Modern Google Play Store APKs (such as version 44.4 or 50.x) require much newer Android API levels.
Instead of searching for "google play store apk android 44 4 new" , users should:
Updates often fix bugs that cause the store to force-close on older hardware. Conclusion
Yes. The Play Store is a free app from Google. Downloading it from third-party sources like APKMirror is legal because the app’s signature remains Google’s. You are not cracking or modding it.