A fresh leak has given us our first clear look at the standard Realme 16, and the company seems to be trying something different. Rather than chasing speed records, the upcoming phone appears to focus on extreme durability and a quirky, low-tech solution for better photos.
Listings from a retailer in Vietnam have surfaced online, showing off a device that prioritizes battery life and practical features over raw processing power.
A low-tech mirror for vlogging
The most unusual feature spotted in the leak is a small, physical mirror built directly into the rear camera module. It isn’t a digital screen like you might see on premium phones; it is just a simple, optical reflection.
The idea is straightforward: it helps you frame a selfie using the high-quality main camera on the back, rather than the weaker front camera. It sits next to a 50MP sensor on a horizontal camera bar that looks quite similar to Google’s Pixel phones. While it lacks the fancy tech of a secondary display, it’s a clever, battery-free way to help vloggers or friends get into the frame without guessing.
Built to last for days
Realme is reportedly packing a massive 7,000mAh battery into this phone. That is significantly larger than the standard 5,000mAh cells found in most competitors, suggesting the phone could easily last two days on a single charge. It also supports 60W fast charging to fill that giant tank reasonably quickly.
The durability specs are equally aggressive. The listing claims the phone carries IP66, IP68, and even IP69K ratings. If true, this phone could survive dust, deep water, and even high-pressure jets, making it far tougher than the average mid-range handset.
Screen and speed
On the front, the Realme 16 is expected to sport a 6.57-inch AMOLED screen with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset, which is a modest processor designed for efficiency rather than gaming performance.
It also keeps one feature that many modern phones have dropped: a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
Market Impact & Context
In a sea of mid-range phones that all look the same, Realme is taking a gamble on utility. By swapping a powerful processor for a huge battery and “tough phone” water resistance, they are targeting regular people who want a phone that doesn’t break or die, rather than gamers. The mirror is a nostalgic touch—reminding us of old flip phones—but it offers a practical way to stand out on store shelves without raising the price.
Launch details
The leak suggests the phone will launch in February. It is expected to arrive in simple “Air Black” and “Air White” colors, though official pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet.
