Realme 16 Pro Series Launched in India: Price, Specs, and How It Stacks Up Against Older Models & Rivals

Realme 16 Pro+ 5G vs Realme 15 Pro 5G: Practical Upgrade or Just a Version Bump?

At first glance, the Realme 16 Pro+ 5G and the Realme 15 Pro 5G might seem like minor generational shifts — especially since both phones sit in the same premium-midrange space. But once you dig into the details, the Pro+ variant brings a few meaningful upgrades that affect everyday use. Let’s see what’s changed — and what hasn’t.

Display: Brighter and More Engaging

Both phones use big AMOLED screens with high refresh rates, but the Realme 16 Pro+ 5G brings boosts where they matter:

• Size: Roughly the same (6.78″ vs 6.8″), but the 16 Pro+ feels slightly larger due to minimal bezels.

• Brightness: The newer model hits up to 6,500 nits, making it far easier to read in bright sunlight compared to the 15 Pro.

• Touch Response: Slightly more responsive in fast-paced use (gaming, scrolling, swipes).

Result: A noticeably better viewing experience on the Realme 16 Pro+ 5G — especially outdoors.

Performance: Same Chip, Smarter Delivery

Under the hood, both phones rely on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset — but the 16 Pro+ edges ahead in real-world usage thanks to:

• Better thermal control

• Slightly higher sustained performance over long sessions

• More efficient GPU behavior

That said, raw benchmark numbers remain close, so if your priority is pure specs, you won’t see a dramatic leap. But in everyday tasks and extended gaming, the 16 Pro+ feels smoother and more consistent.

Verdict: Not a huge horsepower jump, but a definite improvement in sustained performance.

Cameras: A Clear Step Forward

This is where the Realme 16 Pro+ 5G shines compared to its predecessor:

• Primary sensor: Upgraded from 50MP on the 15 Pro to a 200MP powerhouse on the 16 Pro+.

• Telephoto: Realme added a 50MP telephoto lens, missing on the 15 Pro — great for distant shots.

• Selfies: Upgraded from 16MP to a 50MP front camera, meaning sharper, more detailed self-portraits.

• Video: Both can shoot 4K, but the 16 Pro+ is more stable and detailed up to 60fps.

Impact in real life:
You’ll notice better clarity in daylight shots, more usable zoom, and stronger selfie quality on the newer model. Low-light still isn’t flagship territory, but it’s definitely improved.

Battery & Charging: The Same Strong Base

Both devices pack a 7,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging. In practical use, that means:

• Easy 1.5–2 days battery life for most users

• No real gains in charging speed

Takeaway: Battery endurance remains top-tier — but the 16 Pro+ doesn’t reinvent this wheel.

Software & Support: Ahead on Updates

• Realme 15 Pro 5G: Launched on an older Android base

• Realme 16 Pro+ 5G: Ships with Android 16 + Realme UI 7.0

This gives the newer model an edge in software features and long-term support — an important factor if you plan to keep the phone for 2–3 years.

Overall: Practical Upgrade, Not Just a Refresh

So is the Realme 16 Pro+ 5G just a version bump over the 15 Pro? Not really.

It’s true that the core chipset hasn’t dramatically changed, and battery specs are identical — but the camera system, display brightness, and software support show a real, practical upgrade.

Who will benefit most?

• Users who care about photography and zoom
• People who use their phone outdoors a lot
• Anyone planning to keep the device for multiple years

Who might skip it?

• Realme 15 Pro 5G owners who don’t need better cameras
• Users focused only on raw performance benchmarks

Final verdict: The Realme 16 Pro+ 5G isn’t a revolutionary leap — but it’s a meaningful and sensible upgrade for most users.