In early 2026, Realme kicked off the year with the launch of its latest mid-range smartphones, the Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro Plus. Users who have been using the Realme 15 Pro or older models can wonder whether they should upgrade or not. So, in this article, we compare these two smartphones, Realme 16 Pro Vs Realme 15 Pro.
The Realme 16 Pro is the new standard model, while the Realme 15 Pro (launched in mid-2025) is now more affordable. If you are shopping for a phone, this comparison covers key differences in simple terms.
Also read: Motorola Edge 70 Vs Motorola Edge 60: The Comparison Is Too Good To Miss!
Realme 16 Pro Vs Realme 15 Pro: Specifications Table
| Feature | Realme 15 Pro | Realme 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | July 2025 | January 2026 |
| Display | 6.8-inch curved AMOLED, 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, up to 6,500 nits brightness | 6.8-inch AMOLED (likely curved), 1.5K resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, up to 6,500 nits brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Max |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 12GB RAM, up to 512GB storage | Up to 12GB RAM, up to 512GB storage (variants start from 128GB) |
| Main Camera | 50MP primary + 50MP ultra-wide | 200MP primary + 8MP ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Battery | 7,000mAh with 80W fast charging | 7,000mAh with 80W fast charging |
| Build & Protection | Slim (7.7-7.8mm), 187g, IP68/IP69, Gorilla Glass 7i | Around 8.1mm thick, ~198g, IP69 rating, Gorilla Glass 7i |
| Software | Android 15 with Realme UI 6.0 (upgradable) | Android 16 with Realme UI 7.0 (3 years of updates) |
| Other Features | Stereo speakers, in-display fingerprint, AI tools | Advanced AI features (e.g., Google Gemini integration, better photo editing), improved cooling |
| Price (approx.) | Rs. 31,999 | Rs. 32,000 – 37,000 (launch price) |
Also Read: POCO C85 Vs Redmi 15C: Ultimate Choice For Budget-Lovers!
Design and Build
The Realme 15 Pro feels premium in hand thanks to its slim profile and lighter weight. If one-handed use is something that matters, here you go. It has a curved design with a glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i) and a plastic back. The IP68/IP69 rating means it’s tough against water and dust. Overall, it has a decently durable built.
The Realme 16 Pro steps up with a slightly chunkier build, but it introduces a “Urban Wild” aesthetic inspired by nature. It has a bio-based silicone back that mimics worn leather texture on some colours like Master Gold. The special thing about this design is that it gives a unique tactile feel. Also, it reduces fingerprints compared to the 15 Pro’s glossy finish. Protection is solid with IP69, but it lacks the dual IP68/69 combo of the 15 Pro.
Overall, the 16 Pro looks fresher and more modern, but if portability matters, the 15 Pro wins for its compact built. No major durability concerns on either. Both survive daily drops with a case.
Key Difference: 16 Pro’s textured back vs. 15 Pro’s slimmer, lighter body.
Also Read: OnePlus 15 Vs iPhone 17: Which One Should You Choose
Display
Both screens are vibrant AMOLED panels. Both have 144Hz refresh rates. They are curved for an immersive feel, and punch-hole notches that don’t intrude much.
The Realme 15 Pro has a slightly larger 6.8-inch size and a higher resolution (1280 x 2800). The display quality is dense. Its brightness hits 6,500 nits peak (1,800 nits in high-brightness mode). You can use it under direct sunlight without squinting. Advanced touches like 2,500Hz sampling rate and 4,608Hz PWM dimming reduce eye strain during long sessions.
The Realme 16 Pro’s 6.78-inch display is nearly identical in quality. However, it caps at 1,500 nits typical brightness and 2,400Hz sampling, which might feel a tad less responsive in fast-paced games. However, it supports 10-bit colours for richer gradients, and the curve is refined to minimize accidental touches.
Key Difference: 15 Pro’s brighter, more responsive screen vs. 16 Pro’s colour accuracy focus. Tie for most users, but creators might prefer the 15 Pro.
Also Read: iQOO 15 Vs OnePlus 15: Price, Specs, All Details!
Performance and Chipset
The Realme 15 Pro runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (4nm process), a balanced octa-core chip clocked up to 2.8GHz. It’s efficient for multitasking. It can handle games like Genshin Impact at medium-high settings without much heat. Thanks to features like 7,000mm² vapour chamber cooling and GT Boost.
For Realme 16 Pro, the brand decided to switch to MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 Max (also 4nm). It emphasises AI efficiency over raw power. The chip performances are similar. The only difference remains in AI tasks like photo editing, which is better in this one. RAM is comparable, but it lacks the Snapdragon’s Adreno GPU punch for graphics-intensive apps. Cooling is improved with a larger vapour chamber, reducing throttling during extended play.
All in all, both handle daily tasks flawlessly.
Key Difference: Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 (15 Pro) for gaming edge vs. Dimensity 7300 Max (16 Pro) for AI efficiency.
Also Read: 5 High-Value Mid-Range Phones Worth Buying- Samsung, Realme & More
Battery and Charging
Virtually identical performance in this case. Both pack a massive 7,000mAh battery that lasts 1.5-2 days with moderate use (streaming, social media). The 80W fast charging juices up to 50 per cent in about 20 minutes. Also enables reverse charging for accessories. The 15 Pro’s Titan Battery tech includes bypass charging to reduce heat during gaming.
No real winner; both are endurance beasts in the mid-range segment.
Key Difference: Minor software tweaks in 16 Pro for better optimisation, but a tie overall.
Software and Other Features
In Realme 16 Pro Vs Realme 15 Pro software inclusions, the 16 pro offcourse gets an edge being the newer one. The Realme 16 Pro ships with Android 16 and Realme UI 7.0. Expect smoother animations, Google Gemini AI integration for smart editing, and 3 years of updates. It’s more future-proof with Wi-Fi 7 for faster connections.
The Realme 15 Pro starts on Android 15 with UI 6.0, packed with AI like Gaming Coach and Multi-Tasker, but it’ll get updates to match. Both have in-display fingerprints, stereo speakers, and no headphone jack. 16 Pro adds advanced cooling and AI portrait filters.
Other perks: 15 Pro has more sensors (e.g., e-compass) and NFC in some regions; 16 Pro adds advanced cooling and AI portrait filters.
Key Difference: Newer Android 16 and AI tools (16 Pro) vs. proven features (15 Pro).
Also read: One UI 9 Release Date, Features, And Supported Devices!
Realme 16 Pro Vs Realme 15 Pro Camera Performance
This is the 16 Pro’s standout upgrade. The Realme 15 Pro’s dual 50-megapixel setup (main Sony IMX896 with OIS + ultra-wide) delivers versatile shots. Get sharp daylight photos, wide 115.6 degrees landscapes, and solid low-light with AI enhancements. It’s an amazing phone for vlogs. Modes like Starry and Pro give creative control to some extent.
The Realme 16 Pro bumps the main sensor to 200 megapixels. So, you get insane detail for cropping or prints. Get pro-level portraits with natural bokeh. The 8-megapixel ultra-wide is narrower but sufficient. AI tools like Framing Master auto-suggest compositions. Video is 4K@30fps. Low-light and zoom (up to 120x digital) are improved, but it lacks the 15 Pro’s ultra-wide versatility.
Key Difference: The 16 Pro wins for detail-oriented photography, while the 15 Pro is better for wide-angle group shots or videos. 200-megapixel high-res main (16 Pro) for details/zoom vs. balanced 50-megapixel dual (15 Pro) for wide coverage.
Also Read: iPhone 15 Vs Samsung Galaxy S23- Phone With Higher Resale Value?
Final Verdict
If you’re into photography and want cutting-edge AI, go for the Realme 16 Pro. Its 200-megapixels camera and Dimensity chipset make it feel fresh in 2026. But keeping the camera apart, you get almost identical performance from the Realme 15 Pro. Best part- at discounted prices, you are getting superior display brightness, gaming performance, and a slimmer build. Both are reliable daily drivers, but test them in-store for feel. If the budget allows the Pro plus variant of the 16 series, that’s even better with a telephoto zoom.
Which one will you choose between the Realme 16 Pro Vs Realme 15 Pro? Don’t forget to comment down below!
If you’ve just bought a new phone and don’t know what to do with your old phone, then here’s your answer. Sell old mobile to Cashify and get the best price for it. If you are planning to buy a new phone, check out Cashify’s refurbished mobile phones. You can get your favourite phone at almost half price with six-month warranty, 15 days refund and free delivery.
