CV_Winter_2026

Organizations across the board are grappling with complex AI deployments and unclear ROI, with many still stuck in pilot projects. In light of this, a growing number of channel partners are turning to mobility as a faster, more practical way to deliver AI wins, with Samsung emerging as a preferred vendor due to its broad portfolio and integrated AI capabilities. Samsung has been aggressively expanding its AI offerings in recent years and has grown into one of the most prominent mobile players. Galaxy AI now reaches more than 400 million devices globally, with strong engagement across its flagship portfolio. According to the company, it’s also driving the fastest adoption rate of any Samsung service to date. Samsung’s latest innovations were at full display at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where the company demonstrated a wide range of AI-powered products including smartphones, TVs, speakers and other connected devices. The company is now focusing on driving personal, context-aware and conversational experiences and making AI more seamless and accessible for users. While CES is a consumer-facing event, it often serves as an early indicator of where enterprise trends are headed. In mobility, innovations that gain traction on the consumer side frequently shape how companies evaluate and adopt technology. One key takeaway from CES is that AI is evolving from a standalone tool into a central part of everyday life. This shift is reshaping expectations around enterprise technology and creating a more receptive environment for partners to introduce AI-powered services. “Workplace AI that doesn’t live up to the seamless, friction-free experiences provided by consumer AI will quickly cause frustration, limiting adoption and buy-in,” explained author and advisor Bernard Marr in a recent post, while adding that “the user-focused innovation in consumer AI on display at CES 2026 will undoubtedly set our expectations of the enterprise AI user experience, particularly with regard to how it blends into the day-to-day fabric of working life.” At the same time, AI is transforming smartphones and tablets into productivity centers that deliver real, daily value. “With AI, it’s no longer about what the device is but what that device does,” added Mike Fleming, senior director of marketing and business development at Vertex Wireless, Samsung’s largest mobile distributor. “These are no longer just communication endpoints. Partners who recognize and relay this shift to customers are seeing measurable gains.” Despite the attention around Samsung’s foldable devices at CES, Vertex isn’t noticing significant business demand in that category. According to Fleming, Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones and tablets continue to be the company’s strongest sellers. “Demand is also skyrocketing for Samsung’s rugged devices, which offer the same features and functionality but are capable of operating in harsh conditions,” Fleming said. “These are popular in healthcare organizations, manufacturing environments and utility companies where workers are highly mobile and need durable, reliable devices during shifts.” Fleming also expressed enthusiasm around Samsung’s new Galaxy A17 smartphone and Galaxy Tab A11+, which he described as ideal for organizations seeking mid-range devices at accessible price points. “Samsung’s latest A-series devices offer organizations a practical and cost-effective way to integrate AI tools into their workflows without breaking the bank,” Fleming added. Looking ahead, IDC has warned of short-term turbulence in the smartphone market, driven by tightening supplies of memory components. Despite these headwinds, Vertex believes Samsung is better insulated than most competitors. “Samsung manufactures its own memory components and designs a large portion of its silicon in-house, reducing their reliance on third-party suppliers,” Fleming said. “As a result, we expect Samsung’s supply to remain very healthy compared to other OEMs in 2026.” Vertex Wireless adds an extra layer of resilience, as a leading wireless distributor and strategic Samsung partner with a deep commitment to service and support. “Vertex partners and customers benefit from our extensive carriercertified inventory, along with advanced forecasting and inventory planning services,” Fleming said. “Our nationwide distribution network helps ensure availability and fast delivery, even in challenging market conditions.” o By Gerald Baldino Low Hanging Fruit Samsung’s mobile devices provide an easy entry point for AI and productivity gains MOBILE & WIRELESS 54 CHANNELVISION | WINTER 2026 Mike Fleming Senior Director of Marketing & Strategic Development Galaxy S25 Ultra with Galaxy AI

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