Huawei and Xiaomi Turned Wearables Into China’s Hottest Tech
Shipment in the first half reach the highest number ever recorded for wearable bands in Mainland China.
Even in a cautious economy, small luxuries thrive, and one purchase that keeps finding its way to checkout in China is wearables.
Once a niche gadget, it’s now the comfortable buy, practical enough to justify, stylish enough to show off, and affordable enough to feel like a good deal. That mix just pushed the market to its highest point ever: 33.9 million units shipped in the first half of 2025, up a huge 36% from last year, according to Canalys. The growth streak is even more striking when you zoom out: the market has climbed steadily for three years straight, and this latest jump marks the strongest first-half performance ever recorded.
The Comfort Buy in a Cautious Economy
Economists call it the “lipstick effect.” When consumers cut back on big-ticket items, they redirect their spending toward smaller luxuries that still feel like upgrades. In China today, that luxury is sitting on people's wrists.
Smartwatches and bands are providing more value, with enhanced health functions and improved aesthetic designs and materials. This makes them the perfect indulgence for cautious spenders who still want something useful.
And while every segment saw some lift, basic bands were the rocket fuel, climbing 80% year on year. By comparison, basic watches rose 28% and smartwatches only 8%. That skew says a great deal about consumer priorities regarding affordability.
