Realme 16 Pro+ 5G: The Portrait Master in Mid-Range Smartphones

The mid-range smartphone landscape in 2026 has never seen such fierce competition. Brands are vying not just for pixel counts but aim to provide the most dependable daily devices. With the introduction of the Realme 16 Pro+ 5G, Realme signals its ambition to dominate the “portrait” photography segment.

By focusing heavily on sophisticated camera technology and appealing design, Realme has crafted a device that feels impressively advanced, even as it opts for a cautious approach in some internal aspects. After using the device for nearly two weeks, this review provides an overview.

Design and Display

Realme continues its tradition of audacious design with the 16 Pro+, adhering to its “Urban Wild” design philosophy. Collaborating with famed Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, this phone showcases an industry-first bio-based organic silicone back. In hand, it offers a premium feel that is soft, grippy, and wonderfully resistant to the fingerprints that typically plague glass-backed alternatives.

Nonetheless, the selection of colours for the organic back could have improved.

On the front, you will find a 6.8-inch “HyperGlow 4D Curve+” AMOLED display. The aggressive curvature is surprisingly comfortable, and the 144Hz refresh rate ensures that every interaction feels exceptionally smooth. With a peak brightness of 6,500 nits, outdoor visibility is assured, even under the harshest midday sunlight. Overall, it is a robust display.

Camera

If there’s one domain where Realme has concentrated its efforts, it is undeniably the camera system. Featuring a striking 200MP “LumaColor” main sensor, the highlight is the 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom. This review includes some photo samples taken with the device.

Realme 16 Pro+ camera samples: Portraits capture sharp details with a natural bokeh that appears optical rather than artificial. Realme’s image processing expertly manages skin tones, ensuring realistic results across various complexions. While the 8MP ultra-wide lens serves its purpose, the main and telephoto sensors elevate this smartphone to one of the finest cameras in its category.

It appears that Realme is finally aligning with, and in certain aspects surpassing, the photography benchmarks set by pricier competitors.

Performance

Performance is a critical aspect where the Realme 16 Pro+ offers intriguing insights. It is equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor.

Startup Superb approached Francis Wong, Chief Marketing Officer at Realme India, to discuss the increased prices and the choice of processor in the 16 Pro+, which parallels the Realme 15 Pro.

Wong explained that every smartphone debuting in 2026 will inevitably be pricier than those with comparable specifications from 2025. This trend is likely to persist until the second half of 2027, driven by escalating component costs, particularly in memory, imaging systems, and AI-related technology. This comment clarified the necessity for a price rise while maintaining the current processor.

When inquiring about the abilities of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and its efficiency with the base RAM of 8GB, Wong assured, “Yes, absolutely, if it doesn’t meet the standard, Realme would never release it to consumers. In the 16 Pro series, the integration of the processor, memory, and Realme UI 7 is optimised to ensure that even the base 8GB RAM version meets user expectations in routine usage, from multitasking through AI features such as AI Camera, AI Edit Genie, and AI Perfect Shot, all designed for speed and efficiency. Ultimately, sustained smoothness and reliability matter most. Thanks to intelligent system optimisation and practical AI tailored for real-world usage, 8GB RAM is adequate for a consistently smooth experience.”

Although the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 is a competent 4nm chipset capable of handling multitasking and demanding gaming (like Call of Duty: Mobile) with ease, it essentially marks a continuation from the previous generation.

For the average consumer, the difference might be minimal as the experience remains fluid. However, for power users seeking the latest technology to future-proof their investment, choosing this processor feels like a lost opportunity. While the phone performs well, it may not deliver the benchmark-smashing performance some anticipate at this price point.

Battery

The 16 Pro+ is equipped with a 7,000mAh “Titan Battery.” In practical tests, it proves to be comfortably a two-day device for moderate usage. Even heavy users juggling 5G connectivity and high-brightness gaming can expect to finish the day with 30-40% battery remaining. When it does run low, the 80W SuperVOOC charging revives it to full capacity in just over an hour… and reassuringly, despite the price increase, the adapter remains included in the box.

Software and AI

This smartphone operates on Realme UI 7.0, based on Android 16. The overall experience is seamless, enhanced by the new “Flux Animation Framework” that allows for instantaneous swiping and app transitions.

The Gemini-powered AI features, such as “AI Ultra Clarity” for reviving old photographs and “AI Instant Clip” for video editing, are entertaining additions, albeit infrequently utilised. The Gemini feature suite, particularly circle to search and Gemini live, are among the most frequently employed functions.

However, the persistent issue of bloatware and lock-screen advertisements can quickly become bothersome. Out of the box, the device comes with a clutter of pre-installed applications and games that seem unnecessary for a device priced at nearly Rs 40,000. While many can be uninstalled or disabled, this remains a drawback on an otherwise refined user experience.

Verdict

The Realme 16 Pro+ 5G stands out as a compelling device. By strategically focusing on display, battery performance, and an industry-leading camera system, Realme has developed a phone that excels in the areas that matter most to users daily.

Although the retained processor and the existence of bloatware are disheartening compromises, considering its design, exceptional endurance, and status as a legitimate “Portrait Master,” the 16 Pro+ represents a noteworthy value. For those prioritising photography and battery life over sheer benchmark results, this device is undoubtedly a strong contender at Rs 39,999.