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| The design of the Realme 16 was clearly inspired by the Apple iPhone Air. |
Following the splashy early January announcements of the Realme 16 Pro and Pro+, the completing piece of the puzzle has finally arrived. Realme has officially taken the wraps off the standard Realme 16, a device that proudly wears its inspiration on its sleeve—or rather, on its aluminum frame.
In a move that’s as brazen as it is strategic, Realme is openly channeling the aesthetic of a certain fruity competitor. The company itself is marketing the phone with “Air design” cues, boasting a sleek, flat-edged profile. A quick glance is all it takes to see the resemblance. Though, at 8.1mm thick, it’s not quite as svelte as its muse, likely due to the powerhouse component tucked inside.
A Camera Bump That Promises More Than It Delivers?
Around the back, the design conversation continues with a prominent, pill-shaped camera module. At first glance, it suggests a triple-lens system, but tech-savvy eyes will spot the clever slight. The setup actually consists of a capable 50 MP f/1.8 main camera flanked by two 2 MP sensors that are, in all honesty, more for aesthetic symmetry than photographic utility. It’s a puzzling choice in an era where consumers are increasingly critical of "camera filler."
However, Realme has added a genuinely unique twist: a small mirror integrated next to the rear camera. This allows you to use the high-quality main sensor for selfies, a nostalgic nod to the days of compact cameras and a clever way to leverage the best lens on the phone. If you prefer a more traditional route, a 50 MP front-facing camera is also at the ready. Adding a dose of practicality, the Realme 16 carries an IP69 rating, offering robust protection against dust and high-pressure water jets.
Specs That Impress: A Screen and Battery Behemoth
Where the Realme 16 seems to shift from inspired to ambitious is in its core specifications. The headline act is undoubtedly the massive 7,000 mAh battery, a titan in today’s market. It supports 60W wired charging via USB-C, promising less time plugged in and more time on the go. Powering that endurance is a 6.57-inch AMOLED display with sharp FHD+ resolution (2,372 x 1,080) and a silky 120 Hz refresh rate. The real jaw-dropper is its brightness: Realme claims a staggering 4,200 nits peak HDR brightness and 1,400 nits across the full screen, which should translate to incredible outdoor visibility.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo processor, with its octa-core configuration (2x Cortex-A76 + 6x Cortex-A55), should provide more than enough grunt for everyday tasks and moderate gaming, especially when paired with the generous RAM options.
For the most detailed official specifications and imagery, you can visit Realme's official Vietnam product page for the Realme 16 5G.
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| Realme 16 |
Price, Availability, and the Big Question
The Realme 16 is set to debut in Vietnam first. The base model with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage is priced at 11,490,000 VND (approximately $440), while the 12 GB RAM variant will cost 12,490,000 VND (around $475). Realme has not yet announced plans for an international rollout.
The launch of the Realme 16 presents a fascinating proposition. It packs a spectacular display and a battery that could last for days, wrapped in a controversially familiar design. Yet, the inclusion of decorative cameras feels like a missed opportunity to offer more tangible value. If the price is right in global markets, it could be a compelling package for those who prioritize screen quality and battery life above all. But in a crowded mid-range segment, its borrowed looks might not be enough to make it stand out.
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| Realme 16 |