The OnePlus and Realme have reportedly merged their operations, both globally and in China.
Photo Credit:Official sites
OnePlus and Realme operations are reportedly merged under a unified "sub-product center" across regions.
Both brands will continue to exist separately but will share R&D, supply chain, and services.
The move is aimed at reducing costs and improving efficiency amid rising competition and market pressures.
Official details are yet to be released by the respective brands.
Amid reports claiming that OnePlus is shutting down, fresh details have surfaced online suggesting that OnePlus and Realme have officially merged their operations, both globally and in China.
While an official statement is still awaited, it appears that OnePlus is not shutting down. Instead, the brand will no longer operate as a completely standalone entity. Here's everything we know so far regarding the merger.
As per tipster Digital Chat Station (DCS), OnePlus and Realme have merged their operations in all regions under a new "sub-product center", and going forward, marketing, after-sales service, and product development for both brands will be handled jointly.
The OnePlus and Realme have reportedly merged their operations in all regions under a new "sub-product center".
The new unit will be headed by Li Jie, President of OnePlus China, who will report directly to OnePlus CEO and founder Pete Lau, with more emphasis on reusing product lines, shared R&D, and supply chain in order to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
It is worth noting that both brands are under the BBK Electronics group, a Chinese multinational conglomerate that also owns other smartphone brands, OPPO and Vivo.
While OnePlus was founded in 2013 with a focus on offering premium "flagship killer" devices, Realme was officially established as an independent brand in 2018 after spinning off from its parent company, OPPO.
However, Realme was brought back as an official sub-brand under OPPO in January 2026. Meanwhile, the latest move takes this consolidation further by merging OnePlus and Realme operations.
The major reason for the merger is likely slowing global smartphone sales, increased competition, and rising costs of smartphone components.
Currently, the smartphone market has become extremely competitive, and both brands have been facing challenges in maintaining profitability.
By sharing R&D, procurement, and resources, the tech conglomerate aims to reduce duplication and become more competitive in markets like India, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
For buyers, there may not be any major changes, as smartphones will continue to be launched under both OnePlus and Realme names. However, in the long term, consumers can expect better sharing of technology and components, potentially more competitive pricing, and improved after-sales service due to combined resources.
In India, Realme has a strong mass-market presence, offering mainly budget to mid-range smartphones. Meanwhile, OnePlus has a loyal premium customer base.
Notably, the merger could lead to better service networks and more competitive pricing in the Indian market. However, it remains to be seen how brand differentiation will be maintained going forward.
It is worth noting that none of the smartphone brands have issued an official confirmation regarding any merger. These information is based on leaks from Chinese industry sources. However, OnePlus or Realme might soon come up with some official details. Stay tuned for more updates.
Is OnePlus shutting down due to the merger with Realme?
No, OnePlus is not shutting down. Instead, it will no longer operate as a completely standalone entity as its operations have merged with Realme under a shared sub-product center.
What are the main reasons behind the OnePlus and Realme merger?
The merger is driven by slowing global smartphone sales, intense competition, and rising component costs. Combining product development, R&D, and supply chains aims to reduce duplication and improve cost-efficiency.
Who will lead the combined operations of OnePlus and Realme?
Li Jie, President of OnePlus China, will reportedly head the new sub-product center managing both brands’ marketing, after-sales, and product development, reporting directly to OnePlus CEO Pete Lau.
Will the OnePlus and Realme brands continue to launch separate smartphone models?
Yes, smartphones will still be released under both OnePlus and Realme brand names, maintaining distinct product lines for different market segments.
How will the merger affect smartphone buyers in India?
In India, the merger may enhance service networks and create more competitive pricing. Realme's strength in budget to mid-range segments and OnePlus’s premium base will remain distinct but benefit from shared resources.
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