OPPO reabsorbs realme as a sub-brand

Chinese smartphone maker realme is set to return as a sub-brand of OPPO, a part of the group's major restructure.

File photo: realme logo at MWC 2025

Back to its roots

Originally an offspring of OPPO, realme was introduced as a sub-brand in 2018 with the introduction of realme 1. A few months later, realme founder Sky Li resigned from OPPO with the intention of establishing the company as an independent brand.

Since then, realme gained traction in India and Southeast Asia, where it became the fastest smartphone brand to sell 100 million units. Particularly in the Philippines, realme was the number 1 mobile brand for about 3 consecutive years—thanks to its highly competitive offerings in the budget and mid-range price segments.

File photo: OPPO and realme logos

According to Reuters, this move aims to consolidate resources and reduce costs for the two companies that share a parent company.

Other reports claim that realme will retain its leadership and product plans. It will gain access to shared resources, after-sales support (through service centers), and closer collaboration with OnePlus and OPPO for global expansion.

realme CEO Sky Li will still lead the overall sub-brand business. realme's new products will also be released as scheduled.

OPPO will be the primary brand. 

What do you guys think?

Source: Leiphone