Galaxy Watch Drops to Fourth Place as Chinese Smartwatch Brands Surge in Early 2025

Chinese Smartwatch Makers Overtake Samsung in Global Rankings

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch series has long been popular among Android users worldwide, but recent statistics indicate a shift in the smartwatch market landscape. Global smartwatch sales data for Q1 2025 highlights intensified competition, with Chinese manufacturers rapidly closing the gap and overtaking established leaders in the industry.

Sharp Decline in Samsung’s Market Share

According to Counterpoint Research, Samsung’s global smartwatch market share fell to 7% in the first quarter of 2025, down from 9% during the same period last year. This 18% year-on-year decline has pushed Samsung down to fourth place among global smartwatch brands. Despite experiencing a 9% dip in shipments, Apple remains at the top with a 20% market share.

Rapid Growth for Huawei and Xiaomi

Chinese tech giants Huawei and Xiaomi have emerged as major contenders in the wearable technology segment. Huawei climbed to the second spot, capturing a substantial 16% share, while Xiaomi followed with 10%. Both brands achieved a remarkable 53% growth compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, Imoo—a brand renowned for children's smartwatches—secured a 7% market share after expanding its shipments by 23% year-on-year.

Market Trends and Regional Dynamics

A significant driver of this growth is China, where smartwatch shipments surged by 37% in Q1 2025 alone. Chinese consumers are increasingly opting for affordable, feature-rich devices, fueling demand and boosting market performance. Conversely, India saw a slowdown, and Apple experienced a 19% fall in shipments, resulting in a modest 2% decline in global smartwatch sales for the quarter.

Competing Product Features and Value Propositions

While Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra, and Watch FE helped the company achieve 3% annual growth in 2024, its older models have struggled to keep up with the evolving market. Competitors like Huawei’s Watch 5 series and Xiaomi’s budget-friendly Redmi Band 5 have resonated with users by offering an attractive combination of advanced features and competitive pricing. These models appeal to consumers looking for powerful health tracking, long battery life, and customizable functionality at affordable price points.

Upcoming Galaxy Watch 8: Samsung’s Bid for a Comeback

Looking ahead, Samsung is pinning its hopes on the forthcoming Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for July 9. The company is expected to unveil the next generation of wearables, including the Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and Watch Ultra 2. Key anticipated features include integration with Gemini AI for intelligent health monitoring and improved wellness tracking, which may help Samsung regain momentum in the highly competitive smartwatch sector. Tech enthusiasts can already explore leaked renders for a preview of what’s to come.

Conclusion: Evolving Smartwatch Market Dynamics

As the global smartwatch market continues to evolve, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to innovate and deliver value. With Chinese brands leading on rapid innovation and affordability, established players like Samsung and Apple must adapt quickly to shifting consumer expectations. 2025 looks set to be another dynamic year in wearable technology, as brands compete to redefine what smartwatches can offer.