'Oppo' Sub-Brand 'Realme' Products
Competing with Similar Design and Price Competitiveness
Some Criticism Arises Over Copycat Strategy
A wireless earphone resembling Apple's 'AirPods Pro' has been unveiled in China, sparking controversy. While some Chinese manufacturers have frequently copied the designs of famous brands in the past, this time it is being criticized for crossing the line.
On the 21st (local time), according to the overseas IT specialized media 'GSM Arena,' the Chinese electronics brand 'Realme' is scheduled to launch the 'Realme Buds Air 5 Pro' globally on the 23rd. Realme is a subsidiary of 'Oppo,' one of China's major smartphone brands.
Online, the appearance of the Realme Buds Air 5 Pro has already become a hot topic due to its design closely resembling Apple's AirPods Pro. A comparison video posted by a netizen shows that both the charging case and the earphone products look similar.
The green light in the center of the case is also similar. There are even claims that the angle of the eartips (silicone parts inserted into the ear) is alike.
The price of the Buds Air 5 Pro is 399 yuan at launch in China. Converted to Korean won, it is about 73,470 won, which is roughly five times cheaper compared to the second-generation AirPods Pro priced at about 360,000 won.
Chinese manufacturers have previously been suspected of referencing competitors' product designs. For example, the 'Realme Buds Q2' released last year was criticized for having a shape and color similar to Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy Buds2.'
Meanwhile, the Chinese smartphone brand 'Honor' attracted attention for its foldable smartphone 'Magic,' introduced in January last year, which had a design very similar to Samsung's Galaxy Fold.
In addition, so-called 'copycat products' continue to emerge, competing with similar designs and overwhelming price competitiveness, such as the 'X60 Pro,' which is almost identical to the Apple iPhone 13 but priced at less than one-tenth, around 150,000 won.
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