Vivo X500 Series: 200MP Camera, 4K 240fps Video and Powerful Specs to Take on iPhone 18 Pro

Vivo is preparing to introduce its next-generation X500 flagship series, with the lineup expected to arrive in September. The series is set to include the Vivo X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max, positioning the company for a major camera-phone battle in the premium smartphone segment.

The launch is also expected around the same period as Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro series, potentially creating strong competition between the two flagship lineups.

Vivo X500 Series: Why Did Vivo Skip the X400 Name?

Vivo has reportedly moved directly from the X300 series to the X500 series, skipping the X400 branding.

The decision is widely associated with tetraphobia, a cultural superstition surrounding the number four in parts of East Asia. In Chinese, the pronunciation of the number four is similar to the word associated with death, making it an avoided number in some contexts.

Vivo X500 Pro Camera: Zeiss Imaging Takes Centre Stage

Camera performance is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the X500 series.

Vivo product manager Han Boxiao has reportedly confirmed major imaging upgrades for the Pro models. The phones are expected to feature a new Zeiss Super Dynamic main camera, developed with Vivo's Blue-Print imaging team and Sony.

The camera is tipped to use a 50MP Blue-Print Guangyu 900 sensor with a claimed dynamic range of up to 17EV. If these specifications materialise, the sensor could offer improved detail retention in both highlights and shadows, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.

4K 240fps Video Recording Tipped

The Vivo X500 Pro lineup is also expected to focus heavily on video recording.

According to the reported specifications, the phones could support:

4K video recording at 240fps

4K 120fps HDR video

3-degree OIS stabilisation

Advanced Zeiss camera processing

Improved low-light and high-dynamic-range video

The 240fps mode could be particularly useful for creating high-quality slow-motion footage.

The reported 3-degree OIS system is also expected to improve handheld video stability, potentially reducing the need for an external gimbal in certain shooting situations.

200MP Periscope Camera Could Be a Major Highlight

Another major camera upgrade has emerged from leaks.

Tipster Digital Chat Station has reportedly referred to the X500 lineup internally as “Thanos 500” and claimed that the series could feature a 200MP periscope telephoto camera.

The sensor is reportedly derived from technology used in the Vivo X300 Ultra. However, this specification remains unconfirmed, so it should be treated as a leak rather than an official Vivo specification.

Vivo X500 vs iPhone 18 Pro: Camera Battle Ahead

With Vivo reportedly preparing major upgrades to its camera hardware and Apple expected to introduce its next-generation Pro models around the same period, September could become an important month for flagship smartphone launches.

Vivo appears to be focusing heavily on camera sensors, optical stabilisation and high-frame-rate video, while the overall X500 lineup is also expected to receive processor, display and software upgrades.

However, a direct comparison with the iPhone 18 Pro should be made only after both companies officially announce their respective specifications.

Vivo X500 Series: What to Expect

The Vivo X500 series is shaping up to be a camera-focused flagship lineup, with the Pro models reportedly bringing a new Sony-developed sensor, Zeiss imaging technology, advanced stabilisation and high-frame-rate video recording.

The 200MP periscope camera and several other specifications remain leak-based, so Vivo's official launch announcement will be crucial in confirming the final hardware and features.