In May 2019, the tech world was sent into a frenzy when the United States government added Huawei to its Entity List, effectively banning American companies from doing business with the Chinese tech giant. The move was seen as a major blow to Huawei’s smartphone business, which had been gaining popularity globally. Fast forward to today, and the question on many people’s minds is: is it still worth buying Huawei phones?
What Happened to Huawei?
To understand the implications of the US ban, let’s take a step back and look at what led to it. The US government had long been suspicious of Huawei’s ties to the Chinese government, and the company’s perceived role in facilitating Chinese espionage. The situation came to a head when Huawei’s CFO, Meng Wanzhou, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on charges of violating US sanctions on Iran.
The US government then proceeded to add Huawei to its Entity List, citing national security concerns. This move meant that American companies could no longer supply Huawei with components, software, or services without a special license. The ban applied not only to Huawei’s smartphones but also to its networking equipment, servers, and other products.
The Impact on Huawei’s Smartphone Business
The US ban had significant implications for Huawei’s smartphone business. With American companies like Google, Qualcomm, and Intel no longer able to supply Huawei with essential components, the company was forced to rely on alternative sources or develop its own solutions.
One of the most critical losses for Huawei was the loss of access to Google’s Android operating system. Huawei’s smartphones, which had previously run on Android, were forced to adopt an open-source version of the operating system, known as HarmonyOS. While HarmonyOS has been touted as a potential rival to Android and iOS, it lacks the same level of support and app ecosystem as its competitors.
Huawei also faced challenges in sourcing critical components like processors and modems. The company was forced to turn to alternative suppliers, such as Taiwan’s MediaTek, to source these components. However, these alternatives were often seen as inferior to their US-made counterparts.
The Consequences for Consumers
So, what do these changes mean for consumers who are considering buying a Huawei phone? Here are a few key implications:
- No Google services: Huawei phones no longer come with Google services like Google Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Assistant pre-installed. This means that users will have to find alternative solutions for these essential apps and services.
- Limited app selection: The lack of access to Google’s Play Store means that Huawei phones have limited access to popular apps and games. While Huawei has developed its own app store, known as AppGallery, it lags behind the Play Store in terms of selection and quality.
- Alternative operating system: Huawei’s HarmonyOS, while promising, lacks the same level of polish and refinement as Android and iOS. Users may experience teething issues and compatibility problems with certain apps.
Is it Still Worth Buying a Huawei Phone?
Despite the challenges, Huawei still offers some compelling reasons to buy its phones. Here are a few:
- Camera performance: Huawei’s camera technology is still one of the best in the business, with features like advanced low-light performance and AI-powered image processing.
- Battery life: Huawei phones are known for their long-lasting batteries, making them a great option for heavy users.
- Design and build quality: Huawei’s phones are often praised for their sleek designs and premium build quality, making them a desirable option for those who value aesthetics.
Who Should Consider Buying a Huawei Phone?
While Huawei phones may not be the best option for everyone, there are certain types of users who may still find them appealing:
- Power users: If you’re a heavy user who values battery life and camera performance above all else, a Huawei phone might still be a good option.
- Those who don’t rely on Google services: If you’re not heavily invested in the Google ecosystem, you may not notice the lack of access to Google services like Google Drive or Google Photos.
- Those who want a premium device at a discount: With Huawei’s reputation taking a hit, prices for its phones have dropped significantly. If you’re looking for a premium device at a discount, a Huawei phone might be worth considering.
What About Older Huawei Phones?
What about Huawei phones that were released before the US ban? Should you still consider buying one of these devices? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- These phones still run Android: Older Huawei phones, like the P30 and Mate 30 series, still run Android and have access to Google services.
- They may still receive updates: Huawei has committed to providing updates and security patches for its older phones, at least for the time being.
- They’re still high-quality devices: Older Huawei phones are still solid devices with excellent camera performance, battery life, and build quality.
What’s Next for Huawei?
While the US ban has presented significant challenges for Huawei, the company is far from giving up. Here are a few initiatives that Huawei is pursuing to stay competitive:
- HarmonyOS development: Huawei is pouring resources into developing its HarmonyOS operating system, with the goal of creating a robust alternative to Android and iOS.
- Partnering with alternative suppliers: Huawei is working with alternative suppliers to source critical components, reducing its reliance on US companies.
- Expanding its app ecosystem: Huawei is investing in its AppGallery app store, with the goal of making it a viable alternative to the Google Play Store.
A Potential Long-Term Solution
One potential long-term solution for Huawei is to develop its own proprietary ecosystem, independent of US companies. This would involve creating its own operating system, app store, and suite of services, all designed to work seamlessly together.
While this approach would require significant investment and effort, it could ultimately allow Huawei to regain its independence and compete more effectively in the global smartphone market.
Conclusion
So, is it still worth buying a Huawei phone? The answer depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value camera performance, battery life, and design, a Huawei phone might still be a good option. However, if you’re heavily invested in the Google ecosystem or require access to specific apps and services, you may want to consider alternative brands.
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Huawei will continue to innovate and adapt, driven by its determination to remain a major player in the global smartphone market.
Is Huawei still a reliable brand despite the US trade ban?
Huawei has continued to produce high-quality devices despite the US trade ban. In fact, the company has been working diligently to develop its own operating system, HarmonyOS, to replace Google’s Android OS. This shows that Huawei is committed to staying competitive in the market. Moreover, many of Huawei’s existing devices are still receiving software updates and security patches, which speaks to the brand’s commitment to supporting its customers.
That being said, the US trade ban has undoubtedly affected Huawei’s ability to source components and technology from US-based companies. This could impact the brand’s ability to innovate and keep pace with its competitors in the long run. However, for now, Huawei remains a reliable brand that produces high-quality devices that are worth considering.
Will Huawei phones still receive Android updates?
Huawei phones will continue to receive security updates and patches for existing devices, but the company’s ability to offer future Android updates is uncertain. Google has revoked Huawei’s Android license, which means that Huawei devices will no longer have access to Google’s proprietary Android services, including the Play Store. This could impact the user experience, as Huawei devices may not have access to the latest Android features and security updates.
That being said, Huawei has been working to develop its own operating system, HarmonyOS, which is designed to be compatible with Android apps. While HarmonyOS is still in its early stages, it has the potential to offer a similar user experience to Android. Huawei has also announced plans to offer its own app store, which could provide an alternative to the Google Play Store.
Can I still use Google services on my Huawei phone?
You may still be able to use Google services on your Huawei phone, but it depends on the specific device and the version of Android it’s running. If your Huawei phone was released before the US trade ban, it’s likely that you’ll still have access to Google services like Google Play, Gmail, and Google Maps. However, if you purchase a new Huawei device, it’s unlikely that you’ll have access to these services, as they rely on Google’s proprietary software.
It’s worth noting that Huawei has been working to develop its own alternative services, such as its own app store and mapping service. While these services may not be as robust as Google’s offerings, they could still provide a similar user experience. Additionally, some third-party apps, such as Facebook and Instagram, may still be available on Huawei devices, as they don’t rely on Google’s proprietary software.
Is it worth buying a Huawei phone without Google services?
Whether or not it’s worth buying a Huawei phone without Google services depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re heavily invested in the Google ecosystem and rely on services like Google Drive, Google Photos, or Google Maps, then a Huawei phone without Google services may not be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a high-quality device with a great camera, battery life, and performance, then a Huawei phone could still be a good option.
Huawei has been working to develop its own alternative services, which could provide a similar user experience to Google’s offerings. Additionally, many third-party apps are still available on Huawei devices, which could help to mitigate the impact of not having Google services. Ultimately, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before making a decision.
Will Huawei phones still get software updates?
Huawei has committed to providing software updates and security patches for its existing devices, even if they don’t have Google services. This means that your Huawei phone will continue to receive updates and security fixes, which is important for maintaining the security and performance of your device.
That being said, the frequency and scope of these updates may be affected by the US trade ban. Huawei may not have access to the same level of software support as it did before the ban, which could impact the quality and frequency of updates. However, Huawei has stated its commitment to supporting its customers, and it’s likely that the company will continue to provide software updates and security patches for its devices.
How does HarmonyOS compare to Android?
HarmonyOS is Huawei’s own operating system, designed to be compatible with Android apps and offer a similar user experience. While HarmonyOS is still in its early stages, it has the potential to offer a robust and feature-rich alternative to Android. HarmonyOS is designed to be highly customizable, with a focus on artificial intelligence and IoT integration.
That being said, HarmonyOS is still a relatively new operating system, and it may not offer the same level of polish and refinement as Android. Additionally, HarmonyOS may not have access to the same level of software support and development resources as Android, which could impact its long-term prospects. However, Huawei has stated its commitment to developing HarmonyOS, and it’s likely that the operating system will continue to evolve and improve over time.