4 reasons to buy the Realme 16 Pro+ and 3 reasons not to buy

• By Saloni Tandon
Published On: 10 January 2026 | 09:00 IST

Realme has brought back the top-end option to its number series with the Realme 16 Pro+, after the previous Realme 15 series didn’t get a Pro+ model. Starting at Rs 39,999, it lands in the premium mid-range space, where people expect solid cameras, reliable battery life, and steady performance for daily needs, without touching flagship territory.

After testing the Realme 16 Pro+ in the real world, here are the main reasons it works well and the areas where it requires some trade-offs, based on our review of the device.

Reasons to buy the Realme 16 Pro+

Unique design with robust IP69K protection

The Realme 16 Pro+ catches the eye, particularly in the Master Gold finish, which we got to review. Its soft-touch silicone back feels high-end and practical. As the review mentions, it “resists fingerprints and smudges and offers a good grip,” which beats glossy glass phones for everyday handling.

What sets it apart from competitors is its toughness. With IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, the Realme 16 Pro+ ranks among the toughest in its class. The review calls it “extremely well protected against dust and water,” offering real reassurance for frequent travellers or those who are hard on their devices. Even though it weighs over 200 grams, the curved edges balance the weight well.

Good camera performance in most scenarios

Cameras carry much of the Realme 16 Pro+ workload. The 200MP Samsung HP5 main sensor with OIS shines in daylight, producing sharp shots with strong dynamic range. The review highlights that the primary camera “performs very well in natural light,” yielding detailed, social media-worthy images.

The 200MP high-res mode proves handy for capturing maximum detail, despite occasional overexposure and flatter contrast. As noted in the review, “having rich details is a different challenge altogether and not something you can do after clicking an image,” so it will suit those who edit photos later.

The 50MP telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom brings versatility, with clean portrait separation, natural bokeh, and solid zoomed everyday shots. It handles low light well too, keeping colours realistic without the washed-out brightness common here. Selfies from the 50MP front camera come out sharp with good background detail, though skin smoothing might feel too strong for some. The 8MP ultra-wide is the weak link though, described in the review as “the least capable of the bunch.”

Decent performance for general users

On paper, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset isn’t the most exciting addition as we saw it in the preceding Realme 15 Pro too. The review also acknowledges that the phone “falls short of its direct competitors in raw numbers.” Real-life usage paints a better picture though.

Social media, browsing, streaming, and multitasking flow smoothly without hitches. It stays stable under load, thanks to better thermal control than some rivals, aided by Realme’s large AirFlow vapour chamber cooling system that prevents steep performance drops. Gaming is steady, if not top-tier. Popular games run fine, some limited to 90fps currently. GT Mode, AI Gaming Coach, and motion controls add appeal for casual players, even if enthusiasts might crave more power.

Exceptional battery life

Battery life is one of the Realme 16 Pro+’s biggest strengths. The phone packs a massive 7,000mAh battery, and as the review puts it, “once fully charged, the Realme 16 Pro+ comfortably delivers over a day of battery life under moderate to heavy usage.” Expect around 11 hours of screen time, which is notable given the large screen and high-refresh-rate display.

There is 80W SuperVOOC charging and the phone comes with the charger in-box. The battery refills from 20 to 100 percent in under an hour, which is reasonable for the size. Bypass charging helps gamers by cutting heat and wear during long plays.

Reasons not to buy the Realme 16 Pro+

Ultra-wide camera performance could be better

Despite the strong main and telephoto cameras, the ultra-wide lens feels like a bit of a compromise. It’s usable in daylight and maintains decent colour consistency, but detail and edge sharpness lag behind the rest of the camera setup. If you rely heavily on ultra-wide shots, this limitation is worth keeping in mind.

Realme 16 Pro+

Vivo V60

Software support feels lacking for the price

The Realme 16 Pro+ runs Realme UI 7 based on Android 15. Once the pre-installed apps are removed, the experience is smooth, customisable, and visually polished. However, the long-term update promise is underwhelming. The three OS updates and four years of security patches “just don’t feel like enough in 2026,” as the review notes, especially at this price point. The Samsung Galaxy A56, for example, provides six major OS upgrades, with support continuing until 2031. Even the Realme GT 7 offers four OS upgrades and six years of security patches.

The phone is a bit heavy

At over 200 gms, the Realme 16 Pro+ is quite heavy. Even though the curved design helps with grip and balance, extended use can feel tiring, particularly for users who prefer lighter phones for one-handed use or long reading sessions.

The Realme 16 Pro+ is suited for users who prioritise camera performance, battery life, and a distinctive design with durability. It’s a dependable daily driver that handles most tasks and offers a camera system that performs well across most scenarios. However, if long-term software support, a lighter build, and a stronger ultra-wide camera are high on your priority list, it may be worth exploring alternatives in this price range. But if your focus is on photography, endurance, and everyday reliability, the Realme 16 Pro+ remains a good option in the premium mid-range segment.