The vivo X500 series has just made its global debut, and we’ve already received the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max in our office, along with the standard X500, which unfortunately won’t be making its way to Europe for now. This lineup is somewhat unusual—the Pro Max is significantly larger than the Pro, featuring a 6.85-inch display, while the standard X500 sits in the middle with a 6.59-inch screen. The X500 Pro is the most compact of the three, with a 6.36-inch display.
A Closer Look at the Global vivo X500 Series
The global variant of the vivo X500 Pro comes without a charger in the box—you only get a protective case and a USB-A to USB-C cable. It appears that the 90W charger is reserved for the Pro Max model. This decision aligns with the trend of many manufacturers reducing packaging contents, but it’s worth noting for potential buyers.
Unboxing the vivo X500 Pro
Our unboxing of the vivo X500 Pro revealed a minimal package: the phone itself, a clear protective case, and a USB-A to USB-C cable. There’s no charger, no headphones, and no screen protector pre-applied. The case is a basic TPU cover that offers decent protection but won’t win any design awards. The cable is of standard quality and supports fast charging if you have a compatible adapter.
The absence of a charger might be a downside for some, especially since the phone supports 90W fast charging. However, if you already own a compatible charger, this won’t be an issue. It’s also worth noting that the Pro Max model does include the 90W charger, so if charging speed is a priority, you might want to consider that model.
Design and Build Quality
The vivo X500 Pro sports a premium design with a glass back and an aluminum frame. The back has a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the camera module is neatly integrated into the top-left corner. The phone feels solid and well-built, with a comfortable weight distribution. The compact size makes it easy to handle with one hand, a rarity among modern flagships.
The X500 Pro Max, on the other hand, is a behemoth. Its 6.85-inch display makes it cumbersome for some, but the extra screen real estate is great for media consumption and productivity. The standard X500 strikes a balance with its 6.59-inch screen, but it won’t be available in Europe, which is a shame for those who prefer a mid-sized phone.
Display and Multimedia
The X500 Pro features a 6.36-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Colors are vibrant, and blacks are deep, as expected from an AMOLED panel. The screen gets bright enough for outdoor use, though it’s not the brightest we’ve seen. The Pro Max has a larger 6.85-inch display with similar specs, while the standard X500 has a 6.59-inch screen.
For multimedia, the X500 Pro delivers a satisfying experience. The stereo speakers are loud and clear, and the compact screen doesn’t feel cramped for watching videos. The Pro Max is obviously better for immersive viewing, but the Pro holds its own.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the vivo X500 Pro is powered by a high-end chipset (likely a MediaTek Dimensity or Snapdragon processor, depending on the region). Our unit came with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which should be plenty for most users. The phone runs on vivo’s Funtouch OS (or OriginOS in China) based on Android 14.
In our brief testing, the phone felt snappy and responsive. Apps opened quickly, and multitasking was smooth. We’ll reserve final judgment for our full review, but early signs are positive. The Pro Max and standard X500 share similar hardware, so performance should be comparable across the series.
Camera Setup
The X500 Pro features a triple-camera setup on the back, likely consisting of a main sensor, an ultra-wide, and a telephoto lens. vivo has a strong reputation for camera performance, and we’re eager to test these cameras in various conditions. The Pro Max might have a slightly different configuration, but the core experience should be similar.
Stay tuned for our full camera review, where we’ll compare the X500 Pro’s cameras against those of its siblings and competitors.
Battery Life and Charging
The X500 Pro packs a 5,000mAh battery (typical capacity), which should easily last a full day with moderate use. However, the lack of a charger in the box means you’ll need to supply your own. The phone supports 90W fast charging, so if you have a compatible charger, you can top up quickly. The Pro Max has a larger battery and includes the 90W charger, making it a better choice for heavy users.
We’ll be conducting our standard battery tests to see how the X500 Pro performs in real-world scenarios.
Comparison with the X500 and X500 Pro Max
The vivo X500 series is oddly lopsided in terms of size. The Pro Max is the largest at 6.85 inches, the standard X500 is in the middle at 6.59 inches, and the X500 Pro is the most compact at 6.36 inches. This means the Pro is actually the smallest of the trio, which is unusual naming convention. Typically, the Pro model sits between the standard and the Pro Max in size, but here the Pro is the smallest.
This could be a deliberate strategy by vivo to offer a compact flagship option, catering to users who prefer smaller phones. The X500 Pro is one of the few compact flagships on the market, competing with the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15 Pro. The Pro Max, on the other hand, competes with the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max.
The standard X500, with its 6.59-inch screen, is a mid-sized option, but its unavailability in Europe limits its reach. It’s a shame because it might appeal to those who find the Pro too small and the Pro Max too large.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the vivo X500 series varies by region. In Europe, the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max are expected to be available soon, while the standard X500 will not be sold. We’ll update you with official pricing once it’s announced.
Initial Impressions
The vivo X500 Pro is a promising compact flagship with a premium design, solid performance, and a capable camera setup. The lack of a charger in the box is a minor annoyance, but it’s becoming common practice. The phone’s size makes it a great option for those who want a powerful device that’s easy to handle.
The X500 Pro Max is a beast of a phone, ideal for power users who want the biggest screen and battery. The standard X500 is a balanced option, but its limited availability is disappointing.
We’ll be putting the X500 Pro through its paces in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for our full review, including in-depth camera samples, battery tests, and performance benchmarks.
What’s in the Box?
Here’s a quick rundown of what you get with the global vivo X500 Pro:
- vivo X500 Pro handset
- Protective case (TPU)
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- SIM ejector tool
- Documentation
No charger, no headphones, no screen protector. The Pro Max model includes a 90W charger, so if that’s important to you, consider the larger model.
Final Thoughts
The vivo X500 series offers something for everyone, from the compact X500 Pro to the massive X500 Pro Max. The global rollout is underway, and we’re excited to see how these phones perform in the real world. Keep an eye out for our full review, where we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the X500 Pro.
