It's Android but without Google's services, there's an alternative app store.

The irony of Chinese vendors providing a breath of fresh low-DRM air.

No, Google is barred from providing any services to them by the US government.

not like that no, some US carriers don't allow them though like AT&T blocks you to google or apple phones. for them only pixel supports a way out with graphene.

No, they use AppGallery and HMS.