Smartphone brand realme has just crossed a major milestone: its global user base now exceeds 300 million, according to figures confirmed by Counterpoint Research. It’s a significant moment for the company, especially considering how quickly it’s climbed the ranks in the intensely competitive smartphone market.
Key Takeaways
- Global User Base: realme now has over 300 million users worldwide.
- Accelerating Growth: The latest 100 million users joined in record time, its fastest growth phase yet.
- Youth-Centered Strategy: Devices are tailored for photography, gaming, and everyday performance, particularly for younger users.
- Anniversary Event: realme will mark its 7th anniversary during the annual 828 Fan Festival later this month.
realme reached its first 100 million users in 2021, about three years after it was founded. Two years later, it crossed the 200 million marks. Now, just over a year after that, it has added another 100 million, its quickest leap yet. That kind of acceleration suggests the brand’s appeal isn’t just holding steady; it’s growing stronger.
The company was founded in May 2018 by Sky Li and initially launched as a sub-brand under OPPO. But it didn’t take long for realme to break out on its own, especially after gaining traction in markets like India. It found a clear niche: delivering sleek, feature-rich phones at accessible prices, and more specifically, targeting young consumers who wanted value without sacrificing performance.
Over time, realme’s product portfolio has expanded to reflect different user needs and budgets. The GT series sits at the top end, often showcasing high-end chips and premium hardware. Then there’s the Number series, which focuses more on camera capabilities, some models even come with periscope lenses, a standout feature in that range. More recently, the brand introduced its P Series in India, which leans into performance for tasks like mobile gaming. It’s a layered strategy, but a logical one, helping realme stay competitive across several price points without diluting its core message.
realme also actively builds its image through cultural tie-ins. The brand has partnered with names like the Aston Martin Formula One Team, Coca-Cola for a limited-edition device, and even BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India). These collaborations aren’t just surface level, they help realme stay culturally visible, especially among younger demographics. It’s all part of the broader effort to stay relevant, and it seems to be working.
The company says it now has a global fan community of over 15 million users. And it doesn’t just talk at its audience; it engages with them. The biggest example of this is the annual 828 Global Fan Festival, held every August 28 to commemorate its founding. Last year’s event featured the debut of a 320W fast charging prototype that could refill a phone battery in minutes, a showcase of tech ambition as much as celebration.
Now, with its 7th anniversary just around the corner, anticipation is building again. While the company hasn’t teased anything specific yet, fans are expecting new products or at least some surprise tech demonstrations. Given the pace at which realme is growing, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see something bold. Maybe even a little unexpected.
Related FAQs
Q: How many users does realme have worldwide?
A: As of August 2025, realme has surpassed 300 million users globally, according to data from Counterpoint Research.
Q: When was realme founded?
A: realme was founded by Sky Li in May 2018. It is set to celebrate its 7th anniversary in August 2025.
Q: Is realme a part of another company?
A: realme started as a sub-brand of OPPO but now operates independently within the BBK Electronics group, which also includes brands like OnePlus, OPPO, and Vivo.
Q: What are the main realme phone series?
A: realme’s main phone series include the flagship GT series (high performance), the mid-range Number series (camera-focused), and the P series (performance-focused for gaming).
Q: What is the realme 828 Fan Festival?
A: The 828 Fan Festival is an annual event hosted by realme on August 28th to celebrate its anniversary. The company uses the event to engage with its fan community and often announces new products or technologies.
Q: What is realme’s 320W charging technology?
A: realme showcased a 320W fast-charging technology prototype in 2024. It was demonstrated to be capable of charging a 4,600mAh battery from 0 to 100% in a few minutes. It has not yet been included in a commercially available smartphone.
