Realme continues to aggressively expand its smartphone portfolio in India. After recently launching the Realme P4 Power 5G with a massive 10,001mAh battery, the brand is now gearing up to bring another new device to the country — the Realme 16 5G.
The upcoming smartphone has been spotted on India’s BIS certification platform, a development that strongly hints at an imminent India launch.
BIS certification confirms India-bound launch
According to the BIS listing, the smartphone appears with the model number RMX5171, and the certification grant date is January 14, 2026. While the listing does not explicitly mention the phone’s name, this same model number was earlier linked to the Realme 16 5G by tipster Abhishek Yadav, who also shared the expected memory and color options for the Indian variant.
Adding further confirmation, the RMX5171 model number is also listed on the Google Play Console supported devices list under the Realme 16 5G name. Taken together, these sightings clearly indicate that the device is headed for the Indian market.
Design highlights and performance details
Since the Realme 16 5G has already launched in Vietnam, its specifications are no longer a mystery. One of the most eye-catching design elements is a small mirror placed next to the rear camera module, allowing users to take selfies using the main rear camera — a feature rarely seen in modern smartphones.
The device is powered by the Dimensity 6400 Turbo chipset and includes a large 6050mm² vapor chamber for improved thermal performance. It also comes with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K ratings, offering strong protection against dust and water.
Display, camera, and battery
The smartphone features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, promising smooth visuals and vibrant colors.
On the camera front, the Realme 16 5G sports a dual rear camera setup led by a 50-megapixel primary sensor. For selfies and video calls, it offers a 50-megapixel front camera.
Powering the device is a large 7,000mAh battery, which supports 60W wired fast charging along with reverse charging. Despite the big battery, the phone maintains a relatively slim profile, measuring 158.30 x 75.13 x 8.10 mm and weighing 183 grams.
Memory variants and color options in India
For Indian buyers, the Realme 16 5G is expected to launch in two memory configurations:
- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage
- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage
In terms of colors, the device is tipped to arrive in Air Black and Air White shades. These names differ slightly from the Vietnam variants, which launched in Black Cloud and Swan White, but the overall look is expected to remain similar.
Connectivity, security, and sensors
Connectivity options include 5G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, and a USB Type-C port. For security, the phone supports face unlock and an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor.
Sensor support includes a proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, color temperature sensor, e-compass, accelerometer, gyroscope, and hall sensor.
Price and expected launch timeline
In Vietnam, the Realme 16 5G is priced at 11,490,000 VND (around ₹40,000) for the 8GB + 256GB variant, while the 12GB + 256GB model costs 12,490,000 VND (approximately ₹44,000).
As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the India launch date or pricing. However, with the BIS certification now in place and multiple listings backing it up, a February or March India launch appears highly likely.
Tanu is a technology content writer at gemch.in who tracks smartphone launches, features, and pricing trends. She writes user-focused articles that explain what matters most in everyday smartphone use.