Pixel 9 Pro beats iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24+, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra in mobile security, research finds

In a world where scams and fraud are getting sneakier by the day, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is proving it’s a cut above the rest. A recent study by Leviathan Security Group, funded by Google, put four flagship smartphones to the test — Google Pixel 9 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24+, and Xiaomi 14 Ultra — and the results are in: the Pixel 9 Pro topped the charts for built-in security features and anti-fraud protection. For Pixel fans, this is yet another reason to love Google’s latest flagship, powered by cutting-edge AI.

The 30-day evaluation, detailed in a comprehensive report released in February 2025, focused on how well these phones protect users from physical theft and digital threats like phishing, spam, and malware. The study looked into the following security features:

• Anti-theft protections
• Biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Phishing detection and prevention tools
• Malware scanning and app store security measures
• Network protection protocols (e.g., encrypted communications, VPN integrations)
• User experience in relation to fraud-related notifications and controls

Conducted on the T-Mobile network in the U.S., the study tested each device in its out-of-the-box state — no third-party apps or paid add-ons, just the native security features everyday users rely on. The findings? Android phones, led by the Pixel 9 Pro, outpaced the competition, with Google’s AI-driven defenses making a real difference.

The images below (click/tap to view) detail the features the researchers tested for each smartphone after activation.

So, what sets the Pixel 9 Pro apart? For starters, its advanced AI powers features like Theft Detection Lock, which uses sensors and smart connections to lock the phone if it senses it’s been snatched. There’s also Offline Device Lock, which kicks in if the phone goes offline for too long — perfect for thwarting thieves. Add in Google’s Find My Device, with real-time tracking and remote wipe options, and you’ve got a phone that’s tough to crack. The Pixel even offers AI-powered call screening that transcribes unknown callers in real-time, letting you decide whether to pick up without risking a scam.

Compared to the iPhone 16 Pro, the Pixel 9 Pro shines brighter in proactive fraud prevention. While Apple’s iOS 18.1 and newer offer solid encryption and its own Find My feature, it leans heavily on a closed ecosystem and lacks the Pixel’s AI-driven extras, like advanced call screening or Theft Detection Lock. The iPhone’s spam filtering, for instance, relies on user input and basic carrier flags, while Google Messages on the Pixel uses on-device machine learning to catch spam and phishing texts before they even hit your inbox.

Even among Android rivals, the Pixel stands out. The Samsung Galaxy S24+ leans on Samsung Knox and McAfee antivirus, but its call screening isn’t enabled by default, and it lacks the Pixel’s AI finesse. The Xiaomi 14 Ultra, while solid with its built-in virus scanner, doesn’t match the Pixel’s seamless integration of Google’s security suite, like Play Protect, which scans apps for threats around the clock.

Google’s security blog proudly highlighted these results, noting that “our investment in intelligent protection is having real-world impact for billions of users.” For Pixel 9 series owners, this means peace of mind — whether you’re dodging a phishing email, blocking a spam call, or tracking a lost phone. While the iPhone 16 Pro and other Android contenders hold their own, the Pixel 9 Pro’s AI-powered edge makes it the go-to choice for staying safe in 2025. Want the full scoop? Check out the Leviathan report — it’s a deep dive into why Pixel is leading the charge against fraud.