Android smartphones offer better protection against fraud and scam messages than Apple’s iOS devices, according to a recent study commissioned by Google and supported by independent analysis.
Google utilized its artificial intelligence technology to combat SMS and RCS scams, prompting a YouGov study involving 5,100 smartphone users in the United States, India, and Brazil. The findings were “clear,” Google stated, concluding that Android users reported receiving fewer fraudulent messages and expressed greater confidence in their devices’ protective capabilities.
Specifically, Android users were 58% more likely to report not having received any fraudulent text messages in the week prior to the study. This difference increased to 96% among Google Pixel owners.
Conversely, iPhone users were 65% more likely to have received three or more scams during the same period. The disparity grew when comparing iPhone users directly with Pixel owners, with iPhone users 136% more likely to report receiving numerous fraudulent messages.
Regarding user perception, Android users were 20% more likely than iOS users to rate their device’s anti-fraud protections as “very effective” or “extremely effective.”
While Google commissioned the study, YouGov is a reputable organization. Independent analyses have also reached similar conclusions.
The Leviathan Security Group, for instance, noted that Android smartphones, particularly Pixel phones, provide superior default fraud protection. This is attributed to features like call filtering, real-time detection, and suspicious call authentication.
Counterpoint Research compared the security systems of recent flagship models, including the Pixel 10 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra, Motorola Razr+ 2025, and iPhone 17 Pro. Their analysis concluded that Android offered enhanced AI-powered protections in ten categories, compared to just two in iOS.
Android’s Messages application automatically filters spam and analyzes conversations for “trust-winning” schemes. The Phone application can block unknown numbers and answer calls on the user’s behalf using its Call Screening feature.
Android also prevents risky actions during a fraudulent call, such as the installation of insecure applications or unauthorized screen sharing.
Apple’s latest major operating system version, iOS 26, has also reinforced spam protection within its Messages application.