Realme set to return to Oppo’s fold in strategic restructuring

The restructuring is aimed at improving operational efficiency and cost control, with Realme expected to align more closely with Oppo and OnePlus while continuing to launch products independently across key global markets.

Realme is reportedly preparing to rejoin Oppo as a sub-brand, marking a strategic shift nearly seven years after it began operating as an independent smartphone company. The move is said to focus on sharing resources, cutting duplicated costs, and improving efficiency across operations.

According to a report by Chinese publication Lei Feng Network, citing internal sources, Realme will once again function under Oppo’s broader corporate structure alongside OnePlus. While financial details of the integration have not been disclosed, the brands are expected to coordinate more closely on strategy while maintaining distinct identities in the marketplace.

Focus on efficiency and shared operations

As part of the integration, Realme’s internal operations are expected to align more closely with Oppo’s existing business framework. One of the early changes is reportedly the merging of Realme’s after-sales services with Oppo’s support infrastructure, a move intended to streamline customer service and reduce overheads.

Despite the operational alignment, Realme and OnePlus are expected to continue selling smartphones under their own brand names. The report suggests that product development, distribution, and supply-chain planning will see greater collaboration to minimise overlap and improve speed to market.

Leadership and market impact

Realme founder and CEO Sky Li is reportedly set to oversee the combined sub-brand operations, while OnePlus China President Jie Lie will continue leading OnePlus. No major changes to Realme’s product launch timelines or market strategy have been indicated so far.

Realme has built a strong presence in markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and Europe by offering feature-rich smartphones at competitive prices, particularly in the mid-range and budget segments. The reported integration comes at a time when global smartphone makers are facing shrinking margins and rising costs, pushing companies to seek scale and operational synergies.

Founded in 2018 as an Oppo spin-off, Realme soon charted its own course as an independent brand. Its reported return to Oppo’s fold now signals a renewed focus on efficiency and collaboration amid an increasingly competitive smartphone landscape.