Why Huawei is back in the game with Google (microG)
Why Huawei is back with Google: A groundbreaking development
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Huawei has made a triumphant return to the Google ecosystem thanks to an innovative solution called microG. This development has reignited interest in Huawei devices among tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. It's worth taking a closer look at why this is so significant and what it means for smartphone users.
The Huawei-Google saga: a brief review
For those unfamiliar with the backstory: Huawei, once a dominant player in the global smartphone market, suffered a significant setback in 2019 when the company was placed on the US Entity List. This move effectively banned Huawei from using Google Mobile Services (GMS) on its new devices, including popular apps such as Gmail, Google Maps and the Google Play Store.
As a result, Huawei slipped from first place in smartphone sales Q1 2019 to the back ranks. Only since Q1 2024 has Huawei regained market share and overtaken Apple and Samsung in China.
MicroG: The game changer
Thanks to a clever solution called microG, Huawei users can now once again access many of the Google services they have been missing. But what exactly is microG?
MicroG is an open-source implementation of Google Play services. It allows Android devices, especially those that come without pre-installed Google services, to run apps that rely on Google APIs. This is particularly useful for Huawei devices, which often have to make do without these services due to restrictions.
Why should you use microG on Huawei?
The use of microG on Huawei devices offers numerous advantages that can significantly improve the user experience:
- Access to Google apps: MicroG enables the installation and use of popular Google apps such as YouTube, Chrome and Google Maps. This also includes essential services such as Gmail, which would otherwise not be available on newer Huawei devices.
- Use of Google-dependent apps: Many third-party apps that require Google services now work seamlessly. This significantly expands the range of apps available and improves the overall functionality of the device. Apps such as AIRBNB or UBER use the Google Maps API and unfortunately they do not work without it.
- Improved privacy: Interestingly, microG actually sends less data to Google than the official Google services. For privacy-conscious users, this offers an attractive alternative to full Google integration.
- Preserved functionality: Users can enjoy most Google features without relying on official support. This enables a familiar Android experience on Huawei devices.
- Push notifications: MicroG enables Google Cloud Messaging, allowing notifications to be received from apps that use this service. This is especially important for messaging apps and social media.
- Improved compatibility: Apps that depend on Google Play services will work without problems in most cases. This significantly increases the number of compatible apps.
- Privacy and control: As microG is open source, it offers more transparency and control over which services are activated and which data is retrieved. Users can decide for themselves which components they want to activate.
The implementation of microG on Huawei devices thus represents a bridge between the high-quality Huawei hardware and the extensive Google ecosystem. It offers a solution for those who want to utilise the advantages of both worlds without having to compromise on functionality or data protection.
Installation instructions - How easy it is to install
Follow these steps to install Google services on your Huawei Pura 70::
Step 1: Installing microG
- Open the Huawei App Store on your device.
- Search for "microG".
- Install the microG app and the microG Companion.
Step 2: Grant authorisations
- Go to Settings > Apps and services > Apps.
- Search for "microg" and grant all necessary authorisations.
Step 3: Configure microG
- Open the microG app.
- Activate the following options:
- Google device registration
- Google Cloud Messaging
- Google SafetyNet
- Add your Google account.
Step 4: Install Aurora Store (optional, but recommended)
You have two options for easy access to Google apps and other apps from the Play Store:
Option A: Installation via the Huawei App Store
- Open the Huawei App Store on your device.
- Search for "Aurora Store".
- Install the app directly from the Huawei App Store.
Option B: Installation from the official website
- Visit auroraoss.com on your device.
- Download the latest version of the Aurora Store.
- Install the downloaded APK file
Open Aurora and configure the basic settings.
What works and what doesn't?
Works
- Most Google apps (YouTube, Chrome, Google Maps, etc.)
- Google account synchronisation
- Location services
- Push notifications
- Banking apps and other Google-dependent applications
Does not work:
- Google Wallet / Google Pay
- Pokémon GO
- Android Auto (could work in some cases)
Huawei's hardware: Still first class
During the Google-free period, Huawei has not stopped producing first-class hardware. The Pura 70 series, in particular the Pura 70 Ultra, is a prime example of this and sets new standards in smartphone technology.
The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra impresses across the board and underlines Huawei's position at the forefront of smartphone innovation. At the heart of the device beats the powerful Kirin 9000S chipset, an octa-core processor developed by Huawei itself with a clock frequency of up to 3.0 GHz. This computing power not only enables smooth everyday performance, but also supports advanced AI functions that take the user experience to a new level.
The visual experience is defined by an impressive 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display. With a resolution of 2880 x 1260 pixels and an adaptive refresh rate of 1-120 Hz, it offers razor-sharp images and smooth animations. Particularly noteworthy is the exceptional peak brightness of up to 2500 nits, which guarantees perfect readability even in bright sunlight.
However, the true strength of the Pura 70 Ultra lies in its camera system. It scored an impressive 163 points in the renowned DxOMark evaluation, putting it in first place among all smartphone cameras. The centrepiece is a 50 MP main camera with variable aperture (f/1.6 - f/4.0), which adapts flexibly to different lighting conditions. It is complemented by
DXOMARK TOP 5
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra
Honor Magic 6 Pro
Huawei Mate 60 Pro+
Oppo Find X7 Ultra
Huawei P60 Pro
Huawei Pura 70 Serie
FAZIT
The ability to use Google services on Huawei phones marks a new chapter for the brand. For users who were previously hesitant to try Huawei devices due to the lack of Google services, this development offers a compelling reason to reconsider their decision.
Huawei's combination of top-notch hardware and the newfound ability to access Google services makes their devices an attractive option in the premium smartphone market. Whether you're a long-time Huawei fan or a curious but previously hesitant prospective buyer, now could be the perfect time to explore what Huawei has to offer.
Those wishing to try out this solution should proceed with caution and ensure that all technical aspects are understood. The new world of Huawei with Google offers exciting opportunities for smartphone enthusiasts.
