Realme Oppo sub-brand discussions are back in the spotlight, as new reports indicate that Oppo is restructuring its smartphone business to tighten collaboration between its key brands—Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme.
If confirmed, the move would mark a major strategic shift for Realme, which has operated as an independent brand since late 2018 after initially launching as an Oppo sub-brand.
Realme to Operate Under Oppo’s Management Structure
The report claims that Realme founder and CEO Sky Li will continue to lead Realme, but within Oppo’s broader organizational framework. Rather than eliminating Realme’s identity, Oppo reportedly plans to position it as a complementary sub-brand alongside OnePlus, each targeting different user segments and price tiers.
Under the new structure:
- Oppo will act as the lead flagship brand
- OnePlus will focus on premium performance-driven devices
- Realme will continue targeting value-conscious and youth-focused markets
This mirrors Oppo’s earlier multi-brand strategy during the BBK Electronics era, albeit with tighter internal control and shared resources.
Why Oppo Is Bringing Realme Back In-House
Industry analysts point to a shrinking global smartphone market and rising competition as key reasons behind the consolidation. By bringing Realme back under Oppo’s operational control, the company aims to:
- Improve resource efficiency
- Accelerate product development
- Strengthen global expansion
- Reduce overlapping R&D and supply-chain costs
The Oppo–Realme relationship shift is also seen as a way to counter aggressive competition from Xiaomi, Samsung, and Transsion brands in emerging markets.
What Changes for Realme Users?
Despite concerns, the report emphasizes that Realme’s product roadmap will remain unchanged. All upcoming Realme smartphones are expected to launch as scheduled, with no delays or cancellations.
One notable change is in after-sales support. Realme devices are expected to be fully integrated into Oppo’s service network, giving users access to:
- Over 5,000 Oppo service centers in China
- Unified repair and warranty systems
- Improved parts availability and turnaround times
For users, this could translate into better long-term support rather than fewer choices.
A Return to Realme’s Roots
Realme originally debuted in May 2018 as an Oppo sub-brand, before spinning off later that year to establish itself as an independent player. The BBK Electronics conglomerate—once home to Oppo, vivo, OnePlus, Realme, and iQOO—was formally dissolved in 2023, leaving brands to operate independently.
This potential reintegration signals a new phase of consolidation, not a full reversal. Realme is expected to retain its branding, marketing voice, and aggressive pricing strategy, while benefiting from Oppo’s scale.
What This Means for the Smartphone Market
If the reports hold true, Realme’s return as an Oppo sub-brand could reshape competition in the mid-range and budget segments. A tighter Oppo–Realme–OnePlus alliance may allow faster innovation cycles, clearer brand positioning, and stronger global market penetration.
For now, Oppo has not issued an official statement—but the growing number of aligned reports suggests an announcement may not be far off.
