KUALA LUMPUR: We are not abandoning Huawei just yet. That was the response from Huawei phone owners in Malaysia, despite news that US tech giant Google is suspending its business with the Chinese telecommunications giant, threatening future access to Gmail, YouTube and Chrome.
Airline pilot Adam Abd Ghaffar, who owns a Huawei P20 Pro, said he bought the phone for its good specifications, camera quality and long battery life.
“So far, I am enjoying my phone and do not regret my decision,” he said.
“I feel that Huawei will triumph in this trade war sooner or later, as they have already anticipated this will happen many years ago, and prepared for it,” he told the New Straits Times today.
Adam said the restriction from Google, whose Android operating system powers most of the world’s smartphones, would not deter him from purchasing another China brand phone.
“My phone preferences are based on specifications and, for the time being, China-based companies make better phones for real life usage.
“However, if the operating system of Huawei or any other China brand no longer meet my requirements, I will then switch to other brands which support Google.”
Vivienne Ooi, mother of two, who is now using her second Huawei device, said she bought the phone for its attractive design and powerful camera functions.
“I don’t think I will change my phone any time soon because it is not directly affected by the trade sanctions.
“But, I would probably not buy another Huawei phone in the future if this continues,” she added.
Aircraft maintenance technician Mohammed Syahmi Mohammed Ridzwan, who bought his Huawei P30 phone two months ago, said he was shocked to learn about the ban.
He had switched from an iPhone because he needed the Google ecosystem on an Android device.
“Google apps like Google Drive, YouTube and Gmail work seamlessly on an Android device.
“Although I’m worried that I would not be getting updates or support from Google, I will still continue using my phone, and will probably think of changing it after a few more years,” he said.
Google moved to curtail some business with Huawei after the United States Commerce Department placed Huawei and 70 affiliates on a trade blacklist.