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| The Vivo S50 aims to offer excellent value for money thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. |
Vivo's latest launch proves you don't need to spend flagship money to get flagship-grade photography and battery life.
Vivo has officially unveiled the Vivo S50 in China, positioning it as a powerful contender in the upper mid-range smartphone segment. Alongside its more compact sibling, the S50 Pro Mini, the standard S50 aims to deliver a premium experience—particularly in photography and battery life—at a significantly more accessible price point. With a starting price of 2,999 yuan (approximately $425), the device is now available for pre-order, with sales beginning on December 19, 2025.
For consumers interested in the full technical details, the complete specifications are available on the official Vivo website for the S50.
A Display Built for Brilliance
The Vivo S50 centers around a sizable 6.59-inch flat AMOLED display, offering a sharp 1.5K resolution (2750 x 1260 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling and gameplay. The screen is a major highlight, boasting an extraordinary peak HDR brightness of 5,000 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
Vivo has also prioritized eye comfort by incorporating 4,320 Hz high-frequency PWM dimming. This technology significantly reduces screen flicker at low brightness levels, which can help minimize eye strain during extended use. Security is handled by a fast and reliable ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded directly under the display.
Camera System: No Compromises on Photography
Where the Vivo S50 truly aims to punch above its weight class is in its camera department. Vivo has equipped it with a sophisticated triple-camera array that shares much of its DNA with the more expensive Pro Mini model.
- Main Camera: A 50MP sensor with a wide f/1.88 aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for sharp, clear photos and steady video.
- Periscope Telephoto: A standout feature for this price range, it uses a 50MP Sony IMX882 sensor to offer 3x optical zoom capability. This allows for high-quality, lossless zoomed-in shots, a feature often reserved for premium flagships.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: An 8MP sensor with a 110-degree field of view for capturing expansive landscapes and group shots.
- Selfie Camera: A high-resolution 50MP front-facing camera with autofocus ensures detailed selfies and clear video calls.
Performance and Endurance
Under the hood, the Vivo S50 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. This 4nm processor is designed to bring robust performance typically associated with higher-tier devices to a more affordable platform, efficiently handling demanding apps and games. It is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of fast UFS 4.1 storage.
The phone's endurance is anchored by a massive 6,500 mAh battery, one of the largest capacities in its class. It supports 90W wired fast charging for quick top-ups. Notably, unlike the Pro Mini, the standard S50 does not support wireless charging.
The device is built with durability in mind, featuring an aviation-grade aluminum frame and a dual-glass design. It carries an IP68 and IP69 rating, making it resistant to dust and capable of withstanding high-pressure, high-temperature water jets, offering peace of mind against the elements.
Vivo S50 vs. S50 Pro Mini: Choosing Your Model
To help you understand the key differences between the two new models at a glance, the following table breaks down their core specifications:
Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts
The Vivo S50 is offered in four elegant color options: Space Black, Confession White, Serene Blue, and Inspirational Purple. It comes in multiple configurations to suit different needs and budgets:
- 12GB + 256GB: 2,999 yuan (~$425)
- 12GB + 512GB: 3,299 yuan (~$467)
- 16GB + 256GB: 3,399 yuan (~$481)
- 16GB + 512GB: 3,599 yuan (~$510)
The Vivo S50 makes a compelling argument for value-focused buyers who refuse to compromise on core features. By combining a bright, high-quality display, a versatile and powerful camera system headlined by a periscope telephoto lens, strong performance from the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, and exceptional battery life in a durable body, it successfully targets the "flagship killer" segment.
As of now, Vivo has announced the device for the Chinese market, with no official confirmation on a global or European release. For consumers in its launch region, the Vivo S50 presents a formidable option that redefines expectations for what a mid-range smartphone can deliver.
