Chinese tech manufacturer Oppo is reaffirming its goal of becoming a major European smartphone player. This comes after a turbulent two years marked by a patent dispute with Nokia that forced Oppo to halt sales in key markets like Germany. The dispute, centered on 5G patent royalties, significantly impacted Oppo's European market share.
With the Nokia conflict resolved, Oppo is optimistic about its European prospects. "Expanding into Europe is key to our global ambitions," stated Marc van den Dool, Oppo Benelux Sales Director. "The European market is crucial, especially for premium devices."
The company is taking steps to re-establish itself, including a new French office and the recent Belgian launch of the mid-range Reno 11F smartphone. It's worth noting that Oppo maintained a presence in some European regions even during the Nokia dispute, potentially offering opportunities for growth.
However, Oppo's initial moves might seem cautious. Despite promises that its high-end Find X7 Pro and a foldable device are on the horizon, the Reno 11F highlights a gap compared to competitors like Samsung and Apple, both dominant in Europe.