Vivo will launch the X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max in China on September 21, with major ZEISS camera and professional video upgrades.
The Vivo X500 series launch has been confirmed for September 21 in China, bringing Vivo’s next flagship smartphone lineup with a major focus on camera technology and professional video recording. The new series is expected to include the Vivo X500, Vivo X500 Pro and Vivo X500 Pro Max, marking a three-model flagship lineup for the company.
Vivo has already begun revealing details about the imaging capabilities of the upcoming phones ahead of the launch. The company is highlighting ZEISS imaging technology, improved stabilisation, high-dynamic-range video and new camera sensors as key features of the X500 generation.
Vivo X500 Series Launch Date Confirmed
The Vivo X500 series will launch in China on September 21, 2026, at 7 PM local time. That corresponds to around 4:30 PM IST. Vivo has confirmed the launch through its recent announcements and Creator Festival activities, while global and India launch details have not yet been announced.
The upcoming lineup is expected to comprise the Vivo X500, Vivo X500 Pro and Vivo X500 Pro Max. This would expand the flagship range compared with Vivo’s recent X-series strategy, with the Pro Max positioned as the top-end model focused heavily on photography and video.
Vivo has not announced pricing for the new phones yet. Indian pricing and availability should therefore be treated as unconfirmed until the company makes a separate announcement.
Vivo X500 Series Camera Features
Camera technology is expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the Vivo X500 series. Vivo has confirmed several imaging technologies, including ZEISS camera technology, improved stabilisation and a new generation of image sensors.
The standard Vivo X500 is reported to feature a 50MP Sony LYTIA 828 main camera, alongside a 50MP ultrawide camera and a 64MP periscope telephoto camera using the Sony LYTIA 610 sensor. The phone is also expected to benefit from improved optical stabilisation.
The Vivo X500 Pro Max is expected to take the camera hardware further. Multiple reports point to a 200MP telephoto camera with ZEISS APO technology, potentially making it one of the most ambitious telephoto implementations on a Vivo smartphone. However, the 200MP specification should currently be treated as an expected feature rather than a confirmed specification for the entire X500 series.
Vivo is also promoting ZEISS T* coating and APO super-telephoto technology as part of the new imaging system. The company has revealed additional camera and video technologies ahead of the launch, suggesting that the X500 range will compete heavily on imaging rather than relying only on processor upgrades.
Vivo X500 Series Focuses on Professional Video
The Vivo X500 series is also being positioned as a smartphone range for mobile creators. Vivo has revealed support for advanced video recording capabilities, including 4K recording at up to 240fps for slow-motion footage.
The Pro models are also expected to support 4K video recording at 120fps, including HDR and 10-bit Log recording. Support for 10-bit 4:2:2 encoding and the ACES colour workflow could make the phones more useful for users who edit smartphone footage professionally.
Vivo has also highlighted a high dynamic range of up to 17 stops for the new imaging system. These improvements indicate that the company is targeting both photography enthusiasts and creators who want more control over video capture and post-production.
Vivo X500 Pro Max Could Be the Flagship Highlight
Among the three expected models, the Vivo X500 Pro Max is likely to receive the most advanced hardware. Reports suggest that it could feature a 6.83-inch 2K display and a high-end MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro chipset.
The Pro Max is also expected to receive the 200MP telephoto camera, making the camera system one of the main reasons to consider the highest-end model. Vivo has additionally revealed images showing a large circular ZEISS-branded camera module on the rear, reinforcing the phone’s photography-focused positioning.
However, Vivo has not yet confirmed every specification of the X500 Pro Max. Processor, storage, battery capacity and pricing details should therefore be treated cautiously until the September 21 launch event.
India Launch Details Are Still Pending
For Indian buyers, the September 21 event should currently be viewed as a China launch rather than an India launch. Vivo has not confirmed an India release date or Indian pricing for the X500 series.
Previous X-series models have reached India after their Chinese launches, so an international rollout remains possible. However, the company has not provided an official India timeline, and online price estimates should not be treated as final.
The September 21 event should provide clarity on the complete specifications, pricing, availability and the exact camera configuration across the Vivo X500, X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max.
With ZEISS imaging technology, a reported 200MP telephoto camera for the Pro Max and advanced 4K video capabilities, the Vivo X500 series is shaping up as one of Vivo’s major flagship launches of 2026.
