Vivo Unveils X500 Series Flagship Phones in China, Emphasizing Advanced Photography

Vivo introduced three new X500 series smartphones—the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max—in a China-only launch. Both Pro models also run on MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset, the first commercial use of this 2 nm processor.

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All three phones feature 50-megapixel main sensors, but the Pro Max adds a 200-megapixel 85 mm telephoto camera using Samsung’s ISOCELL HP0 sensor. The Pro model pairs the 50-megapixel Lytia 910 sensor with a 24 mm f/1.57 lens coated by Zeiss, while the Pro Max’s optical image stabilization is described by Vivo as “gimbal-grade,” compared with a less robust OIS on the Pro. Both devices support 8K 30 fps and 4K 240 fps video capture, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, and ACES color management. Displays range from a 6.36-inch OLED panel on the Pro to a 6.85-inch 144 Hz OLED screen on the Pro Max, each rated for up to 4,500 nits peak brightness.

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The X500 series is currently sold in China at CNY 5,499 for the base X500, CNY 6,499 for the X500 Pro, and CNY 6,999 for the X500 Pro Max—approximately $820, $970, and $1,045 respectively. Vivo has not announced a global release date, though it indicated that one is forthcoming.

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Industry observers note that the adoption of LOFIC sensors represents a notable shift toward higher dynamic range and better low-light performance in smartphones. By pairing these sensors with high-resolution telephoto lenses and “gimbal-grade” stabilization, Vivo aims to narrow the gap between mobile and dedicated camera systems, potentially influencing future flagship designs across the sector.

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