Due to the US veto, the latest Huawei models such as the Mate 30 series, the P40 series and the foldable Mate Xs that run on the Android operating system no longer have Google services.This restriction applies to applications such as Google Maps, Play Store, and YouTube. as well as mobile services such as Google Play Services and GMS (Google Mobile Services) services. In the future, perhaps more Chinese brands such as Honor or ZTE may be involved.

But now ... What about Huawei phones in 2020? What are the consequences for the user of Huawei's problem with Google?

The usefulness of Google services

Google services are Google's own tools that help integrate services such as location, notification service, or login with other applications. They also include Google's own applications, such as the Google Play Store, Google Maps, and YouTube. They are usually pre-installed on all smartphones. with the Android operating system.

Google Play Services or Google Play Services (not to be confused with the Google Play Store) allow Google to release important software updates on a regular basis without relying on updates from the manufacturers themselves.

If you're going to buy a model newer than the Huawei P30, such as the P40 series, you likely won't have Google services, so it's worth checking which phones do not have these services listed with Google compatible devices.

In our comparison engine we already indicate whether the mobile phone has "Google Services" as part of the general characteristics of each model.

What the user loses if his mobile phone does not have Google services

We wanted to see for ourselves what the consequences were of not having Google services, so we, as a different user, bought one of the affected models, the Huawei P40 Lite E, and set to work.

What about Huawei that doesn't have Google?

Many users wonder what the repercussions of Google are not working on new Huawei phones, as well as if there is any way to install Google services on Huawei.

App gallery instead of the Google Play Store

Currently, the biggest limitation that a user of this brand may encounter is the lack of an app store from the Google Play Store. In new Huawei models, the app store is called AppGallery and that's where we searched the 48 most popular apps, including the Google Play Store app store.

We did not resort to unofficial third-party stores by any means, we always followed the recommendations offered by the system itself. Just like in the Google Play Store, the applications we tested can be downloaded for free.

Limitations on available applications

In the table below, you can see which apps have been in the App Gallery and which have not, and which alternatives have been presented to mobile users without Google services.

From the beginning, only 27% of the 48 tested applications are available in the AppGallery.

Below you can learn more about the obstacles we found in each app, and the options you have if you don't want to do without them.

Social media

Messaging applications

Video calls

For video calling, we tested the most popular among users: Google Meet, Google Duo, Google Classroom, Houseparty, Jitsi Meet, Skype and Zoom Meetings.Unfortunately we were able to download only Zoom Meetings; However, Google Duo and Google Classroom have a web version as an alternative to the lack of an application .

Games

Of the most popular games we've chosen to include in our list, Clash Royale, Fornite, Pokémon Go, Call of Duty: Mobile, Brawl Stars, Mario Kart Tour, and Candy Crush Mania, we only managed to download the last one, Candy Crush Mania; something that can disappoint most players.

Maps and GPS

Transport

To check the status of the mobility apps in the cities, we decided to test different apps from the Madrid community:

Rest

Tools

Before you make up your mind, think about it

The issue between Huawei and Google is affecting the brand's new phones. As we've seen, not all popular apps are currently available on the Huawei app store, which means the user will have to look for alternative apps, use the service's online version, or simply to do without them, something that can be frustrating and not everyone is willing to do so when we have additionally not noticed that Huawei has lowered the prices of its new models to compensate for these absences.

For a highly tech-savvy user, perhaps the solution might be to purchase the app from alternative or unofficial app stores, although from an OCU security point of view, we do not recommend this option.

For other users, it may be an option to rethink whether or not you really want to ditch these services: at the moment there are phones from other brands with quality and prices equivalent to those offered by Huawei without Google services, which are a better option for users. comparison websites and look for the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Find the best cell for you

Compare options, benefits and price: Once you have decided, you can also find stores where it is sold at the best price and even buy it directly. Remember that if you are an OCU member, you can benefit from special conditions that we will negotiate for you.