BBK Electronics plans to invest $1.5 billion in OnePlus over the next 3 years
Full disclosure, a sum of 10 billion yuan was mentioned. That translates to $1.43 billion. So, it’s not exactly $1.5 billion flat, but it’s not far from it either. It is said that most of this money will be used for OnePlus’ product development. OPPO’s resources will also be tilted towards OnePlus. That includes OPPO’s basic R&D, supply chain, and distribution channels. This information allegedly comes from OPPO’s executives. OnePlus and OPPO were always sister companies, but they did do business separately for a long time. The two companies grew closer together over the years, though. At this point in time, most of the teams merged in China, while devices use very similar software too.
This investment will surely benefit OnePlus
This investment will surely benefit OnePlus, though it remains to be seen where will it lead. OnePlus managed to become a fairly known brand, even outside of China. The company business moves in the last couple of years didn’t really sit well with hardcore fans of the company. OxygenOS, the software that comes pre-installed on OnePlus devices, used to be completely different. It set itself apart from what OPPO is offering, it was not even close. At first, it was really similar to stock Android, and then OnePlus turned it into something entirely different. Following that, it became very similar to ColorOS. That makes sense, as the teams developing the two Android skins are joined at this point.
It’s a shame we have to wait longer for OnePlus’ flagships now
Many hardcore fans believe OnePlus lost its identity in the process. The company still makes compelling devices, it’s just a shame we have to wait for their flagships to launch globally. OnePlus used to host its product announcements on a global level from the get-go, but they occur in China first now. Global launches are organized months after that.
