OnePlus and Realme Officially Merge Under Oppo in Major Restructuring

Smartphone brands OnePlus and Realme have officially merged operations under a novel sub-product center within parent company Oppo, according to an internal announcement from Oppo. This restructuring aims to streamline product development and marketing efforts for both brands.

Leadership Changes and New Structure

Li Bingzhong, founder of Realme and Senior Vice President of Oppo, will lead the newly formed business unit. Xu Qi, formerly President of Realme’s global marketing and sales, will oversee the integrated marketing system for both OnePlus and Realme. On the product side, Li Jie, previously President of OnePlus China, will take charge, with both domestic and overseas product teams reporting directly to Oppo Chief Product Officer Liu Zuohu.

R&D Integration

Realme’s research and development (R&D) team will be reintegrated into the larger Oppo group. Specifically, imaging and hardware teams will be folded into Oppo’s existing hardware divisions, as reported by TechNode.

Context of the Merger

The merger follows earlier reports and rumors suggesting changes within OnePlus, including speculation about potential shutdowns and staff reductions. While OnePlus executives have previously denied claims of a complete shutdown, the company has been undergoing a period of evaluation and restructuring. 9to5Google notes that OnePlus has operated as a sub-brand of Oppo for several years, with Realme too being integrated with Oppo earlier in the year.

Implications for Product Lines

The restructuring emphasizes the “reuse of product lines” between OnePlus and Realme, suggesting a greater degree of shared technology and components in future devices. Android Authority reports that this move aims to improve efficiency and reduce redundancy in product development.

Key Takeaways

• OnePlus and Realme have officially merged under Oppo.
• Li Bingzhong will lead the new business unit.
• Xu Qi will oversee integrated marketing.
• Li Jie will lead product development.
• Realme’s R&D will be integrated into Oppo.