📌 Updated 11 August 2026: new revelations from Digital Chat Station confirm that the standard Vivo X500 will set itself apart from the Pro versions with an off-centre camera module in the upper left corner. Screen sizes, 144Hz panels and Sony’s LOFIC technology have all been added below.
While Vivo continues the international rollout of its previous ranges, the industry’s eyes are already on China, where the brand is preparing its next generation of flagships. The manufacturer’s strategic choices are coming into sharper focus, confirming a decisive shift towards flat displays and a complete overhaul of its naming scheme.
A generation skipped: goodbye X400, hello X500
The first major change concerns the name of this future family of smartphones. Vivo is choosing to skip the “X400” designation and move straight to Vivo X500.
This marketing decision draws on a deeply rooted tradition in several Asian countries: tetraphobia. The number 4 is phonetically associated with the word “death”, which regularly pushes tech brands to avoid that numbering for their flagship products.
A distinct design for the standard model
This is one of the major revelations of the new leak: for the first time, Vivo will introduce a clear visual break between the standard model and its Pro variants.
- Vivo X500 Pro and Pro Max: will carry a large circular camera module centred on the rear panel.
- Standard Vivo X500: takes a different approach, with an imposing circular camera module positioned in the upper left corner.
At the front, the whole range opts for completely flat panels, dropping curved edges. Ultra-thin symmetrical bezels and slightly rounder corners should deliver optimised viewing comfort and handling.
3 screen sizes to cover every use case
The distribution of screen sizes across the X500 series is now clearer:
- Vivo X500 Pro (compact): 6.37-inch LTPO panel (1.5K resolution).
- Standard Vivo X500 (mid-size): 6.59-inch flat panel (1.5K resolution).
- Vivo X500 Pro Max (large format): giant 6.85-inch LTPO panel (2K resolution).
The entire series will benefit from a refresh rate climbing to 144Hz, ensuring maximum fluidity for browsing and gaming.
MediaTek Dimensity SoC and Sony LOFIC camera technology
Under the bonnet, Vivo continues its close collaboration with MediaTek, launching the new generation of high-end chips:
- The standard Vivo X500 will carry the Dimensity 9600 processor.
- The Pro and Pro Max versions move up to the Dimensity 9600 Pro.
On the camera side, the Pro models will make the difference with a 50-megapixel Sony main sensor featuring LOFIC technology (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor). This component is specifically designed to handle high-contrast scenes (harsh backlighting, night photography in the city) by avoiding blown-out areas and preserving an unprecedented level of detail in the highlights.
Range evolution and upcoming variants
The brand’s roadmap does not stop at the initial launch. Mid-cycle revisions (Vivo X500s) are already being mentioned, along with a Vivo X500 Ultra planned for the first half of 2027. That ultimate model, a genuine technology showcase, is expected to drop MediaTek in favour of the rival Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Pro. Full details are in our dedicated article: Vivo X500 Ultra, the 200 MP zoom caught in a dilemma.
Vivo X500 (standard) full specifications
| Component | Expected specifications |
|---|---|
| Display | Flat, 6.59-inch, 1.5K, 144Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 9600 |
| Rear design | Circular camera module in the upper left corner |
| Biometrics | Under-display fingerprint sensor |
| Estimated launch | September 2026 (China) |
Vivo X500 or the Pro versions: what’s the difference?
If you are hesitating between the different models in this future range:
- Format: the X500 Pro targets fans of compact phones (6.37 inches), the standard X500 offers the middle ground (6.59 inches) and the Pro Max goes for a large display (6.85 inches).
- Design: camera block in the upper left corner on the X500, centred block on the Pro versions.
- Camera and power: the Pro versions benefit from the Dimensity 9600 Pro and the Sony sensor with LOFIC technology.
To find out more about the high-end variants, see our dedicated articles on the Vivo X500 Pro and the Vivo X500 Pro Max.
In summary
Expected in September 2026 in China, the Vivo X500 is shaping up as a very appealing alternative thanks to its flat 6.59-inch 144Hz display and its revised design. The gradual arrival of international certifications suggests global availability will follow shortly after the Chinese announcement.
You will be able to find the range on our shop as soon as it launches. In the meantime, do explore our Vivo smartphones along with our Vivo cases and Vivo tempered glass.
