‘Realme 16 Pro series is overpriced…’: Company CMO says wait till other brands launch their mid-rangers

The Realme 16 Pro series was recently launched in the Indian market, and since its launch, social media platforms as well as forums have been flooded with opinions labelling the device as overpriced, considering it is a mid-range offering. Users were naturally curious to know whether the new device was an improved version and offered added value over the Realme number series launched earlier. The discussion gained further momentum as the Realme 16 Pro series marked the first major smartphone launch of 2026. Even as prices across several brands have begun to rise, the blame was promptly directed at Realme.

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As the debate intensified, the company was quick to respond. Realme’s head of product marketing took to the social media platform X to justify the pricing of the devices. He also challenged users to wait for the launch of mid-range smartphones from other brands and then compare them with the Realme 16 Pro series.

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The Realme 16 Pro was launched at Rs 31,999, while the Realme 16 Pro Plus debuted at Rs 39,999. However, according to online user reactions, the Realme 16 Pro series failed to meet expectations in terms of pricing. Several users compared the new models with older Realme devices, noting that the brand appears to have drifted away from its traditional value-for-money image.

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Francis Wong, the Head of Product Marketing at Realme, took to Twitter to defend the company’s decision. And, in response to the criticism, he wrote, ‘Some say the #realme16ProSeries is overpriced. As the first major 2026 launch, it’s facing the new reality of rising costs first. Here’s the thing: wait till other brands launch their mid-rangers. When you see their prices for similar specs, you’ll look back and realise the value we packed into the 16 Pro Series from day one. The camera, battery, and experience speak for themselves.’

Some say the #realme16ProSeries is overpriced. As the first major 2026 launch, it's facing the new reality of rising costs first.
Here's the thing: wait till other brands launch their mid-rangers. When you see their prices for similar specs, you'll look back and realize the value…

— Francis Wong （王硕） (@FrancisRealme) January 7, 2026

Wong also made it clear that Realme is not the only brand that has increased the prices of its smartphones. He further suggested to users that they should wait for the upcoming smartphone launches from other brands and compare which device offers more value for money before judging the Realme 16 series too harshly. According to him, similar phones with comparable features will arrive at similar or even higher prices.

Also read: Oppo Reno 15 Series price leaked ahead India launch: Check expected specifications and more 

Industry experts point out that one of the key reasons behind rising smartphone prices is the global shortage of AI chips, with the Realme 16 Pro series being another casualty of this trend.

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Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile