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Using the HONOR 9X Pro W/O Google Mobile Services as My Daily Driver

Charles TYK

Introduction

Not long ago, we reviewed the HONOR 9X Pro, which is really a good phone. However, here’s a big problem — it doesn’t come with Google Mobile Services! It means that you don’t get Google apps and services such as Google Maps, Google Drive, YouTube, Google Photos, Google Play Store, Google Chrome, and more. The HONOR 9X Pro was with me for quite a long time, but is it really okay to live without Google Mobile Services? You’ll find out in this editorial!

AppGallery Security

If you have read my previous article about HUAWEI’s AppGallery, you’ll know that AppGallery is the app store to replace Play Store. HUAWEI AppGallery is the world’s first app market to implement a developer identity verification system. It also features a four-layer detection mechanism to ensure app security, as well as post-release app inspection and a mechanism for user feedback. Four-layer detection includes security vulnerability scanning, privacy check, malicious behavior detection, and manual real-name security check, to ensure the app secures during the entire process.

Essential Apps on AppGallery

Even though not all apps are available on AppGallery, there are still up to 90% of the most frequently used apps by Malaysians available for download. Here are some:

You might notice that apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter aren’t on the list. Fret not! When you search these apps in AppGallery, it’ll show you the download link from the official site or a quick app version. Games like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile aren’t available as well. For PUBG Mobile, you can head over the official site to download the APK file. As for Call of Duty: Mobile, you’ll need to download it from a third-party app store, make sure you download the one with Garena logo in the app icon for Asia region. I myself use Aurora Store to download all the apps that are not available on AppGallery.

Phone Clone

There’s a quicker way to get all the apps you want from your previous phone — Phone Clone. The app clones everything you have from your previous device to your new HONOR 9X Pro. If you’re transferring from a HUAWEI/HONOR phone, then all apps including Facebook, Instagram, and Google Maps will be transferred to your HONOR 9X Pro as well.

However, if you’re transferring from other smartphones, some apps may not be transferred. For Whatsapp, if you’re worried about backing up without Google, you can follow the following steps:

  1. Download WhatsApp on your HONOR 9X Pro.
  2. Go to WhatsApp on your old device, select settings > chat > chat backup
  3. Tap Backup to Google drive and select Never, then select backup
  4. Go to Files, select internal storage > WhatsApp > Databases
  5. Select the last file in Databases (db.crypt.12) and send it to your HONOR 9X Pro through Bluetooth or WiFi direct.
  6. On your HONOR 9X Pro, go to Settings > Apps > WhatsApp > Permissions > Storage. Choose the Allow option.
  7. Go to Internal Storage > WhatsApp > Database > check if the db.crypt.12 file from earlier is there
  8. You may now log-in to WhatsApp on your HONOR 9X Pro. Your chats have all been backed up from your previous device.

The User Experience

The overall user experience won’t be as good as a phone with Google Mobile Services, but so far I am able to live with it as I can still get other essential apps like Instagram, Telegram X, and Spotify from a third-party app store. Duly note that Telegram X might not function well since it needed Google Play Services in order for the notifications to arrive on time. The only thing that annoyed me is every time when I’m installing multiple app updates, I have to click “install” one by one since it’s actually downloading a new APK file, technically.

Final Words

It’ll take time for most apps to be available on AppGallery, but I believe the day will come. For now, if you can live without Google Mobile Services, go ahead and get the HONOR 9X Pro. Don’t be an idiot, purchasing the HONOR 9X Pro without knowing that it doesn’t have Google Mobile Services and complaining to your seller that it’s a scam. Research before you purchase any product!

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