Earlier this week, Redmi launched the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition (aka Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition) in China. We got our hands on a review unit. While playing around with the device, we found out that it does not support GMS (Google Mobile Services) installation.
Back in February, Xiaomi confirmed that it will no longer include the GMS framework on its future smartphones running MIUI China ROM. With the MIUI 12.5 update, the company has been also removing the framework on older phones.
The firm claims that this move will reduce the storage space consumed by the OS. The Chinese handset maker even allows users to uninstall a bunch of system apps on MIUI 12.5.
Since the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition ships with MIUI 12.5 out of the box, it does not have the necessary GMS framework files that are required for Google apps and services. Hence, users cannot install GMS from the Mi App store on this phone.
We can confirm that this is the case with all the units and not only ours alone. We enquired about this matter with a local Mi Store executive. They revealed that the Redmi K40 Gaming Edition does not support GMS installation as of now. There are also multiple discussion threads on this issue on forums like Kuan.
That said, it is worth noting that Xiaomi could add the GMS framework in a future system update. Because the company had earlier stated that it will ship phones with the GMS framework based on demand.
Since the Redmi K40 Game Enhanced Edition is the brand’s first gaming smartphone, it is already popular internationally. We expect more enthusiasts to import it. Hence, there’s a high chance Xiaomi could bring GMS installation support to this handset.
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