Oppo sees AI driving demand despite bubble concerns
- ByStartupStory | October 29, 2025
Chinese smartphone giant Oppo remains optimistic about the powerful role artificial intelligence (AI) will play in driving consumer demand for its devices, even as some industry watchers raise concerns about a potential AI bubble. Speaking at various technology events and earnings calls this year, Oppo’s leadership has consistently emphasized its belief that AI will transform smartphones from mere communication tools into highly intelligent collaborators that enhance everyday productivity and creativity.
AI as the Engine of Next-Generation Smartphones
Oppo views AI not as a flashy add-on but as the fundamental engine powering the next evolution of mobile experiences. The company is doubling down on in-house AI innovation while collaborating with tech leaders like Google, MediaTek, and Qualcomm to build cutting-edge AI chips and software.
Billy Zhang, Oppo’s President of Overseas Marketing, Sales and Services, recently explained, “Smartphones are not just vehicles for AI—they are the engines that power the best possible AI experiences. Our goal is to bring generative AI features to nearly 100 million users worldwide by the end of 2025.” This represents a doubling of Oppo’s 2024 AI user base, which already surpassed 50 million.
Oppo’s flagship models, including the Find N5 and Reno13 series, integrate deep AI capabilities such as generative AI-powered voice assistants, real-time AI call translators, personalized AI imaging features, and AI-driven content creation tools. Google’s Gemini AI model integration across Oppo’s native apps like Notes, Calendar, and Clock allows seamless, intelligent multitasking without disrupting user workflows.
AI Features Shaping Consumer Demand
Despite concerns about hype cycles, Oppo believes that practical AI functionalities—such as real-time multilingual call translation, smart meeting transcription (AI VoiceScribe), and AI-enhanced photography—are fueling genuine consumer interest. These use cases resonate especially with young professionals, content creators, and students in multilingual societies like India, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
Peter Lee, Head of Product Strategy at Oppo, highlighted India’s critical role as a growth market for mobile AI adoption. “India is central to our goal of bringing GenAI to 100 million users globally by 2025. The market is not just aware of AI but actively adopting real-world applications. We prioritize building useful, intuitive tools made accessible to diverse users,” he said.
Oppo is also focusing on AI security and privacy through technologies like its Private Computing Cloud (PCC), designed with Google Cloud’s confidential computing framework to protect user data during AI processing—building trust as AI features become integral to daily life.
Addressing Bubble Concerns with Responsible AI Development
While the AI sector has experienced soaring investments and valuations sometimes disconnected from immediate commercial outcomes, Oppo adopts a measured approach. The company emphasizes system-level AI integration, monthly feature updates, and real-world value delivery to avoid falling victim to short-term market exuberance.
Oppo is also advancing “Agentic AI” capabilities, enabling smartphones to autonomously execute complex tasks while incorporating ethical AI guardrails and continuous learning to ensure user control and safety.
Market Strategy and Partnerships
Oppo’s strategy includes rolling out AI innovations on both foldable and traditional flagship devices, exemplified by the “dual flagship” approach launched in 2025. Collaborations with silicon vendors like MediaTek help optimize chips for energy-efficient, real-time AI processing, maintaining battery life without sacrificing performance.
With over 300 million smartphone users expected in its key markets, Oppo aims to embed AI deeply across devices and ecosystems, seeking to outpace competitors by offering AI-driven personalization and productivity features tailored to regional consumer behaviours.
Industry Impact and Outlook
Oppo’s AI ambitions reflect broader industry trends where AI is becoming a core differentiator among smartphone manufacturers rather than a mere marketing buzzword. The company’s focus on user privacy, multilingual support, and real-time AI productivity features is aligned with emerging consumer expectations in a post-smartphone era where AI assistants become vital tools.
Despite the AI hype cycle, strong partnerships, steady feature rollouts, and focus on functional enhancements position Oppo favorably in an increasingly crowded and competitive market.
Conclusion
Oppo’s leadership remains confident that AI will drive sustainable consumer demand and revolutionize user experiences on mobile devices. While cautious of bubble dynamics, the company is investing aggressively in technology, partnerships, and privacy safeguards that will help it capitalize on AI’s transformative potential.
As AI continues to reshape digital interaction, Oppo sets itself apart as a smartphone brand blending cutting-edge AI innovation with a practical, user-centric approach—reshaping the future of mobile computing for more than 100 million users worldwide by the year’s end.
Follow Startup Story
Related Posts
