Vivo X500 series confirmed for September with major camera upgrades

Vivo has officially confirmed that the X500 series will launch in China in September. The lineup will include the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max, meaning Vivo will skip the X400 branding and move directly from the X300 series to the X500.

The number four is often avoided in China because its pronunciation is associated with death. This practice is known as tetraphobia.

Vivo X500 series focuses on camera and video upgrades

Vivo is positioning the X500 series around major imaging improvements, with video receiving particular attention. The Pro models will feature a Zeiss Super Dynamic main camera developed by Vivo’s BluePrint imaging team and Sony.

The camera will use the new BluePrint Guangyu 900 sensor. It is a 50MP 1/1.28-inch sensor designed to deliver a wider dynamic range.

Vivo claims the sensor can achieve up to 17EV of dynamic range, which it describes as the highest in the industry. The technology will also be used for video, helping preserve more details in bright highlights and dark areas.

The X500 Pro series is expected to support 4K 240fps slow-motion recording and 4K 120fps HDR video with direct HDR output. The main camera will also feature 3° OIS for improved stabilization. Vivo is additionally expected to offer CIPA 7.0 professional stabilization. The Pro Max is specifically tipped to use the 3° OIS system to deliver gimbal-like stabilization without requiring a dedicated gimbal.

According to tipster Digital Chat Station, the X500 series carries the internal codename “Thanos 500” and will continue Vivo’s focus on both photography and video.

The lineup is also expected to inherit the 200MP “Thanos” telephoto camera from the Vivo X300 Ultra. The camera reportedly uses a custom large-format 200MP HP0 sensor paired with a periscope telephoto lens.

Vivo has not yet revealed the complete specifications or pricing of the X500 series. More details should emerge ahead of the September launch.