Silver Vivo smartphone with circular camera against a starry night sky, vivo unveils x500 handset.

Vivo Unveils the X500 Series with Zeiss Lenses and Advanced Telephoto Capabilities

User avatar placeholder
Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-09-24

Vivo has launched its X500 flagship series in China, featuring the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max, all emphasizing advanced camera systems. As the brand reveals these devices, they incorporate Zeiss-branded triple-camera systems, with the Pro models offering the most sophisticated imaging hardware.

Advanced Camera Technology: The New X500 Series

The X500 Pro and Pro Max models showcase 24mm equivalent main cameras with a 50MP Type 1/1.28 (74.4mm²) Sony Lytia L910 sensor. This sensor, utilizing LOFIC technology, promises enhanced dynamic range by capturing clean shadow detail and retaining bright highlights. These advancements are set to redefine mobile photography standards.

Three-tier Vivo X500 series smartphones on display, showcasing different design tiers and features.
Vivo’s new X500 series includes three tiers, with the standard X500 serving as the more affordable entry point.

The X500 Pro employs a 64MP, 85mm equivalent telephoto camera. Meanwhile, the Pro Max features a 200MP Type 1/1.4 (62.7mm²) sensor behind a Zeiss-branded APO periscope lens. These new devices offer features that cater to photography enthusiasts.

The ultrawide cameras across the series vary; the X500 uses Samsung’s JN1 sensor, whereas the Pro and Pro Max utilize the newer JN5. The X500 sports a 50MP main camera similar to the X300 Pro and a 64MP telephoto offering 72mm equivalent reach.

Vivo X500 Pro and Pro Max feature a prominent 50MP Sony Lytia L910 camera sensor.
The X500 Pro and Pro Max both use the 50MP Sony Lytia L910 as their main camera sensor.

Both Pro models are compatible with Vivo’s optional 400mm equivalent Zeiss Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra. The video capabilities of these models are robust, with 4K video recording up to 240fps for slow motion and support for 10-bit 4:2:2 Log capture. ACES color-management workflows are available for the Pro models, while all models feature 4K/60p cinematic portrait video.

For photography enthusiasts, Fujifilm’s innovations might be intriguing; explore their XF400mm lens release to expand your wildlife and motorsports shooting horizons.

Display and Design

The X500 series boasts high-end display technology, with the Pro and Pro Max featuring 144Hz LTPO AMOLED displays that support Dolby Vision and HDR10+, achieving up to 4500 nits peak brightness. Meanwhile, the X500 has a 144Hz AMOLED display with 4000-nit peak brightness.

Standard Vivo X500 with larger display compared to the X500 Pro, illustrating affordability.
The standard X500 serves as the more affordable entry point to the lineup, though it has a larger display than the X500 Pro.

All models are IP68 and IP69 rated, offering robust protection. They run on OriginOS 7, based on Android 17, and support up to 90W wired and 40W wireless charging. The Pro models also feature reverse wireless charging, with the X500 incorporating Bypass Charging 2.0 technology.

The X500 Pro and Pro Max are powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 Pro, while the X500 uses the Dimensity 9600M chipset.

Staying informed on tech advancements like MediaTek’s chipsets in the X500 can provide insights; learn about iPhone’s camera evolution plans and their future implications.

Pricing and Availability

The X500 starts at CNY 5499 (∼$820), the X500 Pro at CNY 6499 (∼$970), and the X500 Pro Max at CNY 6999 (∼$1045). Launch sales in China for the series begin on September 24 for the X500 and X500 Pro Max, and September 29 for the X500 Pro. Details regarding U.S. availability and global pricing are yet to be announced.

Source: dpreview.com

Frequently asked questions

What camera features are available in the Vivo X500 series?

The Vivo X500 series features a Zeiss-branded triple-camera system. The X500 Pro and Pro Max offer advanced camera technology with a 50MP sensor and a 200MP sensor with Zeiss-branded APO periscope lens, respectively.

What is the display technology in the X500 series?

The X500 series boasts 144Hz AMOLED displays, with the Pro models featuring LTPO AMOLED technology supporting Dolby Vision and HDR10+, achieving up to 4500 nits peak brightness.

What are the pricing and availability details for the Vivo X500 series?

The X500 starts at CNY 5499 (∼$820), the X500 Pro at CNY 6499 (∼$970), and the X500 Pro Max at CNY 6999 (∼$1045). The series launches on September 24 for the X500 and X500 Pro Max, and September 29 for the X500 Pro in China.