SHANGHAI, January 7, 2026 – Chinese smartphone manufacturer Realme announced that it will be integrated into Oppo as a subbrand, a move designed to streamline operations, pool resources, and reduce costs across the companies.

The decision brings Realme closer to its corporate sibling, Oppo, as both brands are owned by BBK Electronics, the Chinese consumer electronics conglomerate that also owns Vivo.

“This integration is aimed at creating synergies between the brands while maintaining their unique identities in the global smartphone market,” said a company spokesperson.

---

Background on Realme and Oppo

Realme was originally launched as an independent smartphone brand targeting budget-conscious and mid-range consumers, with a strong presence in India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Its rapid growth has made it one of the most recognized Chinese mobile brands outside China.

Oppo, meanwhile, is a premium-focused smartphone maker, known for flagship devices, advanced camera technology, and international marketing campaigns. By making Realme a subbrand, BBK Electronics aims to leverage Oppo’s infrastructure, including supply chains, research and development, and marketing networks.

---

Strategic Goals of the Integration

The move is expected to:

• Cut operational costs by consolidating logistics, production, and distribution networks.
• Enhance product development by sharing research and design resources between Realme and Oppo.
• Strengthen global competitiveness, particularly against rival Chinese brands like Xiaomi, Honor, and OnePlus.
• Maintain distinct brand positioning, with Oppo targeting premium segments and Realme continuing to focus on mid-range and value smartphones.

Analysts say the integration could also allow Realme to expand more aggressively in Europe and emerging markets, using Oppo’s brand reputation as a growth lever.

---

Implications for the Smartphone Market

BBK Electronics’ strategy mirrors trends in the global smartphone industry, where parent companies often consolidate brands to improve efficiency and market positioning.

“Making Realme a subbrand of Oppo is a smart move to optimize BBK’s portfolio. It allows both brands to avoid internal competition while strengthening their global footprint,” said a Shanghai-based market analyst.

For consumers, the integration could mean faster software updates, improved after-sales support, and more competitive pricing for Realme devices, particularly in markets where Oppo already has a strong presence.

---

BBK Electronics: Portfolio Overview

BBK Electronics is one of the world’s largest smartphone conglomerates, with multiple brands under its umbrella:

• Oppo: Premium smartphones with flagship focus.
• Realme: Value and mid-range smartphones, now a subbrand.
• Vivo: Broad portfolio targeting mid-to-high-end markets.
• OnePlus: Flagship devices marketed internationally.

This consolidation signals BBK’s ongoing strategy to maximize efficiency and brand differentiation while staying competitive against Xiaomi, Huawei, and Samsung in key markets.

---

Conclusion

By integrating Realme into Oppo as a subbrand, BBK Electronics aims to reduce costs, pool resources, and strengthen its global smartphone presence, while maintaining distinct brand identities for both Oppo and Realme. Analysts expect the move to accelerate Realme’s expansion in Europe and emerging markets and provide BBK a more streamlined approach in the highly competitive global smartphone market of 2026.