Vivo returns to France with new smartphones

Vivo has re-entered the French market with the launch of two new smartphones, the Vivo X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max, which are designed to challenge Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro Max in the premium segment.

Devices unveiled in Tenerife

The smartphones were officially unveiled on October 27 in Tenerife, a Spanish island in the Atlantic Ocean. The launch event highlighted the advanced features of the devices, which include a MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chip built on a 2 nm process, a significant advancement in semiconductor technology.

Similar size and design

Both models have similar dimensions, with the X500 Pro measuring 151.78 mm x 71.92 mm x 8.12 mm and weighing 192 g, while the X500 Pro Max is slightly larger at 163.32 mm x 76.82 mm x 7.95 mm and weighs 224 g. Both feature dual-part backs with a glass and fiber glass coating, and are available in multiple colors, including gray and black.

High-end display and performance

The X500 Pro includes a 6.36-inch AMOLED display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 4500 cd/m², while the X500 Pro Max features a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with the same specifications. Both models are equipped with 12 GB of RAM and offer storage options ranging from 256 GB to 1 TB.

Advanced camera systems

Both smartphones have three rear cameras, including a 50 MP ultra-wide-angle and a 50 MP wide-angle lens. The X500 Pro Max includes a 200 MP telephoto lens instead of a 64 MP one, and both models support macro photography with their telephoto lenses. The main sensor can handle a dynamic range of 17 EV, allowing for more detailed photos in both bright and dark conditions.

Video capabilities and additional lenses

For video recording, the devices support 1080p, 4K, and 8K resolutions, with varying limits on each lens. The X500 Pro has a 6510 mAh battery with up to 90 W wired and 40 W wireless charging, while the X500 Pro Max has a 6750 mAh battery with the same charging speeds. They support Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.2, NFC, USB 3.2, and a customizable shortcut button.

Software and design features

The devices run on OriginOS 7, which includes multitasking features allowing up to five apps to be used simultaneously. The design is inspired by Apple's Liquid Glass, and the system includes dynamic and interactive wallpapers. The software also supports Zeiss collaboration for filters and LUTs for videographers.

Pricing and market context

The X500 Pro starts at 1399 € for the 256 GB version, while the X500 Pro Max starts at 1599 €. The launch comes as competition in the Pro and Pro Max smartphone segment grows, with Oppo's Find X 10 Pro and Xiaomi's upcoming 18 Pro Max also entering the market.