
As it approaches its seventh anniversary, realme has achieved a major milestone: surpassing 300 million global users, according to data from Counterpoint Research. The figure marks a rapid trajectory for the brand, which reached 100 million users in 2021 and doubled that to 200 million in 2023. The feat cements realme’s position as one of the fastest-growing smartphone brands in the world and underscores its commitment to the spirit of “Make it real”.
“300 million users is not just a sales number — it’s 300 million real stories from across the globe,” said Krisva Angnieszca, Public Relations Lead at realme Indonesia. “We see it as a reflection of our continued relevance in the lives of young consumers who demand style, performance, and innovation without compromise.”
Since its debut in 2018, realme has positioned young people at the heart of its strategy. As a self-proclaimed tech popularizer, the brand focuses on delivering cutting-edge innovations at accessible prices — from gaming-ready chipsets and advanced photography features to rugged designs for outdoor use.
Its product portfolio is tailored to different lifestyle needs. realme GT Series claimed to be flagship-level performance for all-round users, realme Number Series as versatile mid-range devices, and realme C Series for budget-friendly yet feature-rich smartphones.
realme’s youth-centric Strategy
The youth-centric strategy extends beyond hardware. realme actively aligns with popular culture through collaborations with globally recognized IPs such as Lonely Planet (travel & lifestyle), anime franchises Dragon Ball and Naruto, and mobile game FreeFire. This approach has helped cultivate a loyal community of over 15 million fans worldwide.
realme’s commitment to community is perhaps best reflected in its annual 828 Global Fan Festival, held every August 28 to mark its founding anniversary. Last year’s event in Shenzhen drew more than 200 media representatives and fans from around the world, where the brand unveiled its 320W fast-charging technology — capable of fully charging a phone in just four minutes.
The 2025 edition promises new technological announcements as a tribute to its passionate fanbase, reinforcing the brand’s image as a dynamic and innovative player in the smartphone industry.
Strong Momentum in Indonesia and Asia

Indonesia remains a crucial growth market for realme, with over 30 million users as of 2025. More than 40% of Indonesian consumers familiar with the brand associate it with a satisfying gaming experience, according to internal brand surveys.
This recognition reflects realme’s success in appealing to the country’s young, mobile-first population, where affordable gaming capabilities remain a key purchase driver. The company has hinted at further surprises for Indonesian consumers later this year to strengthen its local market position.
The first half of 2025 has already seen realme consolidate its technological edge with the launch of the realme 14 Series 5G, a mid-range lineup pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming performance.
Looking ahead, mobile photography will take center stage in realme’s strategy. Upcoming initiatives include:
- AI-powered photography as a core development focus
- Collaborations with professional camera ecosystems to enhance imaging quality
- Human-centric design philosophy to make photography more intuitive and accessible
Battery innovation is another focus area. realme aims to combine large battery capacities with slim device designs — traditionally considered mutually exclusive — to deliver both endurance and portability.
“By staying committed to innovation that matters to young users, we are expanding our focus beyond performance into intuitive, intelligent photography experiences and long-lasting battery life,” added Angnieszca. “These pillars will serve as a strong foundation for our long-term vision of creating smartphones that are not just technologically advanced, but also meaningful in everyday life.”
Global Footprint and Market Disruption
Founded by Sky Li in 2018, realme has disrupted the global smartphone market by making advanced technology accessible. In just three years, the company became one of the top five smartphone brands in 30 global markets, spanning China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa.
The brand’s 2024 rebranding under the slogan “Make it real” reflects a renewed emphasis on youth-oriented innovations with tangible, real-world benefits. This sharpened focus — combined with rapid product cycles, aggressive pricing, and a strong fan ecosystem — continues to drive its rapid ascent.
With 300 million global users in just seven years, realme has joined an elite league of consumer tech brands that have scaled at an unprecedented pace. As competition in the smartphone industry intensifies, its ability to merge performance, style, and affordability — while keeping youth culture at its core — will be the deciding factor in whether it can sustain this growth trajectory in the years ahead.