No, Realme is not an Indian company; it is a Chinese consumer-electronics brand. The company has nevertheless built a strong presence in India by offering stylish smartphones with competitive features and affordable prices.
Realme is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and was founded by Chinese entrepreneur Sky Li. Although many Realme smartphones sold in India are manufactured or assembled locally, the brand’s country of origin and corporate ownership remain Chinese.
Quick Overview of Realme
| Particular | Details |
| Brand Name | Realme |
| Founded | 4 May 2018 |
| Founder | Sky Li |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Headquarters | Shenzhen, Guangdong, China |
| Parent Company | Oppo |
| Global CEO | Sky Li |
| Industry | Consumer electronics |
| Main Products | Smartphones, tablets, earbuds and smart accessories |
| Important Markets | India, China, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East |
| Official Website | www.realme.com |
About Realme
Realme is a technology brand best known for its Android smartphones. It mainly targets young consumers who want modern designs, capable cameras, fast charging and strong performance without paying premium prices.
Apart from smartphones, Realme offers tablets, wireless earphones, smartwatches, chargers and other mobile accessories. Its smartphone portfolio has included the Realme GT, Number, Narzo, P, C and Note series. Different product lines are created for different customer groups, from entry-level users to performance-focused buyers.
India is one of Realme’s most important international markets. The company sells its products through online shopping platforms, its official website and physical retail stores across the country.
How Did Realme Begin?
Realme was established on 4 May 2018 by Sky Li, whose Chinese name is Li Bingzhong. Before starting Realme, he worked as an executive at Oppo and managed the company’s overseas business.
The brand originally appeared in connection with Oppo before being developed as a separate business. Its objective was to provide attractive smartphones with useful specifications at accessible prices. Realme expanded rapidly into India and several other international markets after its launch.
Its colourful designs, aggressive pricing and online-focused sales strategy helped it compete with brands such as Xiaomi, Samsung, Vivo and Motorola. The company later expanded its retail network and entered additional electronics categories.
Who Owns Realme?
Realme is associated with Oppo, another Chinese smartphone company headquartered in Guangdong, China. In January 2026, Realme announced that it would be integrated into Oppo and operate as an Oppo sub-brand while sharing resources such as research, supply-chain capabilities and after-sales services.
Therefore, Realme is currently best described as a Chinese brand under Oppo. Sky Li continues to be identified as Realme’s founder and global chief executive. The company’s headquarters, senior corporate control and brand origin are based in China, not India. Reuters reported the Oppo integration in January 2026.
Are Realme Phones Manufactured in India?
Yes, many Realme smartphones sold in the Indian market are manufactured or assembled in India through local production facilities and manufacturing partners. Local production helps the company manage costs, meet Indian demand and reduce its dependence on importing completely assembled phones.
However, a phone assembled in India may still contain imported parts. Important components such as processors, displays, camera sensors and memory chips may come from international suppliers.
Consequently, a “Made in India” label describes where a particular product was manufactured or assembled. It does not automatically mean that the company owning the product’s brand is Indian.
Why Do People Think Realme Is an Indian Company?
Some customers assume that Realme is Indian because its products are widely available across the country. The brand runs India-focused advertising campaigns, works with local retailers and offers smartphones developed for the preferences and budgets of Indian consumers.
Its local workforce, service centres, manufacturing arrangements and Indian business operations strengthen this impression. Realme also uses Indian festivals and cultural events in its marketing campaigns.
These activities demonstrate Realme’s commitment to the Indian market, but they do not change the company’s nationality.
Why Is Realme Not Considered an Indian Company?
A company’s nationality is generally determined by factors such as its place of origin, headquarters, ownership and corporate control. Realme was founded by a Chinese entrepreneur, is headquartered in Shenzhen and operates as a sub-brand of China-based Oppo.
Realme has an important business presence in India and contributes to local manufacturing, employment, retail and technology sales. Nevertheless, based on its origin and ownership, Realme is a Chinese company, not an Indian company.
