Samsung Galaxy S26 could save you from scam calls by stealing a feature from Google Pixel

In recent times, few recent features have captured attention for real usefulness as much as the “Scam Detection” introduced by Google.

Until now, this sophisticated barrier against scam calls has remained a jealously guarded exclusive of the Pixel lineup, representing one of the main selling points for buying Mountain View’s smartphones.

However, according to recent leaks from code analysis, this scenario could soon change radically. It seems that Samsung is ready to integrate this technology into its next generation of flagship devices, the Galaxy S26 series, offering users a new, powerful defense tool.

Hidden clues in the code, Google prepares the ground for the Galaxy S26

The revelation stems from an in-depth analysis of the Google Phone app (version 206.0.857916353), where unambiguous traces were identified linking future Samsung devices to the anti-scam functionality.

Within the code strings, developers have found direct references to model numbers corresponding to the future Galaxy S26 family: SM-S942 (base Galaxy S26), SM-S947 (Galaxy S26 Plus) and SM-S948 (Galaxy S26 Ultra).

These codes are not isolated, but are listed side by side with the codenames of the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 10. The crucial link is represented by the term “Sharpie“, the internal codename Google uses to identify its scam-detection function.

The lines of code explicitly describe a button and a description that alert the user when a “probable scam” is detected, suggesting that the software infrastructure is preparing to welcome Samsung hardware into this exclusive club.

Gemini Nano AI shows its muscles

The technology behind this feature is not a simple anti-spam filter, but a complex AI-based system on-device.

Currently, on Pixel 9 devices (except the 9a model) and on Pixel 10, Scam Detection is based on Gemini Nano via AI Core. This allows the phone to listen to and analyze in real time the pattern of the conversation in search of typical fraud signals, all happening on-device to ensure user privacy.

The inclusion of the Galaxy S26 in the code suggests that Samsung could leverage the same AI to replicate the function.

If confirmed, this would make the Galaxy S26 the first non-Pixel smartphone to benefit from this level of proactive protection, capable of intervening not only during voice calls but potentially also in text messages and chat apps, warning the user of the danger while the threat is in progress.

Will Samsung abandon its Phone app?

Despite the enthusiasm for this possible integration, a significant technical obstacle arises. Historically, Samsung Galaxy smartphones are shipped with the Samsung Phone app preinstalled as the default dialer, while the scam-detection feature resides natively in the Google Phone app.

Although users can download the Google app from the Play Store, it is not clear if installing it manually as a user app will guarantee the deep system permissions required for the AI to monitor calls in real time with the promised effectiveness.

This raises an interesting question: could Samsung decide to preinstall the Google Phone app as the default on the S26 series?

There is a significant precedent dating back to 2024, when the South Korean company began to favor Google Messages over its own Samsung Messages app to improve support for the RCS protocol.

However, while for messages there was a clear technical necessity tied to Google’s Jibe servers, for the dialer the transition seems less mandatory, unless Google is using the function “Scam Detection” as an incentive to persuade Samsung to change.

As of now, neither Google nor Samsung has issued official statements on the matter.