Introduction

As a user of Huawei P30, my experience with the operating system post-upgrade to HarmonyOS was less than satisfactory. While my device initially ran on EMUI, which is based on Android, I noticed more laggings and performance issues after the upgrade. This led me to question whether HarmonyOS truly brings significant improvements over iOS. In this article, we will delve into the technical and user experience aspects of both operating systems, comparing HarmonyOS to iOS, to determine if there are any notable advantages.

HarmonyOS: A Revolutionary New System

HarmonyOS stands out as a fundamentally different operating system compared to iOS and Android. Unlike the latter, which are built on Linux kernels, HarmonyOS has its own microkernel architecture. This new kernel significantly reduces the amount of code, which in turn enhances performance and security. According to Huawei, the HarmonyOS kernel has approximately one-thousandth of the code of the Linux kernel, focusing primarily on thread scheduling and inter-process communication (IPC). This streamlined design allows HarmonyOS to achieve up to five times faster IPC compared to the Fuchsia microkernel and 3 times faster than QNX, a commercial real-time operating system.

Target Devices and Future Considerations

While HarmonyOS was developed primarily for smart devices such as smart screens, smart speakers, and car head units, Huawei has ambitious plans to expand its reach. The introduction of HarmonyOS represents a future-proof move, considering the rapid advancements in AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G technologies. However, it is essential to note that iOS is fragmented into different versions for various devices (iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, macOS, etc.), complicating user experience and development efforts.

HarmonyOS as an Evolution, Not a Revolution

Some have mistakenly perceived HarmonyOS as a direct competitor to Android. However, this is not entirely accurate. While HarmonyOS can utilize Android apps through AppGallery, Huawei's approach is more evolved rather than revolutionary. It is designed to complement Android rather than replace it. The compatibility with both Android and iOS indicates that HarmonyOS is not a sole solution but rather a strategic move to cater to a broader range of devices and user needs.

Performance and User Experience

HarmonyOS scores well in performance metrics. It employs a distributed task scheduling and distributed data management system to enhance its overall performance. One of the key features is the Deterministic Latency Engine, which optimizes system resource allocation by analyzing real-time load, application characteristics, and predictive analytics. This engine allows HarmonyOS to achieve a 25.7% improvement in response latency and a 55.6% reduction in latency fluctuation compared to Android.

Adoption and Scalability

Despite the unique advantages of HarmonyOS, its adoption and scalability remain crucial considerations. Huawei has released the necessary SDKs and tools to enable developers to recompile their applications for the AppGallery, which currently boasts over 45,000 apps and a global user base of 400 million monthly active users. While there is room for improvement in the development framework, the cumulative experience and resources can expedite the process.

Final Thoughts

While many argue that HarmonyOS is superior to iOS, a closer look reveals that the operating systems serve different purposes and have distinct strengths. iOS, with its fragmented yet user-friendly ecosystem, holds an edge in many areas. However, HarmonyOS's innovative architecture and focus on AI and IoT make it a compelling choice for specific device types and use cases. Huawei's goal is not to replace iOS but to provide users with a more efficient and versatile operating system that can cater to a wider array of devices.