On April 23, 2025, Chinese smartphone manufacturer Realme announced the launch of its first smart device production base in the Americas region at the Manaus Free Trade Zone in Brazil. Through a strategic partnership with local manufacturer Digitron, this factory has achieved a peak daily production capacity of 20,000 smartphones, marking a significant step for Chinese tech companies in the Latin American market.
The intelligent manufacturing center established by Realme in Brazil is expected to create 500 direct and indirect job opportunities over the next three years, covering the entire industry chain from research and development to production and quality control. Among the initial releases is the Realme 14 series, with the 14 Pro+ model featuring 120x zoom and artificial intelligence technology, powered by a Snapdragon chip and the Android operating system.
Realme stated, "Through localized production, we have successfully reduced the retail price of end products. The standard version of the 14 series is priced at 2799 reais (approximately 3700 yuan), primarily targeting the mid-range market." Notably, the factory employs a modular production line design that allows for rapid switching between production of new models, providing a distinct advantage in addressing Brazil's diverse consumer demands.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Manaus Free Trade Zone is the largest hub for the electronics and electrical appliances industry in South America, becoming a strategic focal point for Asian mobile phone brands to compete. Apart from Realme, Xiaomi and Jovi, a sub-brand under vivo, have also established assembly centers in this area.
Realme entered the Brazilian market in 2021 and opened its first physical store in Brazil in 2023. Realme has met the market demand for high-performance smartphone devices, primarily targeting young mobile gamers and consumers seeking high-quality camera experiences. The brand's first Brazilian store is located in the Vitrine Iguatemi shopping center in São Paulo.