Key Highlights

• Realme is set to operate under Oppo again after nearly seven years

• The brand will work alongside OnePlus as a dual sub-brand

• After-sales services of Realme and Oppo will be integrated

• Realme founder Sky Li will oversee combined sub-brand operations

Realme is reportedly coming back under Oppo’s umbrella, nearly seven years after stepping out as an independent smartphone brand. The move signals a major strategic shift in how Oppo plans to manage its growing portfolio in a challenging global smartphone market.

According to reports, the company will now operate as a sub-brand of Oppo, alongside OnePlus. While the brands will continue to sell devices under separate names, several backend operations will be brought together.

Why Oppo Is Bringing Realme Back

The smartphone industry is facing tighter margins and rising costs. Because of this, manufacturers are focusing more on scale and efficiency. Oppo’s reported decision aims to reduce operational overlap and streamline internal processes.

By integrating Realme back into its ecosystem, Oppo can share resources across research, supply chains, and distribution. As a result, the company hopes to stay competitive across price segments without duplicating efforts.

What Changes for Realme Users

For consumers, the biggest immediate change is expected in after-sales services. Realme’s service network will reportedly merge with Oppo’s existing infrastructure. This could lead to wider service coverage and faster support in key markets.

However, the company will continue launching phones under its own brand. Its product roadmap is also expected to remain unchanged. This means buyers should still see the same focus on value-driven smartphones in the budget and mid-range segments.

Realme and OnePlus as Dual Sub-Brands

With this move, Oppo is reportedly positioning Realme and OnePlus as dual sub-brands with distinct identities. While Realme targets price-conscious users, OnePlus continues to focus on premium performance-driven devices.

The company’s founder and CEO Sky Li is said to oversee the combined sub-brand operations. Meanwhile, OnePlus will continue under its existing leadership structure in China.

A Full-Circle Moment for Realme

The company was originally founded as an Oppo sub-brand in 2018. Later that year, it became an independent company under Sky Li’s leadership. Since then, it has grown rapidly in India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.

Now, as the industry evolves, Realme’s return to Oppo highlights how smartphone brands are adapting to survive and scale in a competitive global market.