I’m thrilled to sit down with Dominic Jainy, an IT professional whose expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain has given him unique insights into the intersection of technology and security. Today, we’re diving into a recent study commissioned by Google that claims Android phones outperform the iPhone in protecting users from scams and fraud. Dominic will help us unpack the findings, explore the specifics of smartphone security features, and discuss what this means for everyday users navigating a world full of digital threats.
Can you walk us through the recent study Google commissioned with Leviathan Security Group and what they were aiming to achieve?
Absolutely. Google partnered with Leviathan Security Group to evaluate the security capabilities of various smartphones, with the primary goal of assessing how well these devices protect users from scams and fraud. The study focused on comparing Android devices with Apple’s latest iPhone model by analyzing a comprehensive set of security features. They wanted to see which platforms offer stronger default protection against the growing threat of digital deception, an issue that affects millions of users worldwide.
Which smartphones were specifically tested in this evaluation, and how many security features did they analyze?
The study tested four devices: the Google Pixel 10 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Moto Razr+ (2025), all running Android, and the iPhone 17 Pro running iOS. They examined a total of 33 security features across these devices, looking at aspects like account protection, password management, passkey support, and specific tools designed to combat fraud and spam.
What stood out to you about the performance of Android phones compared to the iPhone 17 Pro in this study?
The results were quite striking. The Google Pixel 10 Pro led the pack with a score of 31 out of a possible total, followed closely by the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Moto Razr+ (2025), which both scored 29. The iPhone 17 Pro, however, came in last with a score of 23.25. This gap suggests that Android devices, at least in this evaluation, have a stronger set of built-in protections against scams and fraud compared to Apple’s flagship model.
How did Android devices manage to outperform the iPhone in protecting against scams and fraud, based on the study’s findings?
The study highlighted several Android features that made a big difference, particularly call screening, scam detection, and scam warning authentication. These tools are integrated into the Android ecosystem and seem to provide a more robust first line of defense. For instance, call screening can identify and flag suspicious calls before you even pick up, while scam detection analyzes patterns in messages or calls to warn users of potential threats. These proactive measures gave Android an edge in the evaluation.
Can you explain how Android’s call screening or scam detection features work to safeguard users?
Sure. Android’s call screening, available through the Google Phone app, uses on-device AI to analyze incoming calls in real time. If a call matches patterns associated with known spam or fraud, it’s either blocked automatically or flagged with a warning for the user. Similarly, scam detection in messaging apps like Google Messages evaluates the sender’s reputation and the content of texts to filter out spam or phishing attempts before they reach the user. This on-device processing ensures quick responses without relying heavily on cloud servers, which also enhances privacy.
Google also referenced a survey conducted with YouGov. Can you share some of the key insights from that research?
Yes, Google collaborated with YouGov to survey 5,000 people across India, Brazil, and the United States. The findings were quite telling—Android users were 58 percent more likely to report not receiving any scam messages in the week prior to the study compared to iPhone users. This suggests that Android’s protective features may be more effective at blocking unwanted or harmful communications in real-world scenarios, aligning with the technical findings of the security evaluation.
How does Google claim Android handles unwanted calls and spam messages more effectively than the iPhone?
Google points to specific functionalities in their native apps as the key. Google Messages, for instance, uses algorithms to assess the reputation of senders and the nature of message content to automatically filter out spam texts. Meanwhile, the Google Phone app employs on-device AI to detect and block known spam calls before they even ring through. These features are designed to work seamlessly in the background, reducing the user’s exposure to potential threats without requiring much manual intervention.
Given that this study was funded by Google, how do you think we should approach the possibility of bias in the results?
That’s a valid concern. Whenever a study is commissioned by a company with a vested interest, there’s a risk of bias influencing the methodology or presentation of results. While Leviathan Security Group conducted the evaluation, the lack of detailed public information about independent oversight or third-party verification raises questions. I think it’s important to cross-reference these findings with other studies or real-world user experiences to get a fuller picture. Transparency in how the 33 features were selected and weighted would also help in assessing the fairness of the conclusions.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the evolution of smartphone security features in combating scams and fraud?
I believe we’re going to see an even greater emphasis on AI-driven security in the coming years. Both Android and iOS platforms will likely integrate more sophisticated machine learning models to predict and prevent scams before they reach users. We might also see advancements in user education features—think real-time tips or alerts that explain why something was flagged as suspicious. Additionally, as fraud tactics evolve, I expect cross-platform collaboration to become more common, where tech giants share threat intelligence to protect users regardless of the device they use. The battle against digital scams is only going to intensify, and innovation will be key to staying ahead.