Samsung Galaxy S26 could gain access to one of Google’s best AI features, and it’s the kind of upgrade we need more of

A new report has revealed that Samsung could soon gain access to the Google Pixel Scam Detection feature with its upcoming Galaxy S26 series.

According to a recent report from Android Authority, code was found in the Google Phone app v206.0.857926353 that appears to mention the model numbers for the Galaxy S26. As seen in the provided screenshot below, the code mentions SM-S942, which is tipped to be the expected model number for the Galaxy S26. Additioanlly, it also mentions SM-S947 and SM-S948, which are reportedly model numbers for the Galaxy S26 Plus and Galaxy S26 Ultra, respectively.

This suggests that Samsung's upcoming phones could become much better at utilizing their on-device AI to warn you if you’re being called by a scammer. The code doesn’t specify how the feature will actually work, but we can get a decent idea based on how Google devices utilize the feature.

Essentially, Scam Detection works by using on-device learning models, in this case Gemini Nano, to analyze conversations, web traffic and more. The aim is to have the app learn to detect patterns often used in fraud, for instance phishing and financial scams. Once it learns to recognize the signs, it will then alert users to the threat.

AI security features are real, but we need more

One thing I need to make clear from the outset is that AI-backed security features are currently in development or available on most phones. For instance, Samsung currently offers on-device processes for Gemini AI features while also using Samsung Knox to bolster device security, privacy, and management. However, for all Samsung has done, the fact that it doesn't have a native phone screening feature remains shocking.

The truth is that AI is being used against us as often as it is being used to help us. There are phishing scams out there that utilize AI to fool us into clicking links or even use the voices of our loved ones to trick us. The challenge many phone makers like Samsung have to face is to meet and exceed these threats before they appear.

A feature I would like to see more of

Unfortunately, the simple fact of the matter is that AI-backed security features aren't exactly the sexiest selling point for new consumers. This has led many companies to focus on features like better virtual assistants and image generation.

I get why this is the case, but I find a lot of what AI does on phones offers only a mild distraction rather than something actually helpful. For instance, image generation is certainly entertaining at times, but that's all it is — and the cost to the environment alone is troubling. Meanwhile, features like Google Gemini and ChatGPT can be useful, but they're still limited and often don't offer much beyond surface-level answers.

I myself have been the victim of scams before, and it wasn’t due to a lack of knowledge or even a particularly clever one. I was woken up by a text message and, without thinking properly, I clicked the link. From there, I received a phone call using my bank's cloned number. Although, I called my bank to confirm and put a halt to any issues.

Sure, I could have used my Galaxy Z Fold 5 to generate an image of how I felt, but I would have much preferred if my phone were able to alert me of a potential scam in a way that even a very tired mind could comprehend. That should be the main focus for AI: making our lives easier and helping to keep us safe in a very dangerous virtual world.

Companies could work together to improve security

What would be ideal, in my mind at least, would be to see more of our companies working together when it comes to AI-backed security. For instance, Apple, Samsung and Google can do more to protect their users together than they can apart.

With that being said, there are several concerns that make this more difficult. For example, each company uses different business models and has different approaches to user privacy. However, there are some positive signs at the moment that could show some exceptions. For instance, Apple recently reached a deal with Samsung to utilize Google Gemini technology to power its new Apple Intelligence features. Hopefully, this could mean more overarching security measures for both devices.

While I know what I want to see, let me know what you want for the future of AI. Are you more interested in generation and conversation, or would you also like to see a push toward more functional, usable additions?

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