OnePlus and Realme are reported to have merged officially. Popular leakster Digital Chat Station on Weibo claims that the two smartphone brands will merge their global and domestic (China) operations under a new “sub-product center.” The tipster further claims that Li Jie, president of OnePlus China, will be put in charge of this product center. Jie will report to Pete Lau (Liu Zuohu), founder and current CEO of OnePlus, the leakster said. It further adds that marketing and service for OnePlus and Realme will also be merged. The merger report comes amid growing fears of OnePlus shutdown in Europe and India.
Realme becomes Oppo sub-brand
To recall, OnePlus was founded by Pete Lau and Carl Pei on 16 December 2013. The company, owned by Chinese multinational conglomerate BBK Electronics, made its global debut in 2014 with the release of its first smartphone, the OnePlus One in April same year. OnePlus One was launched in the Indian market in December 2014. The company operates as an Oppo sub-brand.Similarly, Realme debuted as an independent brand on May 4, 2018. After nearly eight years, Realme returned to the Oppo’s fold earlier this year. Leifeng.com then reported that the integration will help Oppo better concentrate its resources and expand into the global market.“With the return of OnePlus and Realme, Oppo’s resources will be better integrated, and the main brand and sub-brands will form a clearer strategic synergy. Judging from the performance in 2025, this integration has already begun to show results, with the Oppo and Realme brands significantly increasing their market share in both China and overseas markets, achieving top-tier growth rates,” the report said.
OnePlus shutdown fears in India
Rumors around OnePlus India shutdown escalated when CEO Robin Liu resigned in March. “We thank Robin for his contributions to OnePlus India. He moves on to pursue his personal passions, and we wish him the very best for his future endeavours,” the company said, adding, “OnePlus India operations continue with local strategy and business continuity ensured.”An Economic Times report then said that Liu was asked to report to Realme CEO Sky Li, who has recently been elevated within the broader Oppo group to oversee sub-brand operations. The key detail here is that both Liu and Li were previously considered equals, each managing their own sub-brand independently. That is no longer the case.
