It’s almost 2023 and the question on everyone’s mind is: is it finally safe to buy a Huawei phone? If you remember, back in 2020 under the Trump administration, Huawei was added to the Entity List which prohibited them from doing business with American companies. This action caused Google to stop support for Huawei and made the smartphone brand an unsafe choice for consumers outside of China. But as the years have passed and we approach 2023, it’s worth asking: has the situation changed? Is it now safe to buy a Huawei phone without fear of losing access to important apps and updates? In this article, we’ll explore the current state of Huawei and whether or not it’s a safe choice for smartphone buyers in 2023.
For those who might not know, Huawei is a Chinese multinational technology company that was founded in 1987 by Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in the People’s Liberation Army. The company initially focused on manufacturing telecommunications equipment, but it has since diversified into a wide range of technology products and services, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart home devices. Huawei has become one of the largest and most successful tech companies in the world, with a global market share of around 15% for smartphones.
The back story
In 2019, Huawei was the second largest smartphone maker in the world, soon to be number one after overtaking Samsung. However, Huawei’s rapid rise to prominence has not been without controversy. In 2019, the company was added to the U.S. Commerce Department’s Entity List, which restricted it from doing business with American companies without a special license. This decision was made during the presidency of Donald Trump, and it was based on allegations that Huawei posed a national security risk due to its close ties to the Chinese government.
There have been several allegations of spying and intellectual property theft made against Huawei. In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Huawei and its chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. The U.S. government has also accused Huawei of violating U.S. sanctions against countries like Iran. Additionally, there have been concerns about Huawei’s alleged involvement in China’s mass surveillance program, known as the “Social Credit System“, which has been criticized for its potential to infringe on citizens’ privacy and civil liberties.
One major consequence of Huawei’s inclusion on the Entity List was that Google’s suite of applications, including the Google Play Store and Google Maps, were no longer available on newer Huawei models. This made it difficult for Huawei to compete with other smartphone manufacturers in the Western market, as Google’s services are widely used and highly valued by consumers.
Despite these challenges, Huawei has been able to cope with the restrictions imposed by the Entity List. The company has developed its own operating system, called HarmonyOS, as a potential alternative to Google’s Android operating system. Huawei has also invested heavily in research and development and has continued to produce high-quality smartphones that have been well-received by consumers in many countries around the world.
In 2020, Huawei’s global smartphone shipments reached 280 million units, a year-on-year increase of 20%. Some of the company’s most popular models include the Huawei P40 Pro, the Huawei Mate 40 Pro, and the Huawei Nova 7i. Huawei has also continued to expand its presence in other technology markets, such as laptops and smart home devices.
Actions post-US sanctions
In the years following Huawei’s placement on the Entity List, the company faced a significant challenge: how to provide a smartphone experience comparable to other major brands without access to Google’s suite of apps and services. However, Huawei was not one to back down from a challenge.
One solution the company pursued was the development of the Huawei App Gallery, an alternative app store that could provide Huawei users with access to a wide range of apps. While the App Gallery may not have had all the apps available on Google’s Play Store, it has consistently added new apps and developers to its offerings.
In addition to the App Gallery, Huawei also worked to secure agreements with app developers to bring their apps directly to the Huawei platform. This has allowed Huawei to offer popular apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to its users, even without access to the Google Play Store.
Overall, Huawei’s efforts to provide a comprehensive app experience for its users have paid off. While the lack of access to Google’s suite of apps was a significant challenge for the company, it has managed to find creative solutions and offer a strong alternative through the Huawei App Gallery and partnerships with app developers. This has made it a viable option for smartphone buyers, even in the absence of Google support.
Risk of getting a Huawei smartphone
While Huawei has made significant strides in overcoming the challenges it faced following its placement on the Entity List, there are still some disadvantages to consider if you’re considering purchasing a Huawei phone and do not reside in mainland China.
One of the main disadvantages is the lack of access to Google’s suite of apps and services. While Huawei has worked to offer alternatives through the Huawei App Gallery and partnerships with app developers, it’s worth noting that these alternatives may not always offer the same level of functionality or convenience as the apps available through Google.
Another disadvantage to consider is the potential for future issues with software updates. While Huawei has committed to providing ongoing updates and support for its devices, it’s possible that future updates may be delayed or not be available in certain regions due to ongoing trade restrictions.
Finally, it’s worth noting that some apps and services may not be available on Huawei devices due to the company’s placement on the Entity List. While Huawei has worked to secure agreements with many app developers, it’s possible that some apps may not be available due to their association with American companies.
Overall, while Huawei has made significant progress in overcoming the challenges it faced following its placement on the Entity List, there are still some disadvantages to consider if you do not reside in mainland China. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision on whether or not a Huawei phone is the right choice for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the question of whether it’s safe to buy a Huawei phone in 2023 is a complex one with pros and cons to consider on both sides. On the one hand, Huawei has made significant progress in overcoming the challenges it faced following its placement on the Entity List, including the development of the Huawei App Gallery and partnerships with app developers to bring popular apps to its platform. This has made Huawei a viable option for smartphone buyers.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a Huawei phone will depend on your individual needs and priorities as a smartphone user. If you’re willing to accept the potential limitations and are attracted to Huawei’s strong offering of features and hardware, then it could be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if access to Google’s suite of apps and services is a top priority for you, you may want to consider a different brand.