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Oppo and OnePlus comment on alleged European and UK exits

OPPO and OnePlus claim that they will continue to supply Europe and the UK. (Image source: Oppo)
OPPO and OnePlus claim that they will continue to supply Europe and the UK. (Image source: Oppo)
According to several reports, OnePlus and Oppo have decided to leave European and UK markets. Reputedly, the two companies planned to pull out of France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK first, starting in mid-2023. However, official statements from Oppo and OnePlus suggest otherwise.

Last week, Oppo introduced the Find X6 and Find X6 Pro, two flagship Android smartphones that it has yet to announce outside China, despite allowing many western tech YouTubers and media outlets access to the Find X6 Pro. Prior to release, leakers claimed that Oppo did not plan to offer the Find X6 Pro globally, which is also the case for the Find N2. While the original Find N remains a Chinese exclusive, Oppo still offers the Find X5 Pro globally.

Thus, it seemed that Oppo could be downsizing its global operations, perhaps unsurprising given its close ties to OnePlus and the similarities that exist between their devices. In fact, @_snoopytech_ claimed that both companies will soon withdraw from France, Germany and the UK, citing 36kr. The leaker added that this 'operation will start mid 2023', likely owing to a slump in sales, and will leave a few employees to maintain basic operations.

Meanwhile, Max Jambor reported similar information, which would also apply to the Netherlands. It is worth keeping in mind that Oppo and OnePlus suspended smartphone sales in Germany a few months ago after losing a patent dispute with Nokia. Although both continue to sell accessories, tablets and audio devices, pre-existing smartphones like the OnePlus 10 Pro were removed from sale. 

However, Oppo and OnePlus have strenuously denied these claims. In quotes to Adam Conway of XDA Developers and Jon Porter of the Verge, the companies stated:

OnePlus will not exit from Europe and the UK and maintains stable operations in local markets. OnePlus will continue to invest in Europe and provide more innovative product and solutions for its users.

Oppo and OnePlus are committed to all the existing European markets. We had a great start in 2023 with the successful launches of several products in Europe and have a line-up of upcoming products for the rest of the year. As always, Oppo and OnePlus will continue to provide more innovative products and best-in-class service for users moving forward.

Subsequently, Roland Quandt has shed light on what may occur with Oppo and OnePlus' European operations moving forwards. Writing on Twitter, the leaker asserts that Oppo will shut down its German team 'by the end of June'. Hence, it seems that Oppo, and by extension OnePlus, have been unable to resolve its patent dispute with Nokia. Crucially, Quandt adds that the change will not necessarily affect its European-wide team, which is also headquartered in Germany.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2023 03 > Oppo and OnePlus comment on alleged European and UK exits
Alex Alderson, 2023-03-27 (Update: 2023-03-27)