realme originated as a sub-brand of OPPO before being established as an independent entity on May 4, 2018. The company was founded by Sky Li following his departure from OPPO, with the objective of creating a technology brand that delivers premium features at accessible prices.

The brand’s inaugural smartphone, the realme 1, was launched in India in May 2018. It achieved rapid popularity by combining distinctive design, capable hardware specifications, and aggressive pricing.

Within several years, realme expanded its operations into markets across:

• India
• Southeast Asia
• Europe
• Middle East
• Latin America
• Africa

This expansion facilitated exceptionally rapid growth, positioning realme among the world’s fastest-growing smartphone manufacturers during its formative years.2

realme positions itself as a technology brand tailored specifically for young users. Its stated mission is “to let young users around the world enjoy tech experiences that exceed expectations.”

The company emphasises the following pillars:

• Modern industrial design
• Flagship-level performance
• Affordable pricing
• Innovation in charging, displays, cameras, and gaming
• AI-powered smart ecosystem products

Product development at realme centres on balancing performance, style, and value.3

Beyond smartphones, realme has developed a comprehensive ecosystem of consumer electronics.

Smartphones

Major smartphone series include:

• GT Series – Flagship performance
• Number Series – Premium mid-range
• P Series – Performance-focused mid-range (select markets)
• Narzo Series – Gaming-oriented budget phones
• C Series – Entry-level smartphones

Tablets

Tablet offerings include:

• realme Pad
• realme Pad Mini
• realme Pad X

Audio Products

Audio devices comprise:

• Buds Air Series
• Buds T Series
• Neckband earphones

Wearables

Wearable technology includes:

• realme Watch Series
• Smart Bands

AIoT Products

AIoT and lifestyle products encompass:

• Smart TVs
• Wi-Fi routers
• Power banks
• Bluetooth speakers
• Smart scales
• Home accessories

realme smartphones operate on realme UI, a customised Android-based operating system developed by the company. Key features include a clean interface, gaming optimisations, privacy controls, theme customisation, AI enhancements, battery optimisation, and smart sidebar multitasking capabilities. Due to historical corporate ties, the software shares technical foundations with OPPO’s ColorOS.4

realme maintains a presence in over 60 countries and regions. Key markets include:

• India
• Indonesia
• Philippines
• Malaysia
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Europe
• Middle East

The company consistently ranks among the leading smartphone brands in various emerging markets.5

realme collaborates with international designers to produce devices that merge premium aesthetics with practical usability. Core design principles include minimalist appearances, slim profiles, bold colours, premium materials, and youth-oriented styling. The company frequently integrates flagship-inspired design elements into more affordable product tiers.

realme has introduced several notable technologies across its product portfolio, including:

• Fast charging systems (SuperVOOC-based technologies)
• High-refresh-rate AMOLED displays
• AI camera enhancements
• Large battery capacities
• Gaming performance optimisation
• 5G connectivity across multiple price segments

The company aims to introduce advanced features to lower price categories ahead of many competitors.6

realme competes with brands such as Xiaomi, Redmi, Samsung, vivo, OPPO, HONOR, Motorola, and OnePlus. Its primary competitive advantages include a strong price-to-performance ratio, rapid product development cycles, modern design, a broad product ecosystem, and robust online sales channels.

Although launched initially as an OPPO sub-brand, realme became an independent brand in 2018. Despite operating independently for several years, the two companies continued to share specific technologies, research resources, and supply chain infrastructure. More recently, realme has announced closer strategic integration with OPPO in certain operational and support areas while retaining its distinct brand identity.7

The stated mission of realme is to make advanced technology accessible to young users by combining innovation, quality, and affordability. The company prioritises delivering products that exceed user expectations regarding performance, design, and value.8

Since its founding in 2018, realme has evolved from a market entrant into a major global consumer electronics brand. Its rapid expansion, competitive pricing strategy, and focus on younger demographics have established it as a significant player in the smartphone industry. The product portfolio has since expanded well beyond mobile handsets to encompass a connected ecosystem of smart devices.9

1. Brand – realme (Global)
2. Realme
3. What are Realme phones? A guide to the company and its smartphones | TechRadar
4. Chinese smartphone maker Realme set to become an Oppo subbrand
5. Realme Brand from Which Country? Origin and Manufacturing Explained | Beebom Gadgets
6. Realme Brand- History, Features, Top Models, Prices, Global Market and More
7. realme品牌故事 – 敢越级 | realme手机官方商城
8. Brand – realme (UAE)
9. realme | LinkedIn