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20 comments Iván Linares @ivsu

Can a mobile phone without Google Apps and services provide the same satisfaction as a Google Apps certified phone? As complicated as it sounds, the truth is that with a phone like the Huawei Mate 40 Pro you can live perfectly well without losing out. using the native android owner software. We can confirm this.

The US veto on Huawei technology was a severe blow to the company and everyone who trusted its products. Trying a branded phone means facing a reality that cannot always be overcome; No wonder that Google's hand largely dominates the Android world. with applications, a backbone of services that guarantees safety and ease of use, authentic references such as YouTube, Gmail or Google Maps. In short: remove the Google patina to some extent naked phone. However, tackling the problem in a constructive way allows us to overcome it.

The lack of a Google app is a problem and a motivation

I have been analyzing phones professionally for over ten years and many others have been testing this technology for themselves. I couldn't say how many phones have passed through my hands, hundreds for sure. This background made me demanding: to be able to recommend a device, it must offer a minimum of features. And of course, facing an Android phone without the essential services that I have been using since I bought the HTC Magic with Android Donut almost twelve years ago was a tough shock.

At Engadget Android, we tested GrapheneOS, a security-focused operating system with no Google services

Huawei has been one of my favorite brands since the impressive Huawei Mate 9 fell into my hands and it so happened that I had not been able to test the brand's mobile phones since the famous veto, so when the Huawei Mate 40 Pro first came to me, I unpacked the phone with a mix of illusion and intrigue that continued until I ran into a wall of missing Google services, but my goal was to fix that deficiency by installing the Play Store and the rest of the software in parallel.

Huawei closed the tap with the main Google Apps installation route on uncertified mobile phones: LZplay. It also doesn't allow you to unlock the bootloader; so it's not possible to flash a custom recovery and install Gapps from there. There is only one universal way to use Google apps on phones that don't install pre-service your services: through applications that simulate a second user space, such as Dual Space.

While apps like Dual Space allow you to use Google apps in some kind of simulated space, the higher battery consumption, lack of privacy, and showing ads even for the purpose of consulting Gmail lead to a bad experience

During my first confrontation with the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, I was determined to get the most out of Google's apps, and this is a bug that not only undermines the experience but also makes the Mate category phone lose its capabilities. I had to do without a phone (the camera comparison required it), I was faced with the lack of a change in Google's strategy: from forcing the installation of my applications to forcing me to live without them.

The key to enjoying Huawei: finding genuine Google substitutes

In my experience, after a month, since I faced the Huawei Mate 40 Pro for the second time, the best strategy to fill Google's deficiency is not to try to access its services at all costs, but to find alternatives that parallel its advantages. doing homework in the same way as always; So one hurdle, albeit minimal, is enough to frustrate the device through no fault of it.

W Engadget How to install browser applications on a Huawei phone using AppGallery

It was clear to me that I would stop looking for a way to have Play Store and other Google software on my phone. Considering my usual use, I have a number of uses that are essential to me. These were my main goals.

Aurora store, master key

I didn't have Google Play and I wouldn't insist on installing it. Of course, nothing prevented me from accessing their free apps using the Aurora Store's opening pass. I think it's a real miracle.

With the Aurora Store, you can access Google Play apps without Google Play (free only). You don't need a Google account, but you can log into your personal account (or create an alternative). This way you know what apps I have installed on other phones. , allowed me to download them directly to the Huawei Mate 40 Pro.

In Engadget Mobile Download Android Apps from Google Play without Google Play: Aurora Store is a great alternative to the official store

I need to clarify that Aurora Store offers app downloads, but that doesn't mean you can use them on a mobile phone without Google services, however I recommend that before you decline an app as it uses Play Services (Aurora Store itself informs about this requirement in loading tab of each application), it should be tested to exclude its malfunction.

Huawei app gallery, more and more complete

AppGallery on Google Pixel 4a

The brand puts a lot of effort into overcoming the problems caused by the software veto, an example of which is AppGallery. It's not that the Huawei store can replace Google Play, because a large part of the application is not in its catalog (nor will it be, it is the veto), but it is true that gradually the list of options is completed.

In Engadget Android How to install AppGallery on phones other than Huawei to download their applications

I was able to install some apps that I use with AppGallery, such as the one from my bank and the ones I use from Microsoft. In free games you have a lot of options. And it offers direct access to progressive web apps in case the software in question is missing. The global search engine for Huawei App Gallery is as complete as it is functional.

Finding alternatives to my essential applications

We all have a group of applications without which the smartphone ceases to make sense. In my case, many of these applications make my work easier; therefore, if I do not have access to them, I miss the opportunity when it comes to taking my office out of the house. Or when it comes to solving a problem that appears outside of working hours.

Below you have my list of essential applications that depend on Google Play services and how I was able to replace their use.

Many other apps that apparently don't work without Google services later find to work: I recommend that you test the download before declining to use it Don't be afraid to experiment: as I have verified from my own experience, not only is there life outside of Google that life can be first all much better.

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