Tony Chen, the founder and CEO of OPPO, is steering the global electronics giant beyond its smartphone roots into the frontiers of AI, 5G and even electric vehicles. Under his direction, OPPO is investing heavily in innovation, committing billions to R&D and launching system‑level AI integration. At MWC 2025, the company announced new features—AI Call Translator, VoiceScribe, enhanced search—and pledged to deliver generative AI to 100 million users by year‑end, up from 50 million last year.
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Chen’s vision goes beyond software. OPPO plans to shift R&D spending towards developing a “multiple-access smart device ecosystem,” extending from smartphones to AR glasses, smart displays, and even smart cars. The company pumped roughly $7 billion (50 billion RMB) into R&D between 2020 and 2022, with an additional $1.44 billion planned for R&D investment in future years. That massive investment has already produced industry-first features like VOOC fast charging and periscope zoom lenses.
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More recently, Chen is said to be spearheading OPPO’s EV ambitions—reportedly building an automotive division and meeting with battery maker CATL. Whether OPPO manufactures its own EVs or partners with automakers, it’s clear that Chen believes smart hardware can transcend smartphones.
Chen also remains focused on disruptive connectivity. Early in his career, he worked closely with Qualcomm to bring 5G to OPPO phones and CPE devices, setting the stage for today’s intelligent connectivity goals. That partnership laid the groundwork for today’s AI‑enabled devices and the broader ecosystem Chen envisions.
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Quiet yet bold, Tony Chen is redefining OPPO’s identity. Under his leadership, the company is no longer just a phone maker—it’s evolving into a global force in AI, next‑gen networks, smart hardware, and possibly electric cars. As Chen leads the charge, OPPO is emerging as one of China’s most innovative tech powerhouses.
