Carl Pei Leaves OnePlus: Co-founder Confirms Departure

Carl Pei, a founding member of OnePlus, has announced his exit from the company, as he confirmed on Friday. The 31-year-old stated his intention to take a period of leave before embarking on his future endeavors. “Following almost seven years with OnePlus, I’ve reached the challenging decision to move on,” Pei communicated in a statement posted on the OnePlus community forum.

Reports from TechCrunch earlier in the week indicated Pei’s plans to leave OnePlus to establish a new business. Pei, who established OnePlus alongside Pete Lau in late 2013, has consistently served as the company’s prominent public representative. He was significantly involved in the design process of the OnePlus smartphone series throughout the years, as well as the strategies used to market both the products and the brand itself.

“In 2013, the market didn’t require another smartphone manufacturer. However, we identified opportunities for improvement and aimed to disrupt the status quo. We envisioned superior products, developed in collaboration with our user base, and offered at more accessible prices. Today, OnePlus has become a significant competitor in the flagship smartphone market. With the new Nord line, this achievement will extend into additional market sectors,” Pei explained in his post.

Pei’s announcement coincides with the launch of OnePlus’s latest flagship device, the OnePlus 8T. TechCrunch contacted OnePlus for a statement on Monday but has not yet received a response.

Android Central previously suggested that Pei’s departure might be linked to a possible “internal power dynamic” between himself and Lau, 45, particularly following Lau’s assumption of the role of SVP at Oppo. OnePlus, Realme, Oppo, and Vivo are all owned by BBK Group. OnePlus has consistently refrained from addressing inquiries regarding its ownership structure.

“I am deeply thankful to Pete for providing an opportunity to a young individual without a university education, possessing only a vision. The confidence, guidance, and fellowship will always be cherished. Thank you for an extraordinary opportunity,” Pei expressed.

Pei explained that his decision to leave stems from OnePlus being his primary commitment for the past seven years. “I have always trusted my instincts, and this situation is no different. For the last several years, OnePlus has been my sole focus, and other aspects of my life have necessarily taken a secondary role. I am eager to take some time to relax and reconnect with family and friends,” he stated. “And then to pursue my passions and explore what comes next.”