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Realme is reportedly moving back under Oppo's umbrella, but with a twist: the brand will keep its leadership and continue launching phones as usual. Sources in China say this realignment aims to streamline resources across Oppo, OnePlus and Realme while accelerating global expansion.
A strategic regrouping, not a shutdown
According to a Leifeng.com report citing Oppo insiders, Realme founder and CEO Sky Li will continue to run the company — now as an Oppo sub-brand. Oppo will act as the leading brand across the portfolio, while OnePlus and Realme operate as complementary sub-brands with separate marketing strategies.
What stays the same—and what changes
- Product roadmap: Upcoming Realme devices are expected to launch on schedule, with no delays announced.
- Leadership: Sky Li retains operational control of Realme under the new structure.
- After-sales and retail: Realme will be folded into Oppo's after-sales network, tapping into over 5,000 physical stores across China.
Why Oppo is consolidating brands
Oppo's move appears aimed at improving collaboration and resource allocation among sibling labels. Centralizing services and coordinating global strategy can reduce overlap while allowing each sub-brand to keep a distinct market voice. In short: tighter efficiency without erasing brand identities.
A quick look back at BBK and the brand landscape
Realme began life as an Oppo sub-brand in May 2018 before spinning off later that year. BBK Electronics — once the parent of Oppo, vivo, OnePlus, iQOO and Realme — gradually disintegrated, leaving Oppo, vivo and imoo as the main successors. This latest reshuffle continues that pattern of consolidation in the Chinese smartphone industry.
What this means for consumers and the market
For consumers, the immediate takeaway is reassurance: Realme phones should keep arriving on time, and service access may improve thanks to Oppo's larger after-sales footprint. For competitors and observers, the change signals more coordinated strategy across brands that already share supply chains and technology.
Watch for official statements from Oppo and Realme for confirmation and finer detail. For now, expect continuity in product launches paired with a more integrated support experience.
Source: gsmarena
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