vivo has officially launched its new X500 smartphone series in China, introducing three camera-focused flagship models: the vivo X500, X500 Pro and the new X500 Pro Max.
The company has positioned the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max as premium photography smartphones, with both models featuring MediaTek’s new 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset.
vivo has also introduced the Watch 6 smartwatch and Buds Clip earphones alongside the new smartphone lineup. The company has skipped the X400 naming and moved directly from the X300 series to X500.
The X500 Pro Max is the most advanced model in the new lineup and brings a 200MP ZEISS APO super telephoto camera based on Samsung’s HP0 sensor.
vivo describes the camera as an Ultra-class telephoto system. It supports CIPA 7.0 professional stabilization and can be paired with a teleconverter offering up to a 400mm equivalent focal length.
The company also introduced the ZEISS G2 Ultra teleconverter specifically for the Pro Max. It is designed to extend the phone’s telephoto capabilities, while the required teleconverter and hand grip are sold separately.
The X500 Pro also receives a dedicated ZEISS APO super telephoto camera. It uses Sony’s LYTIA 610 sensor and supports CIPA 7.0 stabilization. The camera has an 85mm focal length and a 64MP resolution.
Both Pro models feature a new ZEISS Ultra Dynamic main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor. The system includes CIPA 7.0 stabilization, upgraded VCS 4.0 technology, ZEISS T* coating and deep-absorption blue glass.
vivo has also highlighted the BluImage GuangYu 900 sensor used with the main camera. The company says the system delivers a record-low readout noise of 0.75e- and supports a claimed 17EV of dynamic range.
Video recording is another major focus of the X500 Pro lineup. The phones support 4K 240fps slow-motion recording and 4K 120fps HDR video, along with 4K 120fps 10-bit Log recording.
The imaging system is supported by vivo’s V3+ and VS1 imaging chips. The company has also highlighted features such as 60fps autofocus, 4K Dolby Vision portrait video and split-track colour grading with six cinematic colour styles.
The X500 Pro series runs OriginOS 7, which brings a refreshed user interface along with a new liquid-style theme and AI-powered animated pet themes for the lock screen and always-on display.
The standard vivo X500 takes a different approach to its design while using camera hardware based on the previous X300 Pro, according to vivo. It features a circular camera section positioned inside a rectangular module.
The X500 is available in white, grey, dawn pink and black. The Pro and Pro Max models are offered in grey, white, orange and black colour options.
The reported specifications for the standard X500 include a 6.59-inch 1.5K display, a Dimensity 9600M processor and a 7,500mAh battery with support for 90W wired and 40W wireless charging.
The X500 Pro Max is reported to feature a larger 6.85-inch 2K LTPO OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It supports 90W wired charging, while reports have placed its battery capacity between 7,000mAh and 8,000mAh.
The X500 Pro is expected to be the more compact option in the flagship lineup, with a display measuring around 6.4 inches.
vivo has priced the X500 Pro from CNY 6,499 for the 12GB+256GB version. The 12GB+512GB model costs CNY 7,499, while the 12GB+1TB configuration is priced at CNY 8,499.
The X500 Pro Max starts at CNY 6,999 for 12GB+256GB. The 12GB+512GB version costs CNY 7,999, while the 16GB+512GB and 12GB+1TB variants are priced at CNY 8,499 and CNY 8,999 respectively.
vivo has not confirmed the official price of the standard X500 during the launch presentation. Reports had suggested different starting prices ahead of the announcement.
The company has also launched the vivo Watch 6 in China. The smartwatch features a sapphire crystal cover, a body as thin as 9.5mm and a display capable of reaching 3,500 nits of local peak brightness.
Health and fitness tracking are among the Watch 6’s major features. vivo claims average heart-rate accuracy of 97.2% across different scenarios, while the watch also offers sleep monitoring and a one-click health check that takes about 60 seconds.
For outdoor activities, the Watch 6 supports offline maps, route navigation, track-back functionality and sports tracking. It also includes NFC card support, third-party applications and car-key functionality.
The Watch 6 runs BlueOS and is available in Bluetooth and eSIM versions. Prices are CNY 999 and CNY 1,399 respectively, with sales scheduled to begin on September 28.
For now, the vivo X500 series is available in China, and the company has not confirmed global availability. The X500 series has reportedly appeared in certification databases in Malaysia and the UAE, while reports suggest an international launch could take place in October or November.
vivo has not yet announced Pakistan pricing or availability for the X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max. Pakistani consumers will therefore have to wait for an official announcement regarding the series’ local launch.
