I’ve Tested the Realme 16 Pro & Pro+: Proof that €1,000 Smartphones Are Still Disposable

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Realme returns to its strength—midrange devices—after venturing into the luxury smartphone market with the GT 8 Pro. The 16 Pro and 16 Pro demonstrate that high-end performance doesn’t require exorbitant spending. The Realme 16 Pro, developed in partnership with designer Naoto Fukasawa, features a distinctive plant-based back cover with a velvet-like texture that resists smudges, slips, and scratches. Its beige color resembles wheat. The 16 Pro offers a traditional glass back with a protruding camera for those preferring a more conventional design. After two months of testing, both models highlight Realme’s focus on delivering flagship-level performance in midrange phones. The phones ship with a USB-C cable and a transparent silicone case. One notable feature of the Realme 16 Pro and 16 Pro is their exceptional battery life. The 16 Pro includes a 7,000 mAh battery that can last two days with heavy use, along with 80W SuperCharge capabilities. Wireless charging is not supported, and a charger is not included.

The Realme 16 Pro features rounded curves and a waterfall screen, which provides a comfortable grip. Weighing 203g and 8.49mm thick, it incorporates glossy polycarbonate sides with standard volume and power button placement. A centered punch-hole houses the selfie camera, and a factory-applied screen protector is included. The Realme 16 Pro and 16 Pro both feature IP68 and IP69K certifications, providing resistance against dust and high-pressure water jets. The 16 Pro’s organic, soft-touch material, crafted from renewable plant-based straw, provides a unique aesthetic. Both the 16 Pro and 16 Pro feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED LTPS panel with a 1280 x 2800 resolution. While its always-on mode consumes more power compared to LTPO screens, the refresh rates range from 45 to 144 Hz. Realme claims a maximum brightness of 6500 nits, though typical usage yields 600-800 nits, with outdoor peaks reaching 1800-2000 nits. Priced around $500, the Realme 16 Pro and Pro deliver flagship-level features, including a two-day battery life, sleek design (with a soft-feel finish on the Pro), robust performance, and IP68/69K protection. They also offer 80W SuperVOOC charging, but lack wireless charging and a charger.

Regarding camera capabilities, the Realme 16 Pro and 16 Pro share a similar triple rear camera system, including a 200MP main sensor with optical stabilization, a 50MP telephoto lens (3.5x zoom), and an 8MP ultrawide lens. In bright lighting, the primary sensor captures sharp, well-exposed images with natural colors, although the default settings tend to enhance colors. Users can easily adjust the settings for a more neutral tone. The zoom lens incorporates Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and AI for ease of use. It produces clear images with detailed clarity, even at up to 10x digital zoom in bright conditions. Beyond that level, the AI reconstruction can appear unnatural, particularly at night. Portrait mode works effectively on people and objects. However, the focus can occasionally be inaccurate, but users can correct this by tapping the screen. In low light, the software processing may oversmooth details.

Enhanced Performance and Versatile Camera Features in Realme 16 Pro Midrange Smartphones

In darker environments, the main and telephoto cameras remain steady. Night mode enhances clarity. The ultrawide angle can be fuzzy, with low contrast, and struggles in challenging conditions. AI tools like retouching and background changing, along with Landscape AI and Smart Scenes, offer additional enhancements. Video recording supports 4K at 60fps with stable results, particularly in daylight, though the quality decreases in darker settings. The Realme 16 Pro uses a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Max (5G) processor, while the A6 Pro uses a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4. Both provide smooth performance for everyday tasks, with fast app switching, multitasking, and stable operation. The A6 Pro can manage demanding games, while the 16 Pro may require graphics adjustments. The phones prioritize stability and heat management, employing an AI system to smooth display motion when the GPU is insufficient. Their cooling systems prevent overheating, and bypass charging powers components directly during gaming or browsing while plugged in, minimizing heat generation. The Realme 16 Pro and 16 Pro offer a compelling option in the midrange smartphone market, delivering a range of high-end features at a competitive price.

In Case You Missed It

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