Galaxy S26 could gain Google's Scam Detection, ending years of Pixel exclusivity

Google's Scam Detection feature appears ready for Samsung Galaxy phones

Google may be preparing to share one of its most valuable Pixel-exclusive features with Samsung. Code discovered in the Google Phone app v206.0.857916353 reveals references to what appear to be Galaxy S26 series model numbers—SM-S942 for the Galaxy S26, SM-S947 for the Galaxy S26 Plus, and SM-S948 for the Galaxy S26 Ultra—positioned alongside Pixel device codenames and "Sharpie," the internal designation for Scam Detection 1

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. This discovery suggests Samsung Galaxy phones could become the first non-Pixel devices to receive AI-powered scam detection capabilities.

The Pixel-exclusive feature uses on-device AI to identify potential scams during phone calls, text messages, and chat app conversations. Unlike traditional blocking methods, Scam Detection actively monitors ongoing calls and alerts users in real time when suspicious patterns emerge 2

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. The system analyzes conversation patterns, web traffic, and other indicators to recognize common fraud tactics, including phishing scams and financial manipulation attempts 4

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Gemini Nano could power on-device AI processing

The model numbers discovered in the code appear grouped with Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 series devices, which use Gemini Nano via AI Core for Scam Detection 3

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. This positioning suggests the Galaxy S26 series might leverage the same on-device AI technology rather than the older machine learning models used on Pixel 6 through Pixel 8 devices. Gemini Nano processes everything locally on the device, meaning no data gets transmitted to Google servers—a critical factor for user privacy 5

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The implementation raises questions about Samsung's default dialer app. Samsung Galaxy phones currently ship with the Samsung Phone app rather than the Google Phone app, which houses Scam Detection functionality 1

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. While users can download the Google Dialer from the Play Store, installing it as a user app may not grant the system-level permissions required for scam protection for Galaxy users to function properly.

Samsung may replace its default dialer application

The discovery has sparked speculation that Samsung might preload the Google Phone app as the default dialer on the Galaxy S26 series, abandoning its own application. There's precedent for such a move: Samsung ditched Samsung Messages in favor of Google Messages in 2024 to improve RCS support 1

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. That transition made sense because Google Messages uses Google's Jibe servers for RCS, while Samsung Messages relied on carrier support. The dialer situation differs, as there's no equivalent technical advantage—unless Google is offering incentives to include Samsung in this exclusive club 2

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AI-backed security features address real threats

The potential addition of AI-backed security features to Samsung devices addresses a growing need as scammers increasingly deploy AI against users. Phishing scams now use AI to create convincing messages and even clone voices of loved ones to manipulate victims 4

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. Scam Detection monitors calls and messages from contacts not saved in your phone, analyzing them for patterns matching known fraud schemes without sending data off-device.

Currently, Scam Detection is available on Pixel 6 and later devices in the United States, and on Pixel 9 and later models (excluding Pixel 9a) in Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, and the UK 5

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. Google doesn't promise perfect accuracy, but the feature has proven effective at preventing financial and data theft. For Samsung, which already uses Samsung Knox for device security and offers on-device AI processing through Gemini, adding native scam detection would fill a notable gap in its security portfolio 4

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What to watch as Galaxy S26 launch approaches

Neither Google nor Samsung has officially announced this feature for the Galaxy S26 series, expected to launch next month 5

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. The code discovered by Android Authority indicates work in progress, but features found in app teardowns don't always reach market release 3

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. If implemented, Scam Detection could become a major selling point for the Galaxy S26 lineup, potentially appearing alongside other security features like the rumored Privacy Display for the Ultra model.

The broader implications extend beyond Samsung. Increased collaboration between major manufacturers on AI-backed security features could strengthen protection across the Android ecosystem. While companies like Apple, Samsung, and Google maintain different approaches to user privacy and business models, recent partnerships—such as Apple's deal with Samsung to use Google Gemini technology for Apple Intelligence features—suggest growing willingness to cooperate on security measures 4

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