Realme 16 Pro+ 5G review: At Rs 39,999, a value for money smartphone with a throwback

The mid-range smartphone arena has become increasingly competitive in 2026, with companies vying for the title of the most dependable daily device. Realme's latest offering, the 16 Pro+ 5G, clearly aims to dominate the 'portrait' photography segment. By enhancing camera technology and crafting an appealing design, Realme has introduced a phone that feels impressively refined, even if it plays it safe in some technical aspects. From the outset, the Realme 16 Pro+ showcases its commitment to striking design, following the brand's 'Urban Wild' philosophy. Collaborating with esteemed Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, the smartphone features an innovative bio-based organic silicone back that feels luxurious, soft, and grippy while resisting fingerprints better than its glass counterparts. However, the color options for this organic material could benefit from further refinement. The front of the device sports a 6.8-inch 'HyperGlow 4D Curve+' AMOLED display, characterized by an aggressive yet comfortable curvature. The 144Hz refresh rate ensures an exceptionally smooth user experience, while a peak brightness of 6,500 nits guarantees visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. Camera capabilities are where Realme has truly poured its resources. The 200MP 'LumaColor' main sensor stands out, but the 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom truly shines. The results are impressive, with portraits showcasing sharp details and natural bokeh that feels authentic. Realme's software does an excellent job of accurately representing skin tones across diverse complexions. While the 8MP ultra-wide lens is somewhat average, the main and telephoto sensors elevate this phone to one of the top contenders in the camera smartphone segment, rivaling even higher-priced devices. On the performance front, the Realme 16 Pro+ is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor. Chief Marketing Officer Francis Wong acknowledged that the rise in pricing is a reflection of increasing component costs across the industry, particularly for memory and imaging systems. Despite using the same processor as its predecessor, Wong assured that the 8GB RAM version delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks, thanks to optimized software and practical AI functionalities. Real-world experiences indicate that the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset handles multitasking and gaming, such as in Call of Duty: Mobile, with ease. However, for users anticipating the latest technology to future-proof their investment, the choice of processor may feel underwhelming, even though the day-to-day experience remains fluid. The 16 Pro+ boasts a robust 7,000mAh 'Titan Battery,' which comfortably lasts two days for moderate users. Heavy users can often end their day with 30-40% battery life remaining, even with extensive use of 5G and gaming. Plus, the 80W SuperVOOC charging can fully recharge the device in just over an hour, and the charging adapter is conveniently included. Running on Realme UI 7.0 based on Android 16, the device delivers a seamless experience, enhanced by the new 'Flux Animation Framework' for swift app navigation. While fun AI features like 'AI Ultra Clarity' for photo restoration and 'AI Instant Clip' for video editing add value, they are not frequently utilized. The Gemini feature suite, particularly 'circle to search' and 'Gemini live,' enhances usability but is somewhat overshadowed by persistent bloatware, including pre-installed apps and ads that can detract from the overall experience. In conclusion, the Realme 16 Pro+ 5G is an intriguing option. By prioritizing display quality, battery performance, and an exceptional camera system, Realme has produced a phone that meets the everyday needs of users. Although the decision to stick with an older processor and the presence of bloatware are notable downsides, the impressive design and battery life, coupled with its prowess in portrait photography, make the 16 Pro+ a compelling choice at its price of Rs 39,999.