Huawei MatePad Air: €849 Tablet Without Google
Users must rely on unofficial apps like GBox to access Google services on this premium Android tablet
The HUAWEI MatePad Air is a premium tablet with a starting price of €849, making it a more affordable alternative to the HUAWEI MatePad Pro Max, which starts at €1,099. However, the MatePad Air comes with a significant caveat: it lacks official Google support due to the US ban on HUAWEI products implemented in 2019.
The HUAWEI MatePad Air is not available for purchase in the US, and users who import it may face major inconveniences, including no official support and likely no warranty. However, for those living in countries where HUAWEI products are officially available, this should not be an issue.
The tablet runs on Android, but the lack of Google Play Store support may be a deal-breaker for some users. While there are unofficial ways to access Google apps, such as through a third-party app called GBox, this may not be a suitable solution for everyone.
The HUAWEI MatePad Air is available in various configurations, including a version with a PaperMatte display, 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an M-Pencil Pro, which costs €899. Despite its premium features, the lack of Google support is a significant drawback that users will need to consider before making a purchase.
## Why it matters The HUAWEI MatePad Air's lack of Google support is a significant issue that affects not only the tablet's functionality but also its appeal to users. The US ban on HUAWEI products has had far-reaching consequences, and the company's efforts to find alternative solutions have been met with limited success. As the tablet market continues to evolve, the HUAWEI MatePad Air's unique blend of premium features and limited Google support will likely be a key factor in determining its success.
## What happens next As the HUAWEI MatePad Air becomes available in more markets, users will need to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a tablet without official Google support. While the tablet's premium features and affordable price may be attractive to some, others may be deterred by the limitations imposed by the US ban. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how HUAWEI will address the issue and whether users will be willing to adapt to a new ecosystem.
