Realme expected to launch iPhone Air-like phone in India: Here’s what we know about the phone

realme air

• Realme 16 5G may launch soon in India, BIS listing suggests.
• Phone has Air Design, selfie mirror, and Aurora Wing color-shifting technology
• Expected specs include 6.57" AMOLED display, 50MP cameras, and 7,000mAh battery

Did our AI summary help?

Realme could soon add another phone to its number series in India, and this one is already drawing attention for its design. After launching the Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro+ earlier this month, the company is now expected to bring the standard Realme 16 to the Indian market. The phone has already debuted in Vietnam, and a recent BIS listing suggests that the India launch may not be too far away.

A new Realme smartphone with the model number RMX5171 has appeared on the Bureau of Indian Standards website, as spotted by TechOutlook. While the listing does not mention the phone’s name, the model number has been linked to the Realme 16 5G through earlier leaks, including a Google Play Console listing and information shared by tipsters. This strongly hints that the Realme 16 is next in line for an India launch.

Unlike the Pro models, the Realme 16 5G is expected to be a more affordable option. It is likely to come in three variants with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, and a top-end version with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone could be offered in Air Black and Air White colours, similar to what is available in Vietnam.

What really sets the Realme 16 apart is its design. The phone uses what Realme calls an Air Design, which closely resembles the slim horizontal camera strip seen on Apple’s iPhone Air-inspired styling. Realme adds its own twist with a small selfie mirror placed next to the rear cameras. This mirror is meant to help users frame themselves better while using the back camera. The phone also features Aurora Wing colour-shifting technology that creates a subtle blue and purple gradient effect on the back.

On the specifications front, the Realme 16 5G comes with a 6.57-inch full-HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and very high peak brightness. The compact screen size could appeal to users who find larger phones uncomfortable to use. For cameras, the phone offers a 50MP Sony IMX852 main sensor along with a 2MP monochrome camera. On the front, there is a 50MP selfie camera, which is still rare in this price segment.

The phone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset. On paper, this does not look like a clear upgrade over the Realme 15, so real-world performance will be something to watch out for. It packs a large 7,000mAh battery with 60W fast charging and wired reverse charging. Durability also seems to be a focus, with multiple dust and water resistance ratings.

If Realme launches the Realme 16 5G in India with similar specifications, it could attract buyers looking for a stylish and well-rounded mid-range phone. Pricing will be key, but if it stays close to the Realme 15 at around Rs 25,000, the phone could find a solid audience.