Highlights
- OnePlus and Realme have reportedly merged operations.
- Li Jie (OnePlus China President) will lead the product center under Pete Lau, while Wang Wei (ex‑Realme VP) becomes deputy GM.
- Li Bingzhong (Realme Founder) heads the new sub‑business unit with Xu Qi managing marketing and services.
Rumours around OnePlus shutting down have been circulating since the beginning of this year. While company executives have repeatedly denied these claims, internal changes and leadership reshuffles have raised questions about its future. Now, reports from China reveal that OnePlus has merged operations with fellow OPPO sub-brand Realme.
OnePlus-Realme Merger
According to well-known tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, OnePlus and Realme have officially merged their operations. The report claims that both brands are combining their domestic and global teams under a newly formed “sub product center,” which will oversee product development across markets.
Digital Chat Station’s post on Weibo. (Translated via Google Translate)
As per the leak, President of OnePlus China Li Jie has been appointed to lead this new product center and will report directly to Pete Lau (also known as Liu Zuohu), the founder of OnePlus. Meanwhile, former Vice President of Realme Wang Wei has taken on the role of deputy general manager and will report to Li Jie.
In addition to product development, the marketing and service divisions of both companies are also being consolidated. A new sub-business unit has reportedly been created to handle these functions. Realme Founder Li Bingzhong is said to be heading this division, while Xu Qi is expected to oversee marketing and service operations for both brands.
Neither OnePlus nor Realme has officially confirmed the merger. However, a report from Leifeng.com citing an internal announcement supports these claims. The report mentions that a “sub-product center has been established” to manage both domestic and overseas operations with Li Jie leading the initiative under Pete Lau’s supervision.
What Does It Mean For OnePlus and Realme?
It is worth noting that OnePlus has already been operating as a sub-brand of OPPO for several years, while Realme was also integrated into OPPO earlier this year. This latest move appears to further streamline operations within the broader OPPO ecosystem.
While the merger does not necessarily indicate the end of OnePlus as a brand, it comes at a time when concerns about its global presence are growing. Realme continues to have a presence in Europe and other international markets but lacks a foothold in the United States. It is a market where OnePlus has been active for years.
Adding to the uncertainty, OnePlus has not announced any major global product launches in recent months. The OnePlus Watch 4 was recently spotted but there has been no official confirmation regarding its launch timeline, pricing or availability.
For now, the reported merger signals a significant shift in strategy for both OnePlus and Realme. These brands will likely align more closely under OPPO’s umbrella while navigating an evolving global smartphone market.
FAQs
Q1. Have OnePlus and Realme officially merged their operations?
Answer. Reports from China suggest that OnePlus and Realme have merged, forming a new sub‑product center to oversee product development, marketing, and services.
Q2. Who is leading the newly formed product center?
Answer. Li Jie, President of OnePlus China, has been appointed to lead the product center, reporting directly to Pete Lau, OnePlus’s founder.
Q3. What does this OnePlus-Realme merger mean for the future of both brands?
Answer. The move further integrates OnePlus and Realme into the OPPO ecosystem, streamlining operations. While it doesn’t signal the end of OnePlus, it raises questions about its global presence, especially as Realme expands in Europe but lacks a U.S. foothold.