Oppo is reportedly carrying out a round of layoffs within Realme’s India operations, as part of a broader consolidation effort following Realme’s return as a sub-brand.
According to reports, the restructuring is aimed at merging overlapping teams, streamlining operations, and reducing overall business costs. The development comes just weeks after Realme officially rejoined Oppo, marking a significant shift in how the two brands operate in key markets such as India.
The reported layoffs are said to be part of a phased process, with sales and support teams affected first. Further restructuring across other business divisions is expected in the coming months.
Layoffs
According to a report by Moneycontrol, Oppo has begun absorbing several Realme India divisions as part of the consolidation. An unnamed source cited in the report stated that the initial focus is on trimming sales and support staff, where overlapping roles are most apparent.
Employees impacted by the restructuring have reportedly been asked to resign by April 30. While the exact number of job losses has not been disclosed, the report suggests that additional teams within Realme India could face similar measures as the consolidation progresses.
Structure
The report also notes that Oppo has already completed a similar consolidation of Realme’s operations in China. In India, however, the process is reportedly being handled more cautiously due to ongoing legal matters involving Oppo.
Realme’s sales teams in India have reportedly been instructed to begin operating under a revised organisational structure. This indicates that the integration is already underway at an operational level, even as uncertainty remains around the scope and timeline of further layoffs.
Context
Although the impact on employees is significant, the development is not entirely unexpected. When Realme and Oppo announced their re-merger last month, one of the stated objectives was to pool resources and reduce overhead costs, particularly in areas such as research and development.
Bringing together multiple teams across sales, support, product planning, and R&D inevitably creates duplication. The current layoffs suggest Oppo is now acting on its plan to build a leaner and more centralised structure.
Precedent
Oppo has undertaken similar consolidation exercises in the past. In 2021, following the integration of Oppo and OnePlus operations in India, several OnePlus employees were reportedly laid off. That move was also framed as an effort to improve efficiency by unifying operations across brands.
The current restructuring at Realme appears to follow the same playbook, reinforcing Oppo’s broader strategy of centralising control over its sub-brands.
Background
Realme was founded by Sky Li in May 2018 and initially operated alongside Oppo under BBK Electronics. Within two months, Li stepped down from Oppo to establish Realme as an independent brand. Over the following years, Realme expanded aggressively, particularly in markets such as India, where it built a strong presence in the budget and mid-range smartphone segments.
In January, reports began circulating that Realme would return to Oppo’s fold as part of a cost-cutting and resource-sharing strategy. It was also reported that Realme and OnePlus would operate side by side under Oppo’s oversight, with Sky Li potentially overseeing both brands. These details, however, have not been officially confirmed.
Outlook
The reported layoffs indicate that Oppo’s consolidation strategy is moving from planning to execution. While the integration may help reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, it also raises questions about the future autonomy of Realme and its positioning in the Indian market.
As of now, neither Oppo nor Realme has issued an official statement addressing the reported layoffs. More clarity is expected in the coming weeks as the restructuring unfolds and its full impact becomes clearer.
FAQs
Is Realme cutting jobs in India?
Reports suggest Oppo is laying off staff at Realme India.
Why is Oppo restructuring Realme India?
To consolidate teams and reduce business costs.
Which teams are affected first?
Sales and support teams are reportedly impacted initially.
When must affected employees resign?
Impacted staff were reportedly asked to resign by April 30.
Has Oppo done similar layoffs before?
Yes, during the Oppo-OnePlus consolidation in 2021.
