Samsung Galaxy S26 to Feature Google’s Advanced AI Scam Detection: A New Era for Privacy?

Despite the continuous efforts of governments and regulatory bodies worldwide, the plague of spam calls has only intensified in recent years. Fortunately, Samsung’s next generation of Samsung smartphones is poised to tackle this nuisance head-on. Recent leaks suggest that the tech giant is deepening its collaboration with Google to integrate a powerful, AI-driven solution directly into its upcoming flagship series.

The End of Spam Calls? Google’s "Sharpie" Comes to Samsung

A detailed report indicates that the Galaxy S26 lineup will break new ground by adopting Google’s specialized Scam Detection feature. This tool, internally codenamed “Sharpie,” was recently identified in the code of the "Phone by Google" app (version 206.0.857916353). While previously exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, Samsung appears to be the primary partner for the wider rollout of this AI-powered security layer.

On the latest Pixel devices, Scam Detection operates by listening to the conversation in real-time—processing everything locally on the device to ensure maximum privacy. By using the Gemini Nano model via AI Core, the system can identify common conversational patterns used by fraudsters and alert the user mid-call. The appearance of S26 model numbers alongside the Pixel 9 in official app logs strongly suggests that Samsung’s new flagships will possess the necessary hardware to run these complex machine-learning models locally.

Enhanced Privacy and the Power of Android CallCore

The backbone of this feature is a system application known as Android CallCore. Available on the Play Store, this app powers advanced call-related functionalities. Log files extracted from a Galaxy S26 Ultra test unit have already confirmed support for Android CallCore, confirming that the infrastructure is already being laid out for a seamless launch.

One of the most significant advantages of this integration is privacy. Unlike third-party applications that often require uploading contact lists or call data to the cloud, Google’s on-device AI approach ensures that your private conversations never leave the handset. This makes it a formidable alternative to services like TrueCaller, providing peace of mind without compromising data security.

While the technical foundation is solid, it remains to be seen if the spam detection feature will be available globally at launch. Google often rolls out AI features region-by-region due to linguistic complexities and local regulations. We expect more concrete details to emerge during the official Samsung smartphones announcement event scheduled for next month.

What is the "Sharpie" feature mentioned in the leaks?

"Sharpie" is the internal codename for Google’s Scam Detection technology. It uses on-device AI to analyze calls in real-time for signs of fraudulent activity.

How does the Galaxy S26 process these calls without compromising privacy?

The device uses the Gemini Nano AI model, which runs entirely on the phone's hardware. This means the call audio is analyzed locally and is not uploaded to any external servers.

Will I need to download a separate app for this to work?

The feature is integrated into the "Phone by Google" app and relies on "Android CallCore," which is usually pre-installed or updated via the Play Store on supported devices.

Is the Galaxy S26 the only Samsung phone getting this?

Currently, the leaks specifically highlight the Galaxy S26 series. It is unclear if older models with sufficient AI processing power will receive the feature via a future One UI update.

Does this mean Samsung is replacing its own dialer app?

Samsung often offers its own version of apps, but the integration of Google’s Scam Detection suggests a much deeper level of collaboration at the system level, potentially within the Samsung Phone app or by offering the Google Dialer as a primary option.

🔎 In conclusion, the integration of Google's AI-powered Scam Detection into the Galaxy S26 series represents a major step forward for mobile security. By leveraging the power of Gemini Nano for on-device processing, Samsung is not only offering a practical solution to the growing problem of spam calls but is also setting a new standard for user privacy. As we look forward to the official unveiling next month, it's clear that the partnership between Samsung and Google continues to deliver meaningful innovations that directly improve the daily lives of smartphone users.