Realme is expanding its ecosystem play with two new devices launching alongside the Realme 16T 5G smartphone on May 22 in India. The company revealed that the launch event will introduce the Realme Buds Air 8 Pro earbuds and Realme Watch S5 smartwatch, targeting users looking for better audio experiences and fitness tracking.
This launch reflects Realme’s broader strategy to build a comprehensive device ecosystem that competes with brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus. The Chinese smartphone maker has been aggressively expanding beyond phones into wearables and audio accessories, particularly in price-sensitive markets like India where bundled ecosystem products can drive higher customer retention.
The Realme Buds Air 8 Pro targets the premium TWS market with 55dB Ultra Depth Active Noise Cancellation that automatically adjusts based on surrounding noise levels. This puts the earbuds in competition with more expensive options from Apple and Sony, potentially offering similar features at a lower price point that Realme is known for.
The earbuds include several audio enhancements designed for both music and calls:
- Dual DAC driver setup tuned for deeper bass and clearer vocals
- AI-powered call noise cancellation for crowded environments
- Enhanced detail across music and gaming sessions
- Integration with other Realme devices for faster pairing
The noise cancellation capability is particularly significant as it matches or exceeds many premium earbuds currently available. The automatic adaptation feature could give Realme an edge in the mid-range TWS market where such advanced features are still rare.
The Realme Watch S5 focuses on fitness enthusiasts with support for more than 110 sports modes and an impressive claimed battery life of up to 20 days on a single charge. This extended battery performance addresses one of the biggest pain points with current smartwatches, where daily charging is often required.
The 20-day battery claim, if accurate, would make the Watch S5 one of the longest-lasting smartwatches in its price segment. This could appeal to users who want fitness tracking without the hassle of frequent charging, particularly in markets where power availability can be inconsistent.
Both devices are part of Realme’s ecosystem strategy where products work together seamlessly. The company has been following the playbook established by Xiaomi and Apple, where interconnected devices create stronger customer loyalty and higher lifetime value.
The timing of this launch is strategic, as the TWS earbuds market in India continues to grow rapidly while smartwatch adoption is accelerating among younger consumers. By launching these accessories alongside a new smartphone, Realme can offer bundle deals that increase the average selling price per customer while building out its ecosystem presence.