratings, large 7,000mAh batteries and Android 16 out of the box make the 16 Pro series stand out in the premium segment. As competition heats up in the early months of the year, Realme’s latest lineup offers buyers a compelling mix of power, durability and modern design.