Realme Becomes a Sub-Brand of Oppo: What Does This Mean for the Future of Realme Smartphones?

New Delhi, January 7, 2026: Realme, the popular Chinese smartphone maker, is now set to operate as a sub-brand of Oppo, a move designed to cut costs and optimize resources. Despite this, Realme’s smartphones will continue to be sold under the Realme brand name in the market.

Realme’s Shift to Oppo’s Sub-Brand

According to a recent announcement from Realme, the company will now function as a sub-brand under Oppo, a move that follows the broader strategy of the parent company BBK Electronics, which also owns Vivo and OnePlus. The decision to make Realme a sub-brand of Oppo has been driven by the need for cost-cutting and resource optimization, enabling both companies to combine their strengths and enhance their market positions.

Realme, which has gained popularity in countries like India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, will now join forces with Oppo to better compete with Samsung and Vivo in these regions. As per the new structure, both brands will share resources, streamlining operations and saving costs, which will potentially benefit their profit margins.

Will Realme Stop Launching Smartphones?

Contrary to what some might think, Realme smartphones will continue to be launched under the Realme brand name. The move to a sub-brand status means Realme will still operate in the market independently, with Realme products, including smartphones, tablets, and audio devices, continuing to be sold under its original name.

Despite becoming a sub-brand of Oppo, Realme will remain a key player in the smartphone market, similar to other sub-brands like Nothing’s CMF or Vivo’s iQOO. In essence, Realme will continue to cater to the budget and mid-range segments of the smartphone market, which have been key to its success in India and other regions.

Why the Move to a Sub-Brand?

Realme first launched its smartphones in India, where they gained significant popularity for their affordable yet feature-rich offerings. However, the decision to operate as a sub-brand of Oppo was driven primarily by the need to reduce costs. By sharing resources with Oppo, Realme will benefit from reduced operational expenses, which can lead to better profitability for both companies.

A Challenge for Samsung and Vivo

As per the latest ITC Q3 2025 report, Oppo ranks as the second-largest smartphone brand in India, with Vivo holding the top spot and Samsung in third place. Realme, until now, had been ranked sixth. By becoming Oppo’s sub-brand, these two companies are expected to consolidate their positions, creating a formidable competition for Samsung and Vivo, especially in India. With shared resources, Oppo and Realme are now positioned to challenge the market leadership of their competitors more effectively.