- The vivo X500 series, including the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max, has launched globally over a month after its China debut.
- While the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max are broadly available, the vanilla X500 will have narrower availability, notably skipping Europe.
- The series is expected to launch in India by late November, bringing all three models with specifications consistent with their Chinese counterparts.
vivo X500 Series Launches Globally
vivo has officially launched its flagship X500 series globally, over a month after its initial debut in China. The global rollout was marked by a livestream event hosted by the company’s Austrian branch. The series brings three new models to the international stage: the vivo X500, X500 Pro, and the range-topping X500 Pro Max.
Regional Availability and Specifications
While all three models are part of the global lineup, their availability will vary by region. For instance, the vanilla X500 will not be available in Europe for the foreseeable future, with European markets focusing on the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max. The X500 is available in parts of Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia, where its 12GB/256GB configuration starts at MYR 4,699 (approximately $1,149 USD).
The X500 series features a range of display sizes: the X500 Pro Max boasts a 6.85-inch display, the X500 has a 6.59-inch screen, and the X500 Pro is the most compact at 6.36 inches. The devices are powered by MediaTek chipsets; the X500 is expected to feature a Dimensity 9600M chipset, while the Pro models will utilize other MediaTek processors.
| Model | Display Size | Chipset (Expected) | Charger in Box (Global) |
|---|---|---|---|
| vivo X500 | 6.59 inches | Dimensity 9600M | 90W charger included |
| vivo X500 Pro | 6.36 inches | MediaTek (unspecified) | No charger (case & USB-C cable included) |
| vivo X500 Pro Max | 6.85 inches | MediaTek (unspecified) | 90W charger included |
Regarding in-box accessories, the global vivo X500 Pro ships without a charger, though it includes a case and a USB-A to USB-C cable. The 90W charger is reportedly reserved for the Pro Max model. Conversely, the non-Pro vivo X500 comes with a complete retail package, including a case, a USB-A to USB-C cable, and a 90W charger.
Future Outlook and Indian Market Launch
Following its global introduction, the vivo X500 series is anticipated to launch in India by the end of November. All three models-X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max-are expected to be available in India with specifications consistent with their Chinese counterparts. Meanwhile, vivo is reportedly already developing the next iteration in the series, potentially named the X500s. Prolific tipster Digital Chat Station indicated that an engineering sample is in testing, featuring a 6.85-inch flat screen with 2K+ resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and equal-width bezels, aligning with a “large-screen all-rounder” design philosophy. For more on recent innovations in mobile technology, readers can explore our coverage of Apple’s new iPad mini.
The global launch of the vivo X500 series intensifies competition in the premium smartphone segment, offering consumers a choice of three models with a focus on camera capabilities and MediaTek chipsets. Regional variations in model availability and in-box accessories (like chargers) will influence consumer purchasing decisions. The anticipated launch in India and the reported development of the X500s underscore vivo’s strategy for rapid product iteration and market-specific adaptations.
The regional segmentation for the X500 series, particularly the X500’s exclusion from Europe while being available in Southeast Asia, highlights a strategic market positioning by vivo. Utilizing Dimensity 9600M for the base model, while the Pro variants employ other MediaTek processors, indicates a nuanced approach to balancing performance and cost across different price points. The charger inclusion discrepancies also present an interesting market adaptation strategy.