So I finally received my Chinese version Mate 20 Pro Emerald variant and I spent the last 24 hours setting it up, now it's finally getting into a more or less stock android feeling. I decided to write a post because man, I've never spent so much effort just trying to setup a new phone.
Ordering
I ordered the phone from Huawei T Mall store on Nov. 11th. I paid about 1250 CAD through Alipay for the phone and ~ 600 RMB having my friend sending it to me via DHL. I also had to pay some import tax getting it into Canada but it's just bad luck, plus the tax really depends on how much you declare the value to be.
First Impression
I had a Oneplus 5, I like the cleanness of its ROM, it's close to stock android and I was using the Rootless Pixel 2 Launcher which makes it essentially a stock Android device. The Mate 20 Pro is a bit heavier than the Oneplus 5 and it's just slightly bigger.
I started with applying the tempered glass screen protectors I bought also from Taobao when I ordered the phone. Sadly I can't seem to get it in the right place, and it's greatly affecting the screen responsiveness and accuracy. I ended up throwing them away.
Turning it on, and I'm already having issue with the initial setup process. First of all, I was asked to create a Huawei ID. But guess what -- I live in Canada but Canada isn't an available option in the region list, somehow US is. I mean, this phone is not even available in US, why would you provide that as an option but not Canada?
I went ahead choosing US as the region. It asked for phone verification, that worked for me because US and Canada share the same country code.
After that, I uninstall a bunch of pre-installed apps -- they are mostly popular apps in China, plus a few useless utilities made by Huawei. I uninstall about 25 apps during this process.
Then I tried to restore all my apps from the old phone, first step would be getting Google Play Service working. Surprisingly Google Play Service is pre-installed. but I wasn't able to update it through the Huawei App Store, because US Huawei ID apparently is not supported. In fact I can't use any of the pre-installed Huawei apps, they are all blocked. So I deleted my account and created a Chinese one instead.
I was able to access the app store and update Google Play Service, along with Play Store. Google backup apparently didn't work. I ended up using the Huawei "Phone Clone" app to transfer all my stuff to this phone. It does the job pretty well.
Getting third party launcher working on Chinese ROM (If you have a global version then this may not apply to you)
Spent sometime getting all the apps logged in and tweaking settings, I started to look into replacing the stock launcher. But then you can't change launcher on the Chinese rom, so I did some research and here is what I did:
1. Install a third party launcher. I chose Nova Launcher here. Never used it before but Rootless Launcher kept crashing and for Rootless Pixel 2 Launcher, there is an annoying security alert saying "Google is using microphone" that kept popping up.
1. Enable developer mode
2. Enable USB Debug
3. Connect the phone to PC
4. Access ADB shell
5. uninstall stock launch: pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.huawei.android.launcher
6. Reboot
A few notes on using this 3rd party launcher hack:
* I also installed the Nova companion app to have Google Feed panel access.
* You need to allow Nova companion to auto-launch in Settings -> Apps -> App Launch, otherwise rebooting the phone will make Google Feed panel disappear.
* If you select gesture navigation in system setting, swiping up from bottom may not work.
Getting Google Assistant to work
The phone has the Huawei voice assistant by default, and changing the default Assistant app to Google doesn't work. The shortcut still only bring up the Huawei voice assistant. The fix is to uninstall the app using the same process above. The package name is com.huawei.vassistant. After reboot, I was able to access Google Assistant using the home button (I still prefer three key navigation). "OK Google" doesn't work on Home screen though.
Make sure push notifications are working
I also noticed I don't receive push notifications most of the time. For example, I have Duo Mobile which is used as an authenticator at work. Having the screen on, I didn't receive the push notification. I had to launch the app manually to see the authentication request. Here is a workaround:
1. Settings -> Apps -> App Launch
2. Find the app you wish to receive push notification
3. Disable auto manage, it will ask you how you want to manage manually, choose Auto-launch and Run in Background at least
Known Issues/Todo list
Here are some of the things that I'm having issue with but haven't figured out a solution yet. Please let me know if you know a solution to any of them:
1. Google Pay Contactless does not work. This is almost a deal breaker. From what I've read, it seems to be just Chinese version doesn't work.
1. LastPass accessibility setting gets reverted to off randomly. This seems to related to when I close all apps using the trashcan button on recent apps screen.
2. Default Assistant app setting mysteriously gets reset to None. Still don't understand why.
3. Text in the notification just look so bad. Also not sure how to tweak that.
4. The security alert for app using microphone keeps popping up in Google Assist and Google Feed. I'm not sure how I should feel about that...
Things I like about this device
1. Chinese version supported dual SIM. I believe the global version does not.
2. photos in low lights are awesome.
3. charging is super fast! I also got the wireless charging thing.
4. I'm happy with its battery performance so far.
5. It's a faster device overall. The games I play run smoother on this phone comparing to Oneplus 5. I understand OP5 is an older phone but that's the only reference point I got.
That's what I had so far. I'm also keeping an eye on the progress of FunkyHuawei Mate 20 Pro support -- I'm looking forward to flash the global version ROM hoping it has better google integration and less chinese-oriented useless "features".
Hope it helps!
Thanks for sharing
Does the device show as being certified in the Google Play Store? If not, this would probably explain why contactless via GP doesn't work
Minotaur said:
Does the device show as being certified in the Google Play Store? If not, this would probably explain why contactless via GP doesn't work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it shows as certified in playstore.
henexekrar said:
Yes it shows as certified in playstore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm interesting... is there an error message or such that might indicate why GPay doesn't work?
Minotaur said:
Hmmm interesting... is there an error message or such that might indicate why GPay doesn't work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
when attempting to enable contactless, the following messages appear in order:
contacting your bank...
your bank is verifying your card...
added feature cannot be setup. contact your bank to resolve this issue.
I called the bank and they said they didn't get the request so they don't know what error it is.
I contacted Google and haven't got a response.
Did you already have the card in your GPay wallet, and were re-verifying, or did you add it from scratch? Guessing it may not make a difference though.
Minotaur said:
Did you already have the card in your GPay wallet, and were re-verifying, or did you add it from scratch? Guessing it may not make a difference though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the card in the wallet for a long time. Used it with my old phone without issue.
Does it support Band 66? Thanks
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I was in China last week and almost bought the Mate 20 Pro. After reading many reviews I decided to not buy the Chinese Version and pay a little more to get the Google version from Hong Kong
Any updates?
Were you able to find any way to get LastPass working properly?
Accessibility features keep resetting for me right away.
Hi, have your version finger-id? I bought a mate 20 pro red in aliexpress but i can't find the finger-id......
John_nl_74 said:
Hi, have your version finger-id? I bought a mate 20 pro red in aliexpress but i can't find the finger-id......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The LYA-AL00 with 6 GM RAM and 128 GB storage has no fingerprint sensor. It only uses face, pattern, and password unlock.
I'm trying some ROMS to make my phone run only apps that I dev. No camera, no gallery, no phone, only apps to make hardware work, like BT, Wireless, 3G, Keyboard (no problem with GBoard for example), webview, etc
This phone is for my child, and I need to install some education apps that I dev
Can anyone advise me?
Well you could use a restrictor app like family link to basically hide all apps except the ones you allow.
I installed dot os 5.2.1 on my redmi 4a but the off screen battery draining is too much...any way to fix it?
so i ordered one of these. love cameras and this seems to be a great pocket camera/smartphone. since it isn’t a usa destined product, does anyone with experience know what i’m in for? my questions are setup, will google apps be preinstalled, like the play store and google photos? will i get security updates?
any help is greatly appreciated.
elwuero said:
so i ordered one of these. love cameras and this seems to be a great pocket camera/smartphone. since it isn’t a usa destined product, does anyone with experience know what i’m in for? my questions are setup, will google apps be preinstalled, like the play store and google photos? will i get security updates?
any help is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well vivo, from which place are you buying it from?
Ive seen the phone before, if its from India then it would have google apps etc.
And you would get security updates and you would have google photos.
In my mind, only China imported phones don't have google services sometimes.
Kenora_I said:
Well vivo, from which place are you buying it from?
Ive seen the phone before, if its from India then it would have google apps etc.
And you would get security updates and you would have google photos.
In my mind, only China imported phones don't have google services sometimes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
uh oh, I ordered it from Hong Kong. fingers crossed then. should have asked here first.
Welllllll, its probably likely theres no google services, but when you get it just post a thread if you don't have it and tag me. Ill try to help you install the global version of the rom on it.
Yeah china banned google atuff with google play so your best bet is to wait till uou recieve it and flash the global rom or you should cancel and choose smth else.
Kenora_I said:
Welllllll, its probably likely theres no google services, but when you get it just post a thread if you don't have it and tag me. Ill try to help you install the global version of the rom on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain how to install funtouch os firmware?
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
PoochieMama said:
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for all that info. mine is currently in transit to me. i feel much better after reading your comments. i love taking pictures and that is my main reason for getting this phone. will for sure reach out with questions if needed after I get it.
You won't regret it. This phone just captures perfect photos. Even in comparisson to the samsung s21 ultra. My opinion (and my wife with a s21 ultra).
Some things are annyoing but i can live with it. I mean, I can even do phone calls
Just a night shot from now 2 a.m. - it's dark outside and this camera manages to capture photos like its late afternoon...
PoochieMama said:
You won't regret it. This phone just captures perfect photos. Even in comparisson to the samsung s21 ultra. My opinion (and my wife with a s21 ultra).
Some things are annyoing but i can live with it. I mean, I can even do phone calls
Just a night shot from now 2 a.m. - it's dark outside and this camera manages to capture photos like its late afternoon...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you better get to sleep!
PoochieMama said:
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh google play services are preinstalled?
That's actually new to me.
Sorry, I guess I was kind of misleading with google being removed. It was banned in china but I did not know that google play services still worked.
I received it on Friday. Chinese version definitely. But Google Play Store already installed. I downloaded all the normal Google apps like Android Messages, Chrome, Contacts & Calendar and they all seem to be perfect. Thinking now, I didn’t download Maps yet. There was an originOS update available and a couple of apps had their own also, like I believe the Camera app. So I'm relieved that updates do come through.
First impressions are positive. It is sleek. Kind of nice how it comes with a screen protector pre installed and it comes with a pretty nice back cover.
I "had to have" this because like I said I love taking photos. Just for reference I have a Sony Xperia 1 ii (for sale on ebay), a Galaxy S21 Ultra (going back to Amazon) and a 12 Pro Max. I shot a lot of photos today with the X60 Pro+. They are all nice. A couple though came out tremendously well. I think to get similar photos I would have had to get my Sony a7C or Sigma fp with a fast 85mm to get the same shot. I for sure would not have gotten the same quality from my other smartphones.
Anyways I don’t think I will try to get the global software on this. Seems like I'll be good.
PoochieMama said:
Hi,
I've got the chinese version too, and I'm based in Switzerland.
Actually, it's working good, but not perfect. Some things are missing or not working perfectly and some things are hard coded chinese. But as a daily driver for taking perfect photos, calling/messaging its "working".
Some points:
- Google (Play) Services preinstalled, can be loaded through the vivo app store when installing gmail app
- Backup/Syncing working, but the initial restore from an old phone is not offered through google initial setup
- google photos, maps and so on are working, only location history can't be enabled.
- Regular OriginOS updates
- some chinese default bloatware preinstalled, some can be uninstalled
- no google now, just a chinese vivo version
- android auto doesn't work atm
- some fine tuning necessary with default apps, and so on
- google pay, banking apps working
Over all, it's working for me, but i'm missing some tiny bits, which a global rom could fix. But in comparison what you get (camera, performance, display, price...), it's a aceptable device for me.
If you need specific infos, just leave me a note.
If there's a global rom, i would be interessfed too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi from Austria perfect Summary i totally agree with you, i am happy with the China version, for that price ~ 750€ you will get nice hardware, OriginOS is also nice, i like the gesture navigation, but im missing google maps location history so much, there is some restriction on China for google services, because china dont want to be tracked by usa google... other brands from china have same issue with location history.
I found in this thread with some fix for rooted phones to enable ROM to use location history:
Ennable Google Maps Location Sharing & Location History on Chinese MIUI ROM
You need Magisk properly installed on your ROM and then download & install the following modules:
Releases · fei-ke/unlock-cn-gms
去除国行 GMS 某些限制. Contribute to fei-ke/unlock-cn-gms development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
[Magisk module] Google location history unlock for Chinese MIUI roms only
Hi, posting my Magisk mod that I am using since couple of years. This mod works and testen on K20 pro, Note 7 Pro and K30 Pro Zoom Edition. What does it do? It enabled Google location History in Google maps. This is only needed for Chinese roms...
forum.xda-developers.com
maybe @Kenora_I can help us to flash Global Rom from India... hopefully without brickung our phones
@Kenora_I is it possible to flash Global Rom with banking apps working to pay with nfc ?
best regards
Hello Everyone.
I am about to buy this phone but still having some doubts because of the OriginOS. I live in New Zealand. Just would like to ask a couple of questions:
- does it allow to install and use Nova Launcher with gestures?
- is this notification bar and settings bar changeable or at least can set up some gestures for that? Otherwise it requires to touch the top edge of the phone which is not perfect for me
- notifications are visible in Always on Display from FB, whats up, non stock phone or messages apps or not at all?
- does anyone use that with company portal and MS Authenticator? and its working fine?
- how is the battery life - roughly SOT?
I will be really grateful for any help!
Thank you!
Peter
calibra71207 said:
Hello Everyone.
I am about to buy this phone but still having some doubts because of the OriginOS. I live in New Zealand. Just would like to ask a couple of questions:
- does it allow to install and use Nova Launcher with gestures?
- is this notification bar and settings bar changeable or at least can set up some gestures for that? Otherwise it requires to touch the top edge of the phone which is not perfect for me
- notifications are visible in Always on Display from FB, whats up, non stock phone or messages apps or not at all?
- does anyone use that with company portal and MS Authenticator? and its working fine?
- how is the battery life - roughly SOT?
I will be really grateful for any help!
Thank you!
Peter
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relevant for me too!
AG7447 said:
Relevant for me too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since nobody wants to answer, I will, but I don't use X60 pro+. I have IQOO and had x50 pro+ and therefore the answer can't fail a lot.
1. I didn't try Nova, but I installed Star Prime and it works with gestures as long as you don't uninstall original launcher.
2. Not that I'm aware of.
3. Don't use unsecure apps, but the custom dialer and messages are supported on AOD.
4. Don't use work portal, but there is no reason to not work.
5. Battery is good, one day with heavy use, two with moderate.
Dear all,
My problem with AA is the following:
Google Assistant (currently used in AA) does not work with many languages (most of the small languages are excluded) which is a big problem when pronouncing an address in Google Maps using that language.
In the past AA used the "Speech to text" module, which supports most "small" languages and works flawlessly (eg when pronouncing an address in Google Maps directly on a mobile phone).
Is there a way, patch or similar, to allow AA to use the "speech to text" module again, instead of Google assistant?
Thanks in advance
I have exactly the same problem. Wrote to Waze. I am considering getting an Iphone for Android auto...
Only with tricks. I made it work with Tasker script. But is a big script which does many other things, and if i remember well it needs root. The basic idea which I use Is this if anyone want to re create it:
- Detect if android auto is running.
-If android auto is running, change keyboard to Google voice (so now speak to every app instead of writing).
When you use any app in android auto, for example waze, just pressing the icon to open keyboard to mobile to write there, which is happening but now in phone what is actually open is Google voice (as this is now the "keyboard" so you just speak as you done at past. . It works the same.
- when you exit android auto, tasker detect it and put back the keyboard you was using..
The script to change keyboard need root as i remember. There was other most complicated ways which didn't need root. I don't know if still work. Most I tried wasn't..
You can make it more complicated. For example, using Google voice only to specific applications, and not all, if you also need this. I may create a YouTube video for this and post it here if i have time.
Problem solved with AA Speech 2 Text app.
Hello,
I just discovered my OP10 Pro running OOS 12 does not support Google Assistant Driving Mode. Does anyone here know if that's the long term plan or is there a plan to support it eventually -- or any other details?
I used Android Auto a lot with my old phone and it worked well for me. I can't use it anymore because my car does not support Android Auto and the Android Auto app now only works with cars, not as a phone app.
Try sideloading the latest Google services Beta + the Google search beta. Once installed, reboot your phone.
Launching the Assistant with thr vocal command "Hey Google, Driving mode" should enable it.
Thanks for the suggestion, @dexlemaffo. I may try sideloading at some point if I can convince myself that doing so isn't over my novice head.
Right now, I'm really interested to understand why OnePlus decided not to support this functionality. Does it not play nice with their hardware or with OxygenOS? If that's the case, then I probably won't try sideloading. If it does play nice, I'm really confused why they don't support it out of the box. I find that lots of times, people here are familiar with "inside baseball" insights like this.
Again, thanks for the suggestion.
dexlemaffo said:
Try sideloading the latest Google services Beta + the Google search beta. Once installed, reboot your phone.
Launching the Assistant with thr vocal command "Hey Google, Driving mode" should enable it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done that and it does nothing. All it opens is a mode that just keeps maps open but is not the new assistant driving mode.