Side-loading APKs are still needed for new Android users, not too much difference right? Exactly like the workarounds you need to find when you want to install

Side-loading APKs are still needed for new Android users, not too much difference right? Exactly like the workarounds you need to find when you want to install "Risky applications" on a Chinese Xiaomi phone. As a Chinese hated CCP for the internet censorship and decided to be an expat, what's going on these days is changing my world view.