Enhanced Security Boost: Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Adopt Google’s Pixel‑Exclusive Scam Detection Feature

Enhanced Security Boost: Samsung Galaxy S26 Series to Adopt Google’s Pixel‑Exclusive Scam Detection Feature

Introduction

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 series is generating significant buzz not just for its design and performance upgrades, but also for a potential major security advancement. Recent reports strongly suggest that Scam Detection, a feature previously exclusive to Google’s Pixel smartphones, could finally make its way to Samsung’s flagship lineup. Known for using advanced on‑device AI to identify and warn users about fraudulent calls and messages, Scam Detection may soon extend beyond Pixel devices to reach a broader audience via Samsung’s new models. This development could be a game‑changer for smartphone security.

What Is Scam Detection?

Scam Detection is an AI‑powered call and message protection feature originally developed by Google for Pixel phones. It works by monitoring and analysing conversational patterns and call behaviours in real time. If the system detects signs of a potential scam — such as scripted financial fraud or suspicious questioning — it triggers alerts through notifications, sound cues, and vibrations to warn the user instantly.

The core advantage of Scam Detection is that it operates entirely on the device, meaning no audio or conversation details are sent to external servers. This ensures users’ privacy while enhancing safety during calls and messages.

Originally launched with the Pixel 9 series and available on Pixel 6 and newer models, Scam Detection uses Google’s Gemini Nano or other on‑device machine learning capabilities to achieve fast and reliable scam identification without compromising user privacy.

How Scam Detection Works

To understand why Scam Detection matters, it’s important to see how it functions:

AI‑Powered Analysis

Scam Detection uses machine learning models to recognise suspicious patterns in phone calls and text exchanges. It can recognise common behaviours associated with scams — like urgent requests for money, impersonation, and abnormal scripting — and warn the user before any harm is done.

Real‑Time Alerts

When potentially fraudulent behaviour is detected, the feature immediately alerts users with visual warnings, tones, and vibrations. This gives users a chance to hang up or ignore the message before revealing sensitive information or falling victim to fraud.

On‑Device Privacy

Unlike cloud‑based protections, Scam Detection processes analysis locally on the phone using AI models. This means calls and conversation details remain on the device and are not recorded or stored remotely.

Scam Detection and Samsung: What’s Changing?

Traditionally, Scam Detection has been a Pixel‑exclusive feature, tied closely to Google’s own hardware and software ecosystem. However, recent discoveries suggest that this exclusivity could soon end — starting with the Samsung Galaxy S26 series.

Tech analysts and coders exploring the latest versions of Google’s Phone app and Android platform code have identified references to Samsung Galaxy S26 model numbers within coding elements tied to Scam Detection — specifically a reference labeled “Sharpie,” which is known internally to Google as the codename for the Scam Detection tool.

This strongly suggests that Samsung’s flagship models — the Galaxy S26, S26+ and S26 Ultra — may be among the first non‑Pixel devices to support this advanced scam protection system.

Role of Android CallCore

An important piece of this puzzle is a new system app from Google called Android CallCore. This app serves as an infrastructure layer for calling features on Android devices. Its latest update appears to incorporate the ability to perform scam analysis, potentially enabling Scam Detection on devices beyond Pixel phones.

For the feature to work on the Galaxy S26 series, Samsung devices will need to include a specific system flag — com.google.android.apps.callcore.SUPPORTED — which seems to be present in early test files and logs for the S26 Ultra.

While it’s not yet clear exactly how Samsung will implement this — whether through deeper integration of Google’s Phone app or through a modified Samsung call app — the inclusion of Android CallCore indicates strong cooperation between Samsung and Google on this front.

Why This Matters

1. First Major Feature Migration Beyond Pixel

If Scam Detection ships with the Galaxy S26 series, it would make these devices among the first non‑Pixel phones to feature this high‑end AI security tool. That alone can significantly enhance the appeal of Samsung’s flagship lineup, especially for users concerned about fraud protection.

2. Better Protection Against Evolving Scams

Scam calls and messages are a global problem affecting millions of users. Standard spam filters often rely on databases of known numbers or simple blocked lists. In contrast, Scam Detection uses dynamic real‑time AI analysis, making it more effective at identifying sophisticated scams that may not yet be on any blocklist.

3. Enhanced User Trust

By proactively warning users during suspicious interactions, Scam Detection can reduce the risk of financial loss, personal data theft, and other fraudulent outcomes — building greater trust in mobile security and encouraging safer phone usage habits.

Also Read: WhatsApp Introduces Strict Account Settings to Protect At-Risk Users

Potential Challenges and Considerations

Despite the promising prospects, there are a few uncertainties:

Default Phone App Issues

Samsung currently uses its own calling app on Galaxy devices rather than Google’s Phone app. This means that even if Scam Detection is technically supported, Samsung may need to switch to or integrate Google’s calling infrastructure more deeply than before.

User Awareness and Activation

If Scam Detection is available via an optional install or separate app rather than built directly into Samsung’s core phone system, many users might not enable it. This could limit its effectiveness and reach.

Official Confirmation Still Pending

So far, neither Google nor Samsung has officially announced that Scam Detection will launch on the Galaxy S26 lineup. The evidence comes from code teardowns and app references, which are strong signals but not a formal confirmation.

Conclusion

The possible inclusion of Google’s Pixel‑exclusive Scam Detection feature in the Samsung Galaxy S26 series would mark a notable shift in mobile security strategy — one that extends powerful, AI‑based scam protection beyond the Pixel ecosystem for the first time. With its on‑device AI analysis and real‑time alert system, Scam Detection could significantly improve how Samsung users experience call and message security, potentially reducing fraud and increasing user confidence.

As the global smartphone market continues to evolve, this collaboration between Samsung and Google on advanced Scam Detection may be the beginning of a broader trend toward shared security innovations across brands — benefitting users everywhere.