I am using p40p+ now. Awesome excellent phone!
(this is my choice after using S20Ultra, find X2 pro, m30p, p40p & iPhoneXSproMax)
I had side-loaded (I am techie enough so why not).
Google is consciously making it harder harder to do so although, personally, I still find it easy enough. However, you have to manage your expectations!
The real challenge is on 2 aspects after side-loading:
1) Apps using google map APIs.
-some will work with side load (like Grab)
-others will not (like Fave, Foodpanda, Deliveroo)
*take note that the apps work, just not the map or location pinpointing portion
-there are workarounds by utilizing internet browsers
2)Notifications issues with app using Google API
(not a lot of discussion about this currently but this is the most painful roadblock now)
-the apps work, just that you will not be getting notifications
-Singpass cannot work due to this
-all apps that uses Google api for notification (like slack for e.g and a lot of apps out there, govn apps are almost all on this api as well) will not or wont work well (app launch setting tweaks will not help)
*apps like whatsapp, telegram, wechat, etc don't uses google api for notifications luckily (so app launch settings will help)
**There are workarounds and I had managed to get passed (most, not all) this notification issue so my Singpass & Slack are working.
Trace together still refuses to work...lol.
(sorry, I am not posting any guides because they are not fool-proof or 100% working, go research and do it at your own risk. I am still in the midst of trial and error as well.)
However, the workaround may or may not messed up your google based mapping functions and certain apps that uses google notification API might still not work
So in conclusion, there will be inconveniences and things will probably get worse on the google side of things (seeing that Google is making progressive effort to lock down their licensed services) if you go the GMS route.
Solution:
-HMS get enough traction to push all apps makers to go HMS api or 3rd party neutral api
-USA reconcile with China (T_T) for the greater good of global economy
(Dont fight during covid lah, its a lose-lose)
Do not get the wrong idea that I am bashing the phone. No point sugar coating. Use the info above to manage your expectations.
P40p+ is my primary phone now (& highly likely for the rest of 2020 at least) and I love it.
I am fairly google reliant (my company is on google services =p) and so far, with some efforts, I live by with some minor inconveniences.
...and I am prepared to further tinker on in time...
Android is an open source afterall
