Sub-brands were once a popular way for China's leading smartphone manufacturers to attract new demographics without jeopardizing their brand reputation. The two-pronged strategy meant that core smartphone businesses focused on the high-end market while their sub-brands had their eyes on the mid-range segment. However, as the global economic crisis took hold, some of these brands like Oppo and OnePlus began consolidating resources in order to cut costs. Vivo could follow suit, with the rumored reintegration of the iQOO brand into its core business. ANDROIDPOLICE VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT According to Chinese publication 36KR, Vivo is…