Vivo has just launched its flagship phone, the Vivo X500 Pro Max, in Singapore this week, packing in a new a camera sensor, the latest MediaTek processor and a battery with even greater capacity to support the new features.
This is one of the first smartphones that uses Sony’s latest 50MP 1/1.28-inch LOFIC CMOS Image sensor. LOFIC, or Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor, is a new technology that produces High Dynamic Range (HDR) images with less processing overhead.
Instead of taking multiple shots to create an image that protects image details and reducing ISO noise, the LOFIC sensor can deliver the same level of performance with just a single shot.
For a content creator, the new sensor means a lower chance of subject ghosting when there is movement in the frame. With this new sensor, HDR 4K videos can be captured efficiently at a frame rate of 60 frames per second while reducing power consumption.
Similar to Vivo’s earlier flagship, the X500 Pro Max comes with 200MP telephoto camera and 50MP ultrawide camera. Together with additional features such as 4K Cinematic Colour Video, Auto-framing and Stage Mode 3.0, the new phone promises to be a serious imaging tool for content creators.
To capture distant subjects, the new phone can be used with both separate 200mm and 400mm telephoto extender lenses that allow more creative framing for photographers, similar to the X300 Ultra. These accessories are sold separately, so keep that in mind when buying this phone for long-range shooting.
On first glance, the new phone follows the familiar design language seen in flagship phones this year. The Vivo X500 Pro Max has a metal frame paired with a glass back. It is certainly a safe bet from a design perspective but does not stand apart from the competition.
Up front, the phone comes with a 6.85-inch 2K Zeiss-tuned colour display that has a slightly cooler colour than some rivals. With peak brightness at 4400 nits, it should help you read off the screen under strong sunlight. The 229g smartphone, while not the lightest, has a bit of heft to make it easier to hold when taking a photo or video.
For Singapore, the phone comes with MediaTek’s latest Dimensity 9600 Pro processor, 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage space. Its 7,800mAh of battery should be handy enough for heavy users. The phone also carries both IP68 and IP69 ratings to keep out dust and water.
What may work against the new phone its price. In Singapore, Vivo is selling the X500 Pro at an eye-watering S$2,499 with 512GB of storage. That’s more than an Apple iPhone 18 Pro Max with the same storage (S$2,399).
Some may appreciate the better imaging system in the new Vivo phone but when compared with the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s stronger long-term value, you might think the Vivo X500 Pro Max has to do more to command that premium.
More in a detailed review soon!
