As major Chinese phone brands are reportedly consider cutting ties with Google, Samsung might soon be the only big Android player outside of Google itself that’s still fully committed to Google’s services. That could shake up the smartphone world in a big way. In a really big way.
Samsung could stick with Google and keep petting Android, others may shoo
Rumors suggest that Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus are looking into building their own software platforms without Android. And of course, Google Mobile Services (GMS). These services power essentials like Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, and the Play Store. If these rumors are anything to go by, it’s also said Huawei is lending a hand in development.
Huawei has already gone down this path. After being hit with US sanctions in 2019, it lost access to Google’s services. As a result, Huawei built its own HarmonyOS as well as app ecosystem. Now, with trade tensions between the US and China heating up again, other Chinese companies seem to be preparing for a similar future.
That could leave Samsung as the last global Android powerhouse still in Google’s corner.
Samsung’s close relationship with Google has only deepened over the years. The latest Galaxy S25 series phones come with Gemini as the default assistant. Google Messages has now become the new norm across latest launches. Google even debuts some of the coolest features on Galaxy phones first. While Samsung does have its own ecosystem, it still heavily leans on Google’s core services.
If Chinese brands move away from Google entirely, Samsung might become the go-to Android phone for people who want the full Google experience. That could give it a stronger grip in global markets, where many expect apps like YouTube and Gmail to just work out of the box.
