In a major shift for mobile security, Google has revealed that Android smartphones are now blocking more scam calls and messages than their iPhone counterparts. According to the company, Android devices are filtering over 10 billion suspected scam calls and messages every month. (Google Online Security Blog)
This announcement places Android users in a stronger position than ever before when it comes to mobile fraud protection. Below we break down what this means, how the protections work, what the survey data shows, and what you as a user can do.
What Google’s Report Says
Google’s recent blog post titled “How Android provides the most effective protection to keep you safe from mobile scams” outlines several key findings:
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Android blocks more than 10 billion suspected malicious calls and messages monthly. (Google Online Security Blog)
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In the previous month alone, it blocked over 100 million suspicious phone numbers from using RCS (Rich Communication Services) in an attempt to deliver scams. (Google Online Security Blog)
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Survey data from YouGov of ~5,100 smartphone users in the US, India and Brazil found that:
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Android users were 58% more likely than iOS users to report receiving zero scam texts in the prior week. (Google Online Security Blog)
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For Pixel owners in particular, the margin was even bigger: they were 96% more likely than iPhone users to report no scam texts in the prior week. (Google Online Security Blog)
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iPhone users were 65% more likely than Android users to receive three or more scam texts in a week. (Google Online Security Blog)
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Android users were 20% more likely to describe their device’s protection as “very effective” or “extremely effective” when compared to iPhone users. (Google Online Security Blog)
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Independent security firms backed up the data:
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Counterpoint Research found Android devices offered AI-powered protections across nine key security areas, while iOS covered only two. (Android Authority)
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Leviathan Security Group rated the Pixel 10 Pro (Android) as the strongest in default scam/fraud protection, surpassing the iPhone 17 Pro. (Gadget Hacks)
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In short: Google is claiming that Android — especially newer versions and Pixel devices — gives users stronger built-in defenses against scam calls and texts than iPhones currently do.
Why This Matters
Mobile scams are a huge and growing problem. Fraudsters are using more sophisticated methods — including AI and social engineering — to trick users into giving up data, money or control of their device. Google notes that global losses from mobile fraud exceed $400 billion annually. (Google Online Security Blog)
When your phone can filter and block scam attempts before they reach you, that helps reduce your risk of falling victim.
For U.S. users, the implication is that platform choice (Android vs iPhone) may now have meaningful security implications — not just performance, camera specs or ecosystem. If you choose Android, you might benefit from stronger anti‐scam protections built into the system.
How Android Protects You
Here are some of the key features Android uses to block scams:
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Message filtering in Google Messages: Unknown senders’ texts are scanned for scam-like conversational patterns (so-called “pig-butchering” texts etc.). Suspicious messages are moved to spam/blocked folders. (Google Online Security Blog)
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Call screening and scam detection in Phone by Google: Unknown or suspicious calls can be answered by an on-device AI assistant that identifies potential scammers. If you answer, the device may give real-time warnings about risky behaviours. (Google Online Security Blog)
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On-device AI processing: Much of this protection works on-device, so call or text content doesn’t leave your phone. (Google Online Security Blog)
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RCS number safety checking: RCS (the newer messaging protocol) is being defended via background checks of suspicious numbers. Over 100 million were blocked in one month. (Android Central)
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Layered security across calls, messages, apps and browsing: Android’s system combines several protections: message scanning, voice call screening, safe browsing in Chrome, Play Protect scanning apps, etc. (PhoneArena)
What’s the Gap with iPhones?
While Apple’s iOS also includes many security features, Google and independent firms believe Android currently has the edge in the specific area of default scam protection. Key points:
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iPhone users were more likely to report receiving scam texts/calls in the survey. (Moneycontrol)
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Counterpoint’s evaluation suggested iOS devices only offered AI-powered protection in a couple of key security areas, compared to Android’s nine. (Android Authority)
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The independent study by Leviathan ranked Pixel phones highest for default scam protection, suggesting some Android flagships lead in this metric. (Gadget Hacks)
It’s worth noting: This doesn’t mean iPhones are “insecure” in every way. They still get app/security updates, have strong hardware-level security, and are widely regarded as safe. But when it comes to blocking scam calls and texts by default, Android is currently making a strong claim.
What It Means for You (in the U.S.)
If you’re a smartphone user in the United States (or considering buying a new phone) here are the take-aways:
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If scam protection matters highly to you — especially protection against unwanted calls/texts and fraud attempts — then Android may offer a stronger built-in option right now.
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If you already use an iPhone, don’t panic: Practice safe habits (see next section) and check your settings for call/message-filtering features.
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If you use Android, check that your device is updated, that Google Messages is set up with spam protection enabled, and that features like call screening are turned on.
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In any case: Don’t treat the phone as a full shield. Scams evolve, and you still need to be alert.
Tips to Stay Safe from Mobile Scams
Here are some simple steps to increase your protection regardless of device:
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Keep your OS and apps updated. Many protections rely on recent software.
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Enable built-in filters. On Android, check that Google Messages spam protection is on; ensure “Unknown callers” or “Spam call screening” is enabled.
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Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. Let voicemail pick them up, or use call screening.
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Never click unexpected links in texts. Even if they look like they come from a trusted contact — the number may be spoofed.
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Avoid giving remote access. Scammers may try to trick you into installing remote-access software or allowing screen sharing.
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Use strong two-factor authentication (2FA). Especially for banking, email, and important accounts.
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Be sceptical of urgency. Many scams rely on fear (“you must act now”, “your bank account is frozen”, etc.)
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Report spam and block numbers. Most smartphones let you block or report suspicious SMS/call numbers easily.
Possible Challenges & Considerations
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Privacy vs convenience: Some users worry about built-in AI detection scanning messages/calls — but Google says processing is done on-device and content is not uploaded. (Google Online Security Blog)
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Device manufacturer & region variations: While Google’s data highlights Pixel and Android broadly, features may vary by manufacturer, carrier, and country. Some protections may not be available in all regions. (Google Online Security Blog)
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Scams evolve quickly: Even the best protections must adapt. Scammers using deep-fake voice, AI-generated texts, and newer tactics may still bypass filters.
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Platform bias: Some commentators say the data comes from Google itself — so some caution in interpreting results is warranted. However, independent firms corroborate many findings. (Gadget Hacks)
Final Thoughts
In summary: If your focus is on mobile scam protection, the recent data suggests Android phones — particularly newer models and Pixel devices — currently have a measurable advantage over iPhones in blocking scam calls and texts. Google’s claim of over 10 billion scam attempts blocked monthly sets a high-water mark.
That said, your choice of smartphone should still factor in preferences around ecosystem (apps, services), brand loyalty, hardware specs, and budget. Security is only one dimension — but now it’s an especially important one.
Whether you pick Android or iPhone, enable the built-in protections, stay alert, and use good habits: that’s the best path to staying safe.