Huawei was placed on the US’ Entity List back in 2019, effectively banning trade between Huawei and any American company. This caused Google to cease trade with Huawei, and although the Mate 30 and Mate 30 Pro run open-source Android, they were the first of the company’s handsets that didn’t come with Google Mobile Services (a.k.a. GMS) preinstalled. Sadly, even with the shift to the Biden administration, we don’t see this changing anytime soon, and that’s already proven bad news for the P40 range, Mate 40 series and Mate X2 foldable, as well as the long-delayed P50 series. They’re all clearly capable phones but the lack of Google Play is a dealbreaker for many in Western markets. Huawei does offer its own alternative store – the App Gallery – but it pales in comparison to Google’s offerings. There’s also the move from Android to HarmonyOS, the process for which Huawei formalised on 2 June 2021, however, there’s little at this stage to suggest that this is reversing the fortunes of its device’s appeal outside of non-Google markets. The good news is that all Huawei phones that originally shipped with Google Play Services will continue to get access to security updates, Google apps and services. That includes essentially everything before the Mate 30 range, which arrived at the tail end of 2019. Android drama aside, here’s a selection of what we consider to be the best Huawei phones available to buy in 2022.
Best Huawei phones 2022
What should I look for from a Huawei phone?
The company has flagship devices in its P and Mate lines, which are among the best smartphones out there – still true globally even now (in terms of hardware, at least). The P series is slightly more mainstream in its thinking, while the Mates are often photo-minded phablets with undertones of business and productivity. That said, the lines have blurred somewhat over the generations. Luckily, you’re left with excellent phones either way.
Elegant design Capable cameras Decent performance
Google-free user experience No 5G Dated internals Price
In the case of the P50 Pro specifically, while any Google apps you’re likely to want have been replaced by in-house alternatives, the EMUI 12-based user experience (HarmonyOS 2 only features on Chinese P50 units at present), looks and feels like most modern Android phones, with a few quirks that look as though they borrow from iOS. As for the hardware, Huawei has had a little more room to spread its wings, with the Pro serving up a premium glass-backed design, with an eye-catching reflective finish and a unique dual-rear camera setup. The camera system itself is very strong, even if it isn’t quite the best in the Android space, while general device performance is good too,. That said, the phone arrives late to the party with a Snapdragon 888, while its direct competitors have been able to leverage the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. Battery life is another highlight, backed up by great 66W fast charging, while a lack of 5G rounds out a list of challenging compromises on an otherwise capable smartphone.
Impressive gapless folding design Strong main camera Decent battery life
Google-free user experience No 5G Dated internals Price
Like the P50 Pro, the Pocket’s user experience is wholly functional, even with the added hoops of a Google-free OS aren’t ever particularly welcome. No 5G is the other notable compromise but beyond that, it’s a lovely device, with a unique finish and an impressive gapless folding hinge system. The main 40Mp camera beats out shots taken by lead rival – Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 – handily, while the rest of the imaging setup is odd, rather than bad. The unique form factor and dual display setup have been utilised in some clever ways too but while it’s a triumph amidst Huawei’s current lineup, it’s too troubled to truly compete with offerings from other big players.
Attractive design Great cameras Still supports GMS
Ageing hardware Awkward long-term software support
The design is still top-drawer stuff, the display is great and the cameras can still deliver, even today. Prices have dropped since it launched early in 2019 too and it’s great value compared to many rival flagships as a result. If you want to spend less (and get a little less), there’s the Huawei P30 to consider too. Do note that the P30 series was announced before Huawei was put on the US trade blocklist and Google announced its decision to pull support; therefore, it continues to have full access to Google apps, services and security updates and as such, is the last great Huawei phone to get our recommendation for the broadest range of users.
Thin, lightweight Great cameras Still supports GMS
Ageing hardware Awkward long-term software support
Low light and long-distance shots are where Huawei has really thrown down the gauntlet, with a combination of three great lenses and some software tricks that even Google’s Pixel phones have struggled to match in the past. The P30 also looks stunning, with a big display (and small notch), some lovely colourful finishes, and a seriously slim body. Plus, there’s even a headphone jack. Do note that the P30 was announced before Huawei was put on the US trade blocklist and Google announced its decision to pull support, and as such, continues to have full access to Google apps, services and security updates.
Top-notch performance Stunning displays Superb cameras
Pricey No GMS No water resistance
The Mate X2 boasts a beautiful vertical folding design that’s packed with power, from both a performance and photography standpoint. In fact, this device also happens to have the best camera in a foldable right now, by a clear margin. If only GMS was able to be part of the equation, this would be a near-perfect device, save for its extortionate price tag.
Great performance Long battery life Superb cameras
No GMS Users would likely need to side-load desired apps
For everything the P40 Pro brings to the table, though, the experience is tarnished by the absence of Google Mobile Services and the workarounds needed to make the phone as easy or as enjoyable to use without GMS aren’t all that accessible to the average user.
Sleek design Brilliant performance Superb cameras
No GMS Users would likely need to side-load desired apps
The situation with apps means that warnings are plastered all over the place. Even Huawei’s own site forces you to click an ‘Agree’ button on a warning message relating to GMS’ absence before you can buy one. As such, while we’d love to recommend the Mate 40 Pro wholeheartedly, like its predecessor, there’s still too much missing from the software experience that Huawei won’t be able to fix on its own.
Stylish design Beautiful display Decent price/performance balance
No GMS Users would likely need to side-load desired apps
It’s also a good-looking smartphone with an eye-catching matte glass finish on the rear that leaves a soft-touch sheen, plus there’s a bright, crisp 6.1in OLED display to enjoy too. Of course, the real issue is the lack of Google Play services. Huawei has undercut its rivals, offering a significant saving on flagship-level hardware, but you won’t be able to properly access apps like Google Maps and YouTube. If you’re a confident techie that doesn’t mind side-loading apps and working around a Google-free ecosystem, the P40 is a great phone at a great price, but if you just want something that works out of the box, we’d suggest going for another option.
Strong performance Superb cameras Nice display
Pricey No GMS Users would likely need to side-load desired apps
With no direct successor on the horizon – there’s no sign of a P50 Pro+ to speak of – the P40 Pro+ might be the last of its kind, with Huawei instead pushing in other areas, like foldables and wearables. If you’re put off by the absence of all things Google (and the steep asking price), you should instead consider the likes of the Oppo Find X5 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra or iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Great primary camera Stunning 120Hz display Thin, lightweight design
No GMS Users would likely need to side-load desired apps No 5G
While Google Mobile Services’ absence continues to plague the company’s phones, this particular Nova does feature some bright spots; from its 120Hz display to its great main camera. The subsequent snappers are less capable, however, and the lack of 5G is an extra sting in the already mixed-bag that is the Nova 9. As with all the company’s phones since the Mate 30 series, only committed Huawei fans need apply. A Huawei phone doesn’t have to be brand new to be worth considering. The older P30 range is still great too (and can still be had with Google Play Services).
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