The world of smartphones has witnessed a significant shift in the past few years, with Huawei emerging as a major player in the market. However, the Chinese tech giant’s rise to fame was short-lived, as the company found itself embroiled in a trade war with the United States. One of the major consequences of this trade war was Huawei’s inability to use Google’s services on its future devices. In this article, we will delve into the world of Huawei phones that do not have Google, exploring the reasons behind this decision and what it means for users.
The Huawei-Google Saga: A Brief History
In May 2019, the United States government added Huawei to its Entity List, effectively banning American companies from doing business with the Chinese firm. The move was seen as a major blow to Huawei’s smartphone business, which relies heavily on Google’s Android operating system and its suite of apps.
In response, Huawei announced that it would be developing its own operating system, HarmonyOS, which would replace Android on its future devices. However, the company also revealed that it would continue to use Android on its existing devices, albeit without Google’s core apps and services.
This marked a significant turning point in the Huawei-Google saga, as users began to wonder which Huawei phones would no longer have access to Google’s services.
Which Huawei Phones Do Not Have Google?
As of today, all Huawei phones launched after the ban do not have access to Google’s services, including the Google Play Store, Google Drive, Google Maps, and more. Some of the notable Huawei phones that do not have Google include:
- Huawei Mate 30 series ( Mate 30, Mate 30 Pro, Mate 30 RS Porsche Design)
- Huawei P40 series (P40, P40 Pro, P40 Pro+)
- Huawei Mate 40 series (Mate 40, Mate 40 Pro, Mate 40 Pro+)
- Huawei P50 series (P50, P50 Pro, P50 Pro+)
- Honor 30 series (Honor 30, Honor 30 Pro, Honor 30 Pro+)
These phones run on Huawei’s proprietary operating system, EMUI, which is based on Android Open Source Project (AOSP). While EMUI offers a similar user experience to Android, it lacks the core Google apps and services that many users have grown accustomed to.
What Does This Mean for Users?
For users who are accustomed to Google’s services, the lack of access to these apps can be a significant drawback. Here are some of the implications of using a Huawei phone without Google:
- No Google Play Store: Users will not be able to access the Google Play Store, which means they will not be able to download or update apps. Instead, they will have to rely on Huawei’s AppGallery or other third-party app stores.
- No Google Drive: Users will not be able to access Google Drive, which means they will not be able to store their files and data on Google’s cloud storage.
- No Google Maps: Users will not be able to use Google Maps, which means they will have to rely on alternative mapping apps like Bing Maps or Here Maps.
Despite these limitations, Huawei has been working hard to develop its own ecosystem of apps and services, which can be used on its devices. The company has partnered with various developers to bring popular apps to its AppGallery, and has also developed its own suite of productivity apps, including Huawei Mail, Huawei Office, and Huawei Cloud.
What are the Alternatives?
For users who are accustomed to Google’s services, there are several alternatives available:
- Samsung: Samsung phones offer a similar ecosystem of apps and services, including the Galaxy Store, Samsung Cloud, and Samsung Pay.
- OnePlus: OnePlus phones offer a near-stock Android experience, complete with Google’s suite of apps and services.
- Google Pixel: Google Pixel phones offer a pure Android experience, complete with timely software updates and access to Google’s latest features and innovations.
These alternatives may not offer the same level of customization and features as Huawei’s EMUI, but they do offer a more familiar and intuitive user experience for users who are accustomed to Google’s services.
The Future of Huawei Phones
Despite the challenges posed by the trade ban, Huawei remains committed to developing its own ecosystem of apps and services. The company has made significant strides in this regard, with its AppGallery now offering a range of popular apps and games.
Huawei has also announced plans to expand its HarmonyOS operating system to more devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. This move is seen as a significant challenge to Google’s dominance in the Android space, and could potentially pave the way for a new era of competition in the smartphone market.
As the trade war between the United States and China continues to simmer, the future of Huawei phones remains uncertain. However, one thing is clear: Huawei is committed to developing its own ecosystem of apps and services, and is willing to take on the established players in the smartphone market to achieve its goals.
The Verdict
In conclusion, the Huawei-Google saga has been a significant turning point in the smartphone market. The lack of Google’s services on Huawei phones may be a drawback for some users, but it has also paved the way for a new era of innovation and competition.
As Huawei continues to develop its own ecosystem of apps and services, users will have more choices than ever before. Whether you’re a die-hard Huawei fan or a loyal Google user, one thing is certain: the future of smartphones has never been more exciting.
| Phone Model | Google Services |
|---|---|
| Huawei Mate 30 | No |
| Huawei P40 | No |
| Huawei Mate 40 | No |
| Huawei P50 | No |
What is the Huawei conundrum?
The Huawei conundrum refers to the uncertainty surrounding Huawei’s smartphones and their ability to access Google services and apps. In 2019, the US government added Huawei to its Entity List, effectively banning American companies from doing business with the Chinese tech giant. This meant that Huawei could no longer use Google’s Android operating system or access Google’s ecosystem of apps, including Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Play Store.
As a result, Huawei has had to develop its own operating system, HarmonyOS, and find alternative sources for its smartphones’ software and hardware components. However, this has led to confusion among consumers about which Huawei phones are still compatible with Google services and which are not.
Which Huawei phones no longer have Google services?
All Huawei phones released after May 16, 2019, do not come with Google services pre-installed. This includes popular models such as the Mate 30 series, P40 series, and Mate 40 series. Additionally, some unlocked or imported Huawei phones may not have Google services, even if they were released before the ban.
It’s worth noting that some Huawei phones that were released before the ban may still have Google services, but these phones will not receive future software updates or security patches from Google. This means that these phones may become vulnerable to security risks and may not be able to access new features or apps.
Can I install Google services on my Huawei phone manually?
It is technically possible to install Google services on some Huawei phones manually, but this is not recommended. Google has not authorized the installation of its services on Huawei phones, and doing so may violate the terms of service. Furthermore, manually installing Google services may compromise the security of your phone and put your personal data at risk.
That being said, some users have reported success in installing Google services on certain Huawei phones using unofficial methods. However, these methods are not supported by Huawei or Google, and users who attempt to do so should be aware of the potential risks involved.
Are there any alternatives to Google services on Huawei phones?
Yes, Huawei has developed its own suite of apps and services to replace Google’s offerings. These include Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), which provides alternatives to Google apps like Mail, Maps, and Photos. Additionally, Huawei has partnered with other companies to offer alternative apps and services, such as Microsoft’s Bing search engine and TomTom’s mapping service.
While these alternatives may not be as seamless or integrated as Google’s services, they do provide a viable option for Huawei phone users. Huawei is also investing heavily in developing its own operating system, HarmonyOS, which is designed to be compatible with a wide range of apps and services.
Can I return or exchange my Huawei phone if it doesn’t have Google services?
It depends on the retailer’s return and exchange policies. Some retailers may allow you to return or exchange your Huawei phone if it doesn’t have Google services, especially if you purchased the phone before the ban was announced. However, others may not accept returns or exchanges, especially if the phone is functioning as intended.
It’s recommended that you check with the retailer before making a purchase to see what their policies are regarding Huawei phones and Google services. You should also carefully review the phone’s specifications and features before buying to ensure that it meets your needs.
Will Huawei phones become outdated without Google services?
Yes, Huawei phones without Google services may become outdated more quickly than phones with access to Google’s ecosystem. Without access to Google’s software updates and security patches, Huawei phones may become vulnerable to security risks and may not be able to take advantage of new features and apps.
Furthermore, many popular apps and services rely on Google’s services to function properly, so Huawei phones without Google services may not be able to access these apps or services. This could limit the phone’s functionality and make it less desirable to consumers.
What does the future hold for Huawei phones?
The future of Huawei phones is uncertain, but the company is working hard to develop its own ecosystem of apps and services to replace Google’s offerings. Huawei is also investing in 5G technology and other emerging trends, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things.
In the short term, Huawei phones without Google services may struggle to compete with Samsung and other Android manufacturers. However, if Huawei can successfully develop its own ecosystem and find alternative sources for its software and hardware components, it may be able to regain its footing in the global smartphone market.