Chinese manufacturer Vivo has unveiled the X500 Pro Max, a flagship‑level smartphone that places the camera at the core of its design. The device builds on the X300 series, offering a major hardware upgrade over the X300 Pro and even surpassing the earlier X300 Ultra in several key areas.
Camera and video capabilities
The X500 Pro Max introduces a new 50‑megapixel Sony Lytia sensor sized 1/1.28 inch with an f/1.6 aperture. Vivo’s proprietary LOFIC technology gives the sensor 17 stops of dynamic range, matching the performance of rival solutions while using extra capacitors on each pixel to store overflow light. A second 50‑megapixel ultra‑wide camera uses a 1/1.75‑inch sensor, and the telephoto module steps up to a 200‑megapixel 1/1.4‑inch periscope sensor capable of lossless 10× zoom.
Stabilisation receives a dual approach. The main sensor employs three‑degree gimbal‑grade optical image stabilization, a metric that measures the physical motion range the hardware can compensate for. The telephoto lens carries a CIPA 7‑rated OIS system, which quantifies anti‑shake effectiveness in terms of exposure time. Together they provide steadier shots for both stills and action video.
Video‑centric features are a focal point. A “Pro Video Mode” lets users load custom lookup tables (LUTs) with a real‑time preview, and the phone’s log format integrates the ACES workflow used by professional videographers. Recording capabilities reach 4K resolution at up to 240 fps, doubling the 120 fps ceiling of the X300 Ultra. The device does not include an open‑gate recording option, a feature that Oppo offers on its Find X10 Pro Max.
Hardware and design
Under the hood the X500 Pro Max runs MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 Pro 2‑nanometer processor, paired with a sizable 7,800 mAh battery in selected markets—an increase from the 6,600 mAh cell found in the X300 Ultra. Fast charging is supported up to 90 W, and a bypass‑charging mode allows the phone to charge while handling intensive tasks such as gaming or high‑resolution video capture.
The display measures 6.85 inches, slightly larger than the X300 Ultra’s 6.82‑inch panel, and retains a 1440 × 3168 resolution with a 144 Hz refresh rate. Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits aim to deliver vivid visuals. The rear glass features a dot‑matrix pattern that catches light, and the device carries dual ingress‑protection ratings of IP68 and IP69, covering submersion and high‑intensity water spray.
Vivo continues its partnership with Zeiss, supporting two Gen 2 teleconverter lenses. The Telephoto Extender adds 2.35× magnification, while the Ultra variant provides 4.7× optical zoom on top of the 200‑megapixel periscope sensor. Using these lenses requires a compatible case and mounting plate.
Software experience and market rollout
The X500 Pro Max ships with Vivo’s Origin OS 7 skin. Reviewers note frequent unsolicited tips that interrupt basic gestures, as well as a proprietary V‑App Store that pushes ads for services like ChatGPT. Pre‑installed apps cannot be removed directly and must be reinstalled via Google Play, adding to a perception of cluttered software.
While Vivo markets the phone as a global launch, availability mirrors the regions that received the X300 Ultra. The X500 Pro Max will not be sold in the United States or United Kingdom, but it is slated for release in Spain, Brazil, India, Austria, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong and other territories. Pricing details are expected to be announced at a launch event currently underway.
Overall, the X500 Pro Max represents Vivo’s most aggressive push into high‑spec mobile photography and videography to date. With a 200‑megapixel telephoto sensor, gimbal‑grade stabilization, and 4K 240 fps video, the phone competes directly with Oppo’s Find X10 Pro Max while retaining distinct hardware choices such as the LOFIC sensor and Zeiss‑co‑produced lenses.
Steve Lopez is a Senior Editorial Columnist and Health & Public Policy reporter for News Raise. Steve focuses on healthcare advancements, medical technologies, and public health policies.
