After the introduction of the Realme 16 Pro series, the primary inquiries centred around the pricing rather than the specifications or features of the devices. The audience at the launch expressed surprise as the prices were a bit higher than anticipated. Although the devices feature remarkable camera functionalities, substantial battery capacities, and competent processors, these price tags did not evoke the same enthusiasm from the spectators.
The Realme 16 Pro has been launched at a price of Rs 31,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, while the 16 Pro+ comes in at Rs 39,999 for the same 8+128GB storage option.
This led to various queries regarding the rationale behind the pricing of these smartphones. To gain insight, a conversation was held with Mr Francis Wong, Head of Product Marketing at Realme, who provided clarifications.
The following presents the exchange with him:
Highlights
Pricing Dynamics in a Sensitive Market
Startup Superb: The Realme 16 Pro is announced with a notable increase in price compared to its predecessor. In a sensitive market such as India, how can this rise be justified to a consumer base accustomed to viewing the number series as an ‘affordable premium’ choice? Particularly since the battery and processors appear similar to those of the previous realme 15 series?
Francis Wong: The Realme 16 Pro series will retain its status as “affordable premium” once all brands launch their mid-range offerings in Q1.
Initially, it is crucial to recognise a larger trend within the industry: every smartphone released in 2026 will automatically come at a higher cost than an equivalent model from 2025. This trend is an unavoidable shift expected to persist until H2 2027, spurred by increasing component expenses, particularly for memory, imaging systems, and AI-related technologies. For context, Samsung has reportedly raised prices of essential memory components by as much as 60%, while Apple is confronting a staggering 230% hike in 12 GB RAM costs for flagship models.
Defining the Premium Experience
With the Realme 16 Pro Series, while certain specifications like the processor or battery may seem familiar, smartphones in today’s market are characterised by their overall user experience rather than isolated specifications. The 16 Pro series is designed to provide a genuinely premium experience through significant enhancements in areas such as camera technology, design, and AI functionalities. Yes, some users might initially perceive the pricing as steep, but history has shown that as competitors launch their devices at higher prices, the value of the 16 Pro series will become evident. The number series has always represented “affordable premium.” This philosophy remains intact; only the standards for premium have evolved. Although pricing has changed, every rupee is supported by tangible, day-to-day value.
Performance and AI Capabilities
Startup Superb: Can the processor in these devices perform as expected with the basic RAM of 8GB, particularly regarding AI functionalities?
Francis Wong: Absolutely, if it doesn’t meet expectations, we will not release it to the market. In the 16 Pro series, the processor, memory, and realme UI 7 are meticulously optimised to ensure that even the baseline 8GB RAM variant delivers precisely what users need during daily operations. From multitasking and gaming to AI functionalities like AI Camera, AI Edit Genie, and AI Perfect Shot, are crafted to be swift and efficient rather than unnecessarily demanding. Ultimately, sustained smoothness and reliability are what matter. With improved system optimisation and practical AI designed around real-world usage, 8GB RAM is sufficient for delivering a consistently smooth experience.
Understanding the Price Increases
Startup Superb: Is the global RAM scarcity the sole reason for these price increases?
Francis Wong: The recent surge in memory costs over the past few months is indeed the main factor. However, another contributing factor is the notable rise in costs and demand for AI and advanced camera systems, which have transitioned from optional features to essential components of the smartphone experience. This can be clearly observed in the improvements made in the Realme 16 Pro series – we are pioneering the introduction of a 200MP+periscope lens in this segment while enhancing the popular AI Edit Genie to version 2.0, among other advancements.
