Galaxy S26 Series May Gain Pixel’s Scam Detection Capability
One of the standout features of Google’s Pixel phones is their Scam Detection system, which uses AI to identify and warn users about potential scam calls. Recent leaks suggest that this useful feature might soon be available on Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra, marking a significant step in call protection for non-Pixel Android devices.
How Scam Detection Works and What the Galaxy S26 Brings
The Scam Detection feature operates through Google’s Android CallCore app, which provides the infrastructure for phone-calling enhancements. The latest update to this app includes the ability to identify scam calls, but it can only be installed on devices flagged as compatible. Intriguingly, log files from the Galaxy S26 Ultra reveal that it carries the necessary feature flag, indicating that the phone could support this AI-driven call protection.
Scam Detection on Pixel devices works differently depending on the model and region. For newer Pixels like the Pixel 9 (except the Pixel 9a) and Pixel 10 series in countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, India, and Ireland, the feature utilises on-device Gemini Nano via AI Core. Older Pixels, such as the Pixel 6 and later models in the US, rely on Google’s on-device machine learning models. Since Samsung’s model numbers appeared alongside codenames linked to the Pixel 9 and 10 series, it’s likely the Galaxy S26 will employ the more advanced Gemini Nano-powered system.
Background and Earlier Clues
Hints that Samsung might be integrating Google’s Scam Detection surfaced last week during an APK teardown of the Phone by Google app. This revealed Galaxy S26 model numbers and references to “Sharpie,” the codename for Scam Detection, embedded in the app’s code. These findings suggested that Samsung’s next flagship could be among the first non-Pixel phones to receive this feature.
Further testing by a developer showed that installing the Android CallCore app on a rooted Pixel initially triggered a device incompatibility warning. However, after manually applying the required feature flag, the app installed successfully, though a regional restriction prevented full use. This highlights that even if the Galaxy S26 supports the feature technically, availability may depend on region and carrier agreements.
What to Watch For Next
While these leaks are promising for Samsung fans eager for enhanced call protection, it’s important to remember that APK teardowns and code hints don’t guarantee a public release. Google and Samsung could still decide to limit the feature or delay its rollout. Nevertheless, the presence of the necessary flags and model references strongly indicates that Scam Detection could soon extend beyond Pixel devices, possibly starting with the Galaxy S26 series.
As the Galaxy S26 launch approaches, keep an eye out for official announcements regarding call protection features. If Samsung and Google collaborate to bring Pixel’s AI-powered Scam Detection to the Galaxy lineup, it would mark a notable improvement in combating scam calls across the Android ecosystem.