Realme Battle: Is the Premium Price Tag Worth It?
The smartphone market is buzzing about the Realme 16 Pro+ and its predecessor, the Realme 16 Pro. Launched in India in May 2020, these devices offer compelling features at competitive prices. But does the Pro+ justify its significant ₹8,000 price difference? This article breaks down the key differences and helps you decide.
Background: The Realme 16 Series Launch
Realme, a brand spun off from OPPO in 2020, quickly gained popularity for offering high-end specifications at budget-friendly prices. The Realme 16 series, including the 16 Pro and 16 Pro+, was a key part of this strategy. The series aimed to provide a premium experience with features like fast charging, powerful processors, and impressive camera capabilities.
The Realme 16 Pro launched in India in May 2020, followed by the Realme 16 Pro+ in June 2020. Both phones targeted young consumers looking for a stylish and capable smartphone without breaking the bank. They were available through online retailers like Flipkart and Realme's official website, as well as select offline stores across major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
Key Developments: What’s Changed?
The Realme 16 Pro+ builds upon the foundation of the 16 Pro, introducing several notable upgrades. The most significant difference lies in the camera system. The Pro+ boasts a 64MP quad-camera setup, including a 64MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The 16 Pro, on the other hand, features a 64MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP black and white sensor.
Camera Performance
The increased resolution and sensor improvements in the Pro+ translate to better image quality, especially in well-lit conditions. Dynamic range is reportedly improved, and low-light performance is enhanced. While both phones capture good photos, the Pro+ offers a noticeable step up in detail and clarity.
Another key difference is the display. The Realme 16 Pro+ features a 6.5" Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smoother visual experience. The 16 Pro has a 6.4" Super AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate on the Pro+ makes scrolling and animations appear more fluid.
Under the hood, both phones are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 725G processor, but the Pro+ has slightly better cooling, potentially leading to improved sustained performance during demanding tasks like gaming.
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Battery capacity is identical at 4030mAh, but the Pro+ supports 65W SuperDart charging, which significantly reduces charging time compared to the 16 Pro's 30W charging.
Impact: Who Benefits from the Upgrade?
The Realme 16 Pro+ primarily appeals to users who prioritize camera quality and a smoother display experience. Photographers and social media enthusiasts will find the enhanced camera system a significant advantage. Gamers will appreciate the higher refresh rate display and improved cooling.
Users already owning the Realme 16 Pro might find the upgrade less compelling, considering the ₹8,000 price difference. However, those coming from older Realme models or competing brands like Xiaomi or Samsung might find the Pro+ a worthwhile investment.
The price point positions the Realme 16 Pro+ in the mid-range smartphone market. The upgrade could be particularly attractive to students and young professionals looking for a stylish and capable device without spending a fortune.
What Next: Future Outlook
Realme is expected to continue releasing new devices in the mid-range segment. Future models will likely focus on further improvements in camera technology, processor performance, and display quality. The company is also exploring 5G connectivity and advanced features like under-display fingerprint sensors and improved AI capabilities.
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The Realme community is actively providing feedback and suggestions for future products, influencing the company's development roadmap. Keep an eye on Realme's official website and social media channels for announcements about upcoming devices and software updates.
Software Updates
Realme phones running Android 10 at launch have received updates to Android 11 and Realme UI 2.0. Future updates are expected to bring Android 12 and subsequent versions, along with improvements to the user interface and performance.
