Would I have to run stock Android with Google stuff?
Because then I'm still in the 
ecosystem for software.
Or does it have a Huawei OS?
Its android you could still install MicroG or similar to get around the no-Google, issue is US carriers. Verizon for sure won't let you use it.
Definitely have to be on a GSM carrier. Pretty sure Verizon is the last CDMA holdout besides maybe sprint. Att and TMobile based carriers should be fine tho
Generally speaking, your options with an Android phone are to use the OS that comes with the phone or to use a ROM you download from the internet. An iPhone gives you fewer options, of course (just stock).
New Android phones often lack alternative ROMs and ways to conveniently install them. Phone manufacturers often use hardware drivers that aren't in AOSP, the main open source version of Android, so people making their own ROMs often have a lot of work to do.
I would recommend doing careful research on the availability of images and ways to install them on that particular phone. If nothing is available, you might be stuck on the stock OS indefinitely (might noy be a bad thing, I don't know how Huawei does things).
I would look into LineageOS in particular. They're the main group making trustworthy aftermarket ROMs ans guides.
I would consider second tier phone brands like Xiaomi instead (do your due diligence and check to make sure that it works in your country first)
this is easier than due diligence: https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker
Pretty sure it's still Android. I'd be most concerned about the cell bands on your phone/with you carrier. Also, no Google Play services is brutal for ux
MicroG is fine. Only major problem on my phone is no in-app payments in the few cases they're needed. Also, a few apps have failed SafetyNet and required aggressive work-arounds.
But yeah, I'd be more concerned about it not supporting any carriers' cell bands.
I'd expect banking apps and other niche but important apps to shit themselves without full Google services. I'd expect something like Magisk to work for a lot of things, but I remember Huawei being kinda shitty about rooting before they were banned in the US, and their software kinda sucked too so replacing it was worth it.
Idk, I'm sure someone is going to make a custom ROM that has everything fixed for the west. Nerds do love Huawei and Honor.
