The Vivo X500 is a camera-focused flagship smartphone launched in China from $821 (CNY 5,499), combining Zeiss-tuned cameras, a 144Hz AMOLED display, and a 7,500mAh battery. Its larger battery and optional telephoto accessories make it particularly interesting for photographers who want more shooting flexibility without carrying a dedicated camera.
Vivo is positioning the X500 below the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max in its new lineup, but the standard model still carries high-end hardware. The phone uses a MediaTek Dimensity 9600M chipset, offers up to 1TB of storage, and adds unusual camera accessories that extend its reach beyond the phone itself. Global pricing and regional availability have not yet been announced.
A large battery supports long shooting days
The X500's 7,500mAh battery is one of its clearest practical advantages. That capacity is substantially higher than the 6,040mAh battery in the Vivo X300, giving the newer model more room for long photo sessions, navigation, video recording, and mobile gaming before users need to search for an outlet.
Vivo supports the battery with 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. The phone is 8.15mm thick and weighs between 211g and 213g depending on its color, so the larger cell does come with a substantial handset. Buyers who prioritize endurance may accept that weight, while users seeking a lighter phone may find the X500 less appealing.
Zeiss cameras make the X500 more than a display upgrade
The rear camera system combines a 50MP Sony LYT-828 main camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor, an f/1.68 aperture, and optical image stabilization. A 64MP Sony LYT-610 telephoto camera provides a 72mm-equivalent focal length and also includes OIS. A 50MP ultrawide camera with a 15mm-equivalent focal length completes the setup.
That arrangement gives the X500 a useful spread for everyday photography: the main camera handles general scenes, the telephoto lens can frame distant subjects more tightly, and the ultrawide camera is suited to landscapes and cramped interiors. The 50MP front camera is designed for selfies and video calls, although the source does not specify its video recording modes.
Vivo also sells the Zeiss Telephoto Extender G2 for CNY 999, approximately $149. When attached to the telephoto camera, it provides a 200mm-equivalent shooting option. That could help users frame distant subjects at events or outdoors, but it also adds cost and bulk, making it an accessory for enthusiasts rather than a standard part of the phone experience.
The Snap Screen adds remote camera control
The second major accessory is the Vivo Snap Screen, a 3.92-inch wireless display that previews the rear-camera feed and controls certain camera functions from up to 10 meters away. Paired with the magnetic case, it costs CNY 708, approximately $106.
This setup targets a specific problem: using the phone's higher-quality rear cameras for selfies, group portraits, or low-angle shots while still being able to frame the image. It may also be useful for creators who need to monitor a shot from a short distance. However, the accessory is optional, and the X500's core value still depends on whether buyers want its camera system and large battery without the additional equipment.
High-end hardware in a compact flagship design
The X500 has a 6.59-inch AMOLED display with a 2,750 x 1,260 resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate should make scrolling and supported animations appear smoother, although the source does not state whether it operates continuously or dynamically changes to conserve battery.
Vivo pairs the Dimensity 9600M, a 3nm chipset with an eight-core CPU and Arm G1-Ultra GPU, with 12GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM. Storage options include 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. The phone also includes an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB 3.2, and IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance.
It ships with OriginOS 7 based on Android 17. The available finishes are white, pink, black, and gray. The combination of fast storage, modern wireless connectivity, and strong ingress protection gives the X500 a broad feature set, while the software's regional availability may matter to international buyers because Vivo has only announced the phone for China so far.
Pricing and availability
The Vivo X500 starts at $821 (CNY 5,499) for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model. The 12GB/512GB version costs $895 (CNY 5,999), while the 12GB/1TB configuration costs $1,044 (CNY 6,999).
China is the only confirmed market in the source material. Global pricing and regional availability have not yet been announced. For buyers who primarily want long battery life and a versatile camera system, the base model already offers the central hardware package. The telephoto extender and Snap Screen make more sense for photographers and creators willing to pay extra for remote framing and longer-range shooting.
