June 22, 2025 – The fiercely competitive foldable smartphone race is heating up again, and Vivo appears poised to snatch a significant victory over rivals Oppo and OnePlus. According to exclusive information obtained by our sources and corroborated by a recent leak, Vivo's upcoming X Fold5 is not only on track for an imminent launch but will also debut a revolutionary feature: a fully configurable physical side button – potentially beating its sister brands to the punch.
Industry whispers had hinted at Oppo and OnePlus working on similar functionality for their next-generation foldables, the Find N5 and Open 2, expected later this year. However, Vivo seems to have accelerated its timeline significantly. Multiple sources close to the supply chain indicate that the X Fold5 has entered the final stages of production readiness, targeting a launch window potentially as early as late July or August 2025.
The Game-Changing Button:
The star of the show, beyond the expected refinements in hinge technology and display quality, is this new side-mounted physical button. Unlike the standard power or volume buttons, this dedicated key promises unprecedented user customization. Early details suggest users will be able to assign a wide range of functions to single, double, or even long presses:
- Instant App Launch: One-tap access to camera, voice recorder, payment apps, or your favorite game.
- Mode Toggles: Swiftly switch between silent, vibrate, and ring modes.
- Camera Functions: Dedicated shutter button or quick video recording start/stop.
- Assistant Activation: Summon your preferred voice assistant (Jovi, Google Assistant) instantly.
- Custom Shortcuts: Open specific settings panels, trigger routines, or accessibility features.
This level of hardware-based customization directly on the phone's frame is a first for mainstream foldables and addresses a key user request for quicker, more tactile access to frequent actions without needing to navigate software menus or unfold the device. A leaked image posted on Weibo (viewable here) appears to show the distinct button placement on the X Fold5's right-side frame.
Context and Competition:
Vivo's move comes hot on the heels of the well-received but now superseded X Fold3 Pro. As detailed in our earlier report on its expected successor (read more here), the focus has been on further weight reduction, battery life improvements, and camera upgrades. The configurable button adds a significant new dimension to that evolution.
The pressure is undoubtedly on Oppo and OnePlus. While both brands have established strong positions in the foldable market – particularly OnePlus with its popular Open series – Vivo stealing the spotlight with this innovative hardware feature could force a rapid reassessment of their launch strategies and feature sets for the Find N5 and Open 2.
Pricing and Availability:
While final pricing for the X Fold5 remains under wraps, it's expected to position itself competitively in the premium foldable segment. For those interested in Vivo's current flagship foldable, the X Fold3 Pro remains available via retailers like Amazon (check current price).
Broader Market Implications:
Vivo's aggressive push highlights the intense innovation happening specifically within the BBK Electronics ecosystem (encompassing Vivo, Oppo, OnePlus, and Realme). While they share resources, the brands are clearly competing fiercely for mindshare and market share within the foldable space. This competition ultimately benefits consumers, driving faster feature adoption and refinement.
This launch also coincides with other major players preparing their own moves. Xiaomi's Poco brand, for instance, is confirmed to be bringing its popular F-series to new regions soon, as we exclusively reported (details here), showcasing the global smartphone market's dynamic pace.
The Bottom Line:
If Vivo successfully brings the X Fold5 to market in the coming weeks as indicated, it will mark a significant coup. Delivering the world's first foldable with a configurable physical side button gives Vivo a tangible, user-centric innovation to tout over its rivals. It sets a new benchmark for foldable interaction and puts immediate pressure on Oppo and OnePlus to respond. The foldable wars just got a whole lot more interesting, and Vivo seems ready to fire the first major salvo of the second half of 2025. Stay tuned for official confirmation and full details.
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