Vivo X500 Pro Max Hands-On: A Camera-Focused Flagship With Advanced Videography Features

Vivo has expanded its smartphone lineup with the introduction of the X500 Pro Max, a device that places heavy emphasis on advanced camera and videography capabilities. Designed to compete in the high-end market, the new model brings significant upgrades over previous iterations, including partnership elements with lens maker Zeiss and support for modular telephoto attachments.

Camera and Videography Highlights

The most notable hardware updates center around the camera system, featuring:

• Main Sensor: A 50-megapixel Sony Lytia 1/1.28-inch sensor with an f/1.6 aperture, utilizing LOFIC technology to deliver up to 17 stops of dynamic range.
• Ultra-Wide Camera: A 50MP ultra-wide sensor measuring 1/1.75 inches.
• Telephoto Camera: A 200MP 1/1.4-inch periscope telephoto sensor designed for lossless zoom up to 10x magnification.
• Stabilization: Three-degree gimbal-grade stabilization on the main sensor alongside CIPA 7-rated optical image stabilization (OIS) on the telephoto lens.

For video creators, the device supports custom LUTs with real-time previews in Pro Video Mode and a log format compatible with the ACES workflow. It also enables 4K video recording at up to 240 fps, though it notably lacks an open-gate recording option.

Display, Performance, and Battery

Under the hood, the X500 Pro Max is equipped with MediaTek's Dimensity 9600 Pro 2nm processor. Other core specifications include:

• Display: A 6.85-inch screen featuring a 1,440 x 3,168 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits.
• Battery and Charging: A massive 7,800mAh battery supporting up to 90W high-wattage charging and bypass charging for intensive tasks like gaming or recording.
• Durability: IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.

Software and Availability

The device runs on Origin OS 7. Reviewers noted that the software interface can feel cluttered due to frequent system tips and the inclusion of Vivo's proprietary V-App Store, which features promotional pop-ups alongside standard apps.

While Vivo describes the rollout as a global launch, availability is restricted to specific regions mirroring the X300 Ultra release. Confirmed launch territories include Spain, Brazil, India, Austria, Italy, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with no planned availability in the US or UK. Pricing details were not fully finalized at the time of announcement and are subject to official updates from the company.