Oppo is a Chinese manufacturer of electronics and digital products, such as smartphones, headphones, MP3 players, and others. Established in 2001 as a part of BBK Electronics, the brand has carved a niche for itself in the smartphone market worldwide. Its visual identity has undergone significant branding evolution since its inception. The company’s logo, which reflects its identity and values, has been redesigned only twice since its launch in 2004. The article traces the history and evolution of the Oppo logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Oppo Logo (2004–2013)
In 2004, Oppo introduced its first logo, which was characterised by a simple yet stylish wordmark featuring the brand name in lowercase. This logo was executed in a custom sans-serif typeface, predominantly in black. A distinctive feature of this logo was the open contours of the letter “P,” which provided a modern and sleek appearance. The letters were slightly stretched horizontally, which contributed to a contemporary aesthetic that resonated with the brand’s vision of innovation and technology.
First Redesign (2013-2019)
In 2013, Oppo revamped its logo by shifting from a monochrome palette to a vibrant green on a white background. This change symbolised a fresh and energetic identity, with green representing growth and success. The redesign also included modifications to the letter contours, making them narrower and more balanced, which enhanced the overall strength and stability of the logo. An alternative version featured white lettering with the tagline “Smartphone” on a bright green backdrop to emphasise the focus of the brand on mobile technology.
Major Redesign by Pentagram (2019–Present)
The most significant transformation occurred in 2019, when Oppo collaborated with the renowned design agency Pentagram to redesign its visual identity. The logo retained its lowercase format and green colour but adopted a darker, more luxurious shade. This new shade of green was intended to convey stability and wealth.
It reflected the growth and competitive spirit of Oppo in the global market. The custom typeface was also refined, with complete and strong contours that underscored the confidence and longevity of the brand. This redesign marked a key moment in Oppo’s branding and aligned it more closely with its aspirations as a leading technology company.
The Elements of the Oppo Logo
Font
The brand name is rendered in the Oppo Sans font, which has been specifically chosen to design the logo. It merges classic and Gothic elements and reflects the distinctive characteristics, style, and essence of the brand. The letters are straight and meticulously crafted, which embody the quality and craftsmanship associated with Oppo products.
Colour
Oppo employs green in multiple shades, which can range from dark to light, to represent its various products. This is due to the fact that this colour maintains its vibrancy and saturation in digital printing. The chosen shade of green symbolises vitality and growth and points to a plethora of features. It also signifies the durability of Oppo products when in use.
The History of Oppo
Founded in 2004 in Dongguan, China, by Tony Chen, Oppo initially focused on producing MP3 and Blu-ray players. The company ventured into manufacturing mobile phones in 2008 with the quirky “Smiley Face” phone. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that Oppo officially entered the smartphone market.
By 2016, Oppo had established itself as a dominant force in the Chinese smartphone sector and boasted over 200,000 retail locations. It also introduced innovative features, such as rotatable cameras. This success propelled the company towards global expansion, especially into the European and Indian markets. It also formed partnerships with carriers to enhance its presence in regions like Australia.
The year 2019 marked a turning point for Oppo, as it secured sponsorship deals with prestigious tennis tournaments like Wimbledon and Roland Garros. Additionally, the company committed to investing $7 billion over three years in various fields. These include research and development, focussing on advancements in 5G technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI).
Today, Oppo ranks among the leading smartphone manufacturers globally and is renowned for its advanced camera capabilities and rapid charging technologies. The notable models of the brand include the Find X and Reno series. The brand operates under the Chinese conglomerate, BBK Electronics, which also owns other well-known smartphone brands like Vivo, Realme, and OnePlus.
Thus, from its early days as a maker of media players to its current status as a global smartphone powerhouse, Oppo has built a strong reputation for innovation in camera and charging technologies. It continually strives to develop groundbreaking advancements.
Interesting Facts About Oppo
- The brand mission of Oppo says, “Technology for mankind, kindness for the world.”
- Oppo began by manufacturing MP3s and Blu-ray players.
- The first phone from Oppo was the Smiley Face, which was launched in 2008.
- Oppo has been the first Asian smartphone brand to sponsor the French Open at Roland Garros as well as Wimbledon.
- Oppo happens to be a global partner of the world-famous football club, FC Barcelona.
- The Oppo commercial of 2011 starred Leonardo DiCaprio to promote Oppo X903.
- Oppo has a peer-to-peer transmission alliance with Xiaomi and Vivo.
- Oppo was one of the top five smartphone manufacturers and distributors in 2023. It shipped nearly 90 million phones.
- Oppo is behind the development of the ColorOS operating system, which is used by a whopping 600 million users globally.
- Oppo has applied for more than 101,000 patent applications worldwide. Out of the applied ones, it has received more than 55,000 patents. The patent portfolio includes 5,000 AI-related patents and 5G patents.
- Oppo hosts a global technology convention called INNO DAY, where one can get a sneak peek into the future of technology.
- The holding company of Oppo, BBK Electronics, is also the owner of brands such as OnePlus, Vivo, and Realme.
- Oppo has invented a few smartphone specs, such as the motorised and rotating camera. In fact, the camera can be rotated up to 206 degrees by just touching a fingerprint sensor.
Finally
The evolution of the Oppo logo shows the journey of the company from a nascent player in the electronics market producing MP3 players to a major global smartphone manufacturer. Each redesign of its logo has modernised the visual identity of the brand and reinforced its commitment to innovation, growth, and a strong market presence. As Oppo continues to expand its product offerings and market reach, its logo remains a vital symbol of its identity and values in the competitive tech landscape.