OnePlus is one of the most well-known smartphone brands in the world, famous for its high-performance devices and competitive pricing. However, many people are confused about its ownership and whether it is a Chinese company or not. Some believe it operates independently, while others suspect it is linked to a bigger corporation. So, who really owns OnePlus? Is it a Chinese brand, or is there more to the story? In this article, we will explore the truth about OnePlus, its connection with Oppo, and what the future holds for the company.
Who Owns OnePlus? Here’s the Real Answer
OnePlus is owned by BBK Electronics, a massive Chinese multinational corporation. BBK Electronics is also the parent company of other major smartphone brands, including Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and iQOO. This means OnePlus is not an independent company but rather a subsidiary of a larger tech giant.
Despite this, OnePlus has always marketed itself as a separate and unique brand, often targeting tech enthusiasts and global markets like the United States, India, and Europe. While OnePlus initially operated independently, its recent merger with Oppo has changed how the company functions.
Is OnePlus a Chinese Company?
Yes, OnePlus is a Chinese company. It was founded in 2013 by Pete Lau and Carl Pei in Shenzhen, China. Since its launch, OnePlus has been headquartered in China, and most of its manufacturing and operations take place in the country.
However, OnePlus has always positioned itself as a global brand. Unlike other Chinese smartphone brands that primarily focus on China, OnePlus has expanded its reach to markets like North America, Europe, and India. This global approach has led many people to believe that OnePlus is not entirely Chinese.
Why Do People Think OnePlus Is Not Chinese?
There are several reasons why people assume OnePlus is not a Chinese company:
- Marketing and Branding: OnePlus has always who owns oneplus itself as an independent and global brand, avoiding direct associations with China.
- Focus on the U.S. and Europe: Many Chinese smartphone brands primarily operate in China and India, but OnePlus has actively targeted Western markets, including the United States.
- Stock Android-Like Experience: Unlike many Chinese brands that use heavily customized Android skins, OnePlus offers a clean and fast OxygenOS experience, which feels more like Google’s stock Android.
- Premium Appeal: OnePlus phones have been marketed as “flagship killers” with top-tier specs at a lower price, making them more appealing to tech enthusiasts worldwide.
Does OnePlus Follow Chinese Rules?
Yes, since OnePlus is a Chinese company, it must follow China’s regulations and policies. This means that, like other Chinese smartphone brands, OnePlus operates under the oversight of the Chinese government.
However, because OnePlus focuses on international markets, it ensures that its devices comply with global privacy and security regulations. For example, OnePlus phones in the United States and Europe must adhere to stricter privacy laws compared to China.
What About OnePlus in the US?
OnePlus has a strong presence in the United States, especially among tech enthusiasts. Unlike many other Chinese brands like Xiaomi and Huawei, which have struggled in the U.S. market due to political and security concerns, OnePlus has managed to avoid major controversies.
The brand has partnerships with U.S. carriers like T-Mobile and regularly releases its flagship models in the country. However, OnePlus still faces challenges in fully competing with brands like Apple and Samsung in the American market.
Did OnePlus Merge with Oppo?
Yes, in 2021, OnePlus officially merged with Oppo, another smartphone brand owned by BBK Electronics. Although OnePlus and Oppo were always linked under BBK Electronics, they previously operated as separate brands. However, after the merger, OnePlus has become more closely integrated with Oppo’s operations.
Is OnePlus the Same as Oppo Now?
OnePlus and Oppo share the same parent company and now work more closely together than ever before. However, OnePlus still operates as a separate brand with its own product lineup and software experience.
Since the merger, OnePlus has started using Oppo’s research, development, and supply chain, allowing it to produce devices more efficiently. This has led to similarities between OnePlus and Oppo phones, especially in terms of design and hardware.
Why Did OnePlus Merge with Oppo?
The primary reason for the OnePlus-Oppo merger was to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Before the merger, OnePlus operated independently, which limited its resources and supply chain access. By merging with Oppo, OnePlus can now:
- Use Oppo’s supply chain and manufacturing facilities to produce phones faster.
- Access Oppo’s research and development (R&D) resources to improve its devices.
- Enhance software updates by working with Oppo’s ColorOS development team.
This merger has helped OnePlus remain competitive in the highly saturated smartphone market.
What Changed After the Merger?
Several changes have taken place after OnePlus merged with Oppo:
- Software Integration: OnePlus moved from OxygenOS to a version based on Oppo’s ColorOS. This change was controversial, as many OnePlus fans preferred the stock Android feel of OxygenOS.
- More Similarity with Oppo Phones: Newer OnePlus models now share design and hardware similarities with Oppo devices.
- Faster Software Updates: Since integrating with Oppo, OnePlus has been able to provide quicker and more consistent software updates.
Who Is the CEO of OnePlus Now?
As of now, Pete Lau, one of the co-founders of OnePlus, continues to lead the company. After the merger, he took on a larger role in Oppo as well, overseeing product strategy for both brands.
Is OnePlus Better Than Oppo and Other Brands?
Whether OnePlus is better than Oppo depends on what you’re looking for in a smartphone. Here are some key differences:
- OnePlus focuses on performance and premium design, making it ideal for power users.
- Oppo has a wider range of devices, including budget and mid-range options.
- OnePlus offers OxygenOS (a clean Android experience), while Oppo uses ColorOS, which has more features but a heavier interface.
Which One Is Better for Gaming?
For gaming, OnePlus phones are generally better than Oppo devices. OnePlus flagship models come with:
- High refresh rate displays (120Hz) for smooth gaming
- Powerful Snapdragon processors
- Large RAM options (up to 16GB) for multitasking
- Gaming modes and optimizations
While Oppo also has some gaming-focused devices, OnePlus is often the preferred choice among gamers.
Thoughts: Is OnePlus Still a Good Brand?
Despite its changes, OnePlus remains a good brand, especially for users who want flagship-level performance at a competitive price. However, some longtime OnePlus fans feel that the company has lost its original identity after merging with Oppo. While it still offers powerful devices, its software experience and uniqueness have changed over the years.
The Bottom Line
So, who owns OnePlus? The answer is clear: OnePlus is owned by BBK Electronics and operates under Oppo. While OnePlus was once an independent brand, it is now closely linked with Oppo after their merger.
Even though OnePlus is a Chinese brand, it has successfully built a global reputation, especially in markets like the United States, India, and Europe. If you are considering buying a OnePlus phone, it still offers great value, high performance, and a strong community of users. However, keep in mind that the brand has changed significantly over the years, and some of its original uniqueness has been lost.
