In summary:
- Tech Advisor reports that Samsung’s Galaxy S26 may receive Google’s AI-powered Scam Detection feature, currently exclusive to Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 models.
- Code references in Google’s Phone app mention Galaxy S26 models, suggesting integration of the Gemini Nano AI technology for identifying scam calls and texts.
- This potential addition could significantly enhance user security while reducing a key competitive advantage that Pixel phones currently hold over Samsung’s flagship devices.
It’s exciting times.
Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S26 series will arrive soon, and there’s more good news as it appears they will be getting one of the best Google Pixel phone features.
Not only does it look like the S26 range will catch up with the Pixel 10 series with Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, but the phones may also be getting Scam Detection, which is currently exclusive to Google’s own-brand mobiles.
Nano-flavoured Scam Detection
We love Scam Detection, and the evidence discovered by Android Authority suggests that exclusivity might be about to end. The source code for the Phone by Google app contains mentions of Galaxy S26 models in the dialler.
They are SM-S942, SM-S947 and SM-S948, which are the S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra, respectively. The code mentions ‘sharpie’, which is supposedly the codename for Scam Detection.
They’re only mentioned alongside recent Pixel phones, including Pixel 10 and Pixel 9 series handsets, which is significant.
More recent Pixel phones employ Google’s Gemini Nano for a more sophisticated form of scam screening than earlier generations. So, it’s quite possible to deduce from this that Samsung’s implementation will also use Google’s portable AI model.
Scam Detection uses Google Nano AI on-device processing to detect and notify you of potential scam phone calls, so you are less likely to fall for a phishing attack. It also works for text messages and some chat apps.
Luke Baker
That advanced version is exclusive to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 models, while older phones, going back to the Pixel 6, use a different machine learning model.
It’s a big deal for the Galaxy S26 devices to get this feature, and one less reason to buy a Pixel phone instead. However, it’s not guaranteed.
The one fly in this particular ointment: Samsung phones don’t ship with Google’s Phone app preinstalled. They use Samsung’s home-brewed alternative.
Does this fresh inclusion of Samsung’s phones in the code imply that the Samsung Galaxy S26 will ditch Samsung’s dialler for Google’s in One UI 8.5? It did the same thing with Google Messages back in 2024, so don’t count it out.
We’ll find out soon as the Galaxy S26 range is rumoured to launch on 25 February.
Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.