Soon the end for OPPO, OnePlus and Realme phones in France?

April 1, 2023 Joe Kenehan

It all starts with a chain of rumours. 36kr, a Korean tech news site, announces the imminent departure of Chinese brands OPPO and OnePlus. By the end of 2023, according to the media, their models should no longer be marketed in Europe. Information confirmed by a recognized leaker: their departure should first concern Germany, the United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands.

I can confirm: OPPO and OnePlus are pulling out of Europe. First to leave are Germany, UK, France and Netherlands.

— Max Jambor (@MaxJmb) March 27, 2023

OPPO and OnePlus announced on departure

But the information is denied a few hours later, via a press release from OnePlus, then from OPPO, ensuring the maintenance of their investments in the European and British markets.

OPPO and OnePlus engage in all existing European markets. We have had a great start to 2023 with successful launches of several products in Europe and we have a range of products to come for the rest of the year. As always, OPPO and OnePlus will continue to provide more innovative products and the best possible service to users.

OPPO press release

Unfounded rumor then? However, the idea of a gradual withdrawal from the European market seemed logical to observers. The brands thus find themselves blocked in certain countries following lost lawsuits against Nokia, while canceling the release of their latest high-end model in France.

end phone — The OPPO Find N2 Flip is the official smartphone of this Champions League campaign… It would be surprising to see the brand disappear in Europe.

Realme in the storm

On the side of the other Chinese manufacturer, Realme, the situation is more blurred. While the brand is experiencing strong growth following the success of its models, with 80% more sales in 2022, the French branch seems to be showing worrying signs. Thus, journalists noted the sudden cut in contact with the brand’s press service.

In response to these concerns, the brand invokes a shortage of employees in France, forcing it to reduce the airfoil. Ditto for the lack of communication on the networks since December 2022, it is an optimization of the HR strategy. The slowing down of exits? Realme just wants to spend more time developing its solutions. The brand should therefore remain in France. Of which act.

It would then appear that OPPO, OnePlus and Realme should remain in France and Europe. However, despite all these reassuring press releases, signs continue to raise doubts. To be continued !