By Adele Chan
The smartphone is no longer just a communication tool — it has become an extension of our personal aesthetic and brand favouritism. We’re familiar with the die-hard Apple and Samsung fans, but it’s the Chinese tech firms that are making waves in mobile camera systems and developing a cult of their own. Take vivo, for example; those who know about their partnership with Zeiss and the advancements they’ve made in the mobile industry will rave about their phone’s camera and know to always look out for the next phone model from the brand. I’ve personally experienced the vivo X300 Pro as well as the vivo X300 Ultra, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to shooting with the upcoming vivo X500 Pro Max.
Last week, I had the opportunity to test it out in Shanghai at vivo’s global launch event of the X500 Series. In Singapore, the vivo X500 and vivo X500 Pro Max will be debuting likely in October (to be confirmed), and once again with any vivo launch, this X500 Pro Max is poised to redefine what we expect from a flagship device, proving that extreme performance can be in the palm of your hand.
Design and Display
At first glance, the X500 Pro Max retains the sleek silhouette and form factor of the X300 Pro and X300 Ultra. It’s a UFO camera system that is modern and minimal, and the Pro Max model will launch in Starry Gray (closest to the previous model’s Silver shade) and Orange Ocean (featured here).
There’s IP68 and IP69 dust- and water-resistance, an ultra-hard AR coating on the lens, and on the front, a 6.85-inch 2K Zeiss Master Color Display with Armor Glass protection. You won’t be needing any additional screen protectors with this phone.
Display colours are punchy yet well calibrated, offering deep blacks and a luminous peak brightness (up to 4,400 to 4,500 nits) that handles bright outdoor environments effortlessly.
The Camera Ecosystem
For the street shooter and content creator, the camera array is where the X500 Pro Max truly earns its “Pro Max” moniker. Moving far beyond standard snapshots, vivo has engineered a heavy-hitting triple-lens configuration:
- 200MP Zeiss APO Telephoto Lens: A monumental leap forward, offering phenomenal optical-grade zoom (85mm equivalent focal length) that lets you capture architectural details or runway moments from afar without losing a single pixel of clarity.
- 50MP Zeiss TrueDynamic Main Sensor: Engineered for supreme low-light performance, capturing crisp, artifact-free images even in dimly lit restaurants or moody evening cityscapes.
- 50MP Zeiss Ultra Wide-Angle Sensor: Perfect for sweeping landscape shots or expansive interior architecture, maintaining corner-to-corner sharpness and natural colour science.
Example photos taken with the vivo X500 Pro Max (click to enlarge):
Performance and Endurance
Underneath its polished exterior lies a powerhouse built for years of use. Driven by the cutting-edge MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM, the X500 Pro Max effortlessly handles heavy multitasking, high-end mobile gaming, and intensive creative workflows.
There’s also the inclusion of a massive 7,800mAh battery packed into the sleek profile. This supports 90W FlashCharge and 40W Wireless FlashCharge.
As expected, vivo’s new phone runs their latest OriginOS 7, which includes a ton of fancy software capabilities, including Origin Workbench (advanced desktop-style multitasking), Snap-Up Engine (boosts the network connection and makes your touch more responsive when it detects that you’re trying to buy concert tickets), new AI tools, and Light and Shadow Aesthetics (possibly vivo’s take on Apple’s Liquid Glass).
Thoughts
The Pros
- Exceptional Camera Versatility: The 200MP telephoto lens changes the game for distant and detailed photography.
- All-Day-Plus Battery: A massive 7,800mAh cell won’t give you battery anxiety.
- Stunning Visuals: The 6.85-inch display delivers a gorgeous viewing experience for media consumption.
- Top-Tier Performance: Future-proof processing power that handles heavy loads with ease.
The Cons
- Premium Investment: Flagship capabilities of this calibre will undoubtedly come with a top-tier luxury price tag.
- Physical Footprint: The large battery and expansive screen mean the device has a noticeable heft, which may not appeal to lovers of ultra-light, compact phones.
The vivo X500 Pro Max will be announced soon for the Singapore market. Will update this space when we know more.
