Realme Plans Return to Flagship ‘Pro Plus’ Line with Upcoming 16 Series

After streamlining its Realme 15 Series by dropping the ‘Pro Plus’ model, Realme appears poised to reinstate its top-tier offering with the next generation. Leaks surrounding the Realme 16 Pro have now been joined by details of a forthcoming Realme 16 Pro Plus, signaling a return to a more comprehensive lineup.

Indonesia Certification Hints at Global Rollout

Initial reports originating from India indicate that the Realme 16 Pro Plus is currently in development under the model number RMX5131. Specifications currently point to color options including Master Grey, Master Gold, and Camellia Pink, alongside memory configurations reaching up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.

Crucially, the same model number has already appeared in Indonesia’s TKDN (Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri) database – a certification requirement for devices sold in the country, indicating a strong likelihood of a local release. This suggests Realme is targeting key Southeast Asian markets with its new flagship devices. Indonesia’s growing smartphone market, with over 73% smartphone penetration as of 2023, makes it a vital region for manufacturers.

Design Shifts and Camera Speculation

Alongside the Pro Plus, the standard Realme 16 Pro is also generating buzz. Leaked images reveal a significant design departure, moving away from curved displays in favor of a flat screen. The camera module, while reminiscent of the Realme GT8 Pro, appears to feature a dual-camera setup consisting of a 200MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens, with the possibility of a third sensor being purely aesthetic.

The Pro Plus is expected to follow suit with the flat design language, but with potential upgrades including a curved display and a more sophisticated triple-camera system, possibly incorporating a periscope telephoto lens.

The return of the ‘Pro Plus’ designation signals Realme’s commitment to competing at the high end of the smartphone market, a segment increasingly dominated by brands like Samsung and Xiaomi. The company’s strategy reflects a broader trend among Chinese manufacturers to offer premium features and specifications at competitive price points.