Realme 16 5G India launch expected soon as phone clears BIS certification

Realme smartphone with the model number RMX5171 was spotted on BIS by TheTechOutlook. Although the phone’s name isn’t revealed, the model number is associated with the Realme 16 5G based on other instances, including a leak by tipster Abhishek Yadav and a Google Play Console listing. This strongly suggests it is indeed the Realme 16, and we can expect it to debut anytime soon.

The Realme 16 5G is tipped to launch in India in three variants: 8GB + 128GB, 8GB + 256GB, and 12GB + 256GB. The smartphone could launch in two colour options, Air Black and Air White, the same as the handset in Vietnam. Since the phone is already official, we already have an idea of what to expect from the Realme 16 5G when it launches in India.

The Realme 16 will be part of the brand’s number series, which targets the mid-range segment with a focus on balanced specifications, premium design, and an overall refined experience. Positioned as the more affordable option in the lineup, the Realme 16 will sit below the Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro+, both priced above Rs 30,000 in India. If Realme sticks to its existing pricing strategy, the Realme 16 could be priced around Rs 25,000, similar to its predecessor, the Realme 15.

The interesting bit about this new phone is its ‘Air Design’, which, as you guessed it, is inspired by the iPhone Air. The smartphone has a thin horizontal camera strip on the back panel, similar to the iPhone Air. Realme adds its own twist by putting a small ‘Selfie Mirror’ next to the cameras. The mirror is designed to help users take photos with the rear cameras by checking their poses. The Realme 16 also features the industry-first ‘Aurora Wing colour-shifting technology’ that uses multi-coloured particles to create a blue-purple gradient.

The smartphone looks appealing to users who prefer a stylish design, and the selfie mirror may be interesting enough to attract photography enthusiasts.

In terms of specifications, the Realme 16 5G features a 6.57-inch FHD+ AMOLED display (2372 × 1080 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate, 4,200 nits peak brightness, and DT Star D+ glass protection. This display size would make the Realme 16 more compact than its older siblings. For optics, you’re getting a 50MP Sony IMX852 main camera and a 2MP monochrome sensor with LumaColor processing and AI Edit Genie. Its selfie camera is a 50MP sensor, something we don’t see much on phones in this segment.

Powering the phone is the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset, which doesn’t seem like an upgrade, as the Realme 15 uses the Dimensity 7300 Plus. We’ll have to see, though, if this actually makes any difference in the phone’s performance. Like it’s the trend these days, the smartphone will pack a 7,000mAh battery with 60W fast charging and wired reverse charging support. The smartphone also gets a 6050mm² vapour chamber, and IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings for dust and water resistance.

If the Realme 16 5G launches in India with the same specifications, it is likely to appeal to buyers looking for a stylish mid-range smartphone with a well-balanced overall package. Its battery life, durability, camera features, and relatively compact design could work in its favour, though pricing will be a crucial factor. Realme 15 users may want to stick to the phone and wait for reviews before planning to upgrade to the new model. Also, since the phone is yet to launch in India, it remains to be seen whether Realme introduces any meaningful under-the-hood improvements and how the device performs in real-world usage.