Finally received my 4gb ram/64gb Mocha Brown unit from DHL
Is China L10 model.but came with playstore pre installed n in English language
Immediate impression very very responsive n speedy phone

Not that many, about 10 which I can easily disable them at settings. Some can be uninstalled too
Will only do a cleanup after firmware update
I don't seem to have any notifications issues - whatsapp n email received without any problems when phone was idle. Anyway only some users are reporting such problems only

HW actually make very good quality phones. I was very impressed with my first Mate 6.1 n had since than purchase X1, Mate 7, P8max n now Mate8
HW network n 3g/LTE are very stable n strong as they are world largest manufacturer of telco infrastructure and equipment
They do not end up as world 3rd largest mobile manufacturer after Apple n Samsung if they make poor quality stuff.
Is a pity many users view HW branding poorly n think they are one of the many cheap China makes

Only whatsapp - random happenings. Not critical issue at all for me
No notification issues on other app - tweeter, facebook, mail, newsfeed, SMS etc
One can set how notifications be at settings/ notification panel/notification center
It seems the China sets has such whatsapp notification issue?

Good sales at KL ??http://klgadgetguy.com/news/2016/3/11/the-huawei-mate-8-gets-overwhelming-sales-response-at-stores-and-vmallmy