Realme Increases Smartphone Prices Before Diwali 2026: Realme 16 Now Costs ₹5,000 More

If you are planning to buy a new smartphone before Diwali, you may need to revise your budget. Realme has reportedly increased the prices of its Realme 16 and Realme 16T smartphones, making both models more expensive during the festive shopping season.

The price revision affects all three storage variants of both smartphones. The biggest increase has been reported for the base variant of the Realme 16, which now costs ₹5,000 more than its earlier price. The Realme 16T, meanwhile, has become ₹1,000 more expensive across its listed variants.

Here is a breakdown of the revised prices and the key features of both smartphones.

Realme 16: Prices Increase by Up to ₹5,000

The Realme 16 is available in three configurations, offering different combinations of RAM and storage. According to the reported revised pricing, all three variants have become more expensive.

Variant

Earlier price

New price

Increase

8GB RAM + 128GB storage

₹36,999

₹41,999

₹5,000

8GB RAM + 256GB storage

₹39,999

₹43,999

₹4,000

12GB RAM + 256GB storage

₹42,999

₹47,999

₹5,000

The base variant has witnessed a significant price increase, moving from ₹36,999 to ₹41,999. Buyers interested in the higher-storage version will also have to pay more than before.

With the top variant now listed at ₹47,999, customers may want to compare alternatives in the same price range before making a purchase.

Realme 16T Also Becomes More Expensive

The Realme 16T has also received a price revision, although the reported increase is smaller than that of the Realme 16.

The smartphone is available in three configurations, and each variant has become ₹1,000 more expensive.

Variant

Earlier price

New price

Increase

6GB RAM + 128GB storage

₹30,999

₹31,999

₹1,000

8GB RAM + 128GB storage

₹32,999

₹33,999

₹1,000

8GB RAM + 256GB storage

₹35,999

₹36,999

₹1,000

The base variant is now priced at ₹31,999, while the top variant costs ₹36,999 according to the reported revised prices.

For customers shopping in the ₹30,000–₹37,000 segment, this increase could influence their buying decision, particularly if they are comparing phones based on performance, battery life and overall value for money.

Realme 16 and Realme 16T: Key Features

Despite the price increases, both smartphones offer features that may appeal to buyers looking for large batteries and AMOLED displays.

The Realme 16 features an AMOLED display, a 50MP rear camera and a 7,000mAh battery. These specifications may appeal to users who prioritise display quality, photography and extended battery life.

The Realme 16T also features an AMOLED display and a 50MP rear camera. It is equipped with an even larger 8,000mAh battery and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor.

The larger battery capacity could be useful for users who spend long hours on their phones. However, actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, display settings, network conditions and other factors.

Should You Buy a Realme Phone Before Diwali?

The reported price increase means buyers may need to reconsider their smartphone budget before making a festive-season purchase. The Realme 16 has seen the sharper revision, with its base variant becoming ₹5,000 more expensive. The Realme 16T has seen a comparatively smaller increase of ₹1,000 per variant.

Before purchasing either model, compare the latest selling price with competing smartphones and check whether bank offers, exchange bonuses or festive discounts are available.

The prices mentioned above are based on reported revised listings and should be verified through Realme's official website or authorised retailers before purchase. If you are not in a hurry, comparing current offers across retailers may help you find a better deal this Diwali.