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| The Vivo Y500i comes in phoenix gold, obsidian black, and galaxy silver colorways |
In a move set to shake up the entry-level smartphone segment, Vivo has officially unveiled the Vivo Y500i in China. This latest addition slots into the popular Y500 series, joining last year's Y500 and Y500 Pro models, and it brings a compelling package that seems to punch well above its price tag. For budget-conscious consumers seeking longevity and smooth performance, the Y500i might just be the new benchmark.
Performance That Keeps Up
At its core, the Vivo Y500i is driven by the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor. This chipset, known for its solid day-to-day performance and power efficiency, is paired with generous memory options. Buyers can configure it with up to a whopping 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. It's worth noting that the storage is fixed—there's no microSD card slot for expansion—so choosing the right variant from the start is key.
A Display Built for Clarity and Smoothness
The phone features a large 6.75-inch HD+ LCD display that boasts a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This makes scrolling through social media feeds and navigating the interface noticeably fluid. An impressive highlight is its peak brightness of 1,200 nits, ensuring the screen remains readable even under harsh sunlight. Whether you're watching videos or browsing the web, the display is geared for a comfortable viewing experience.
Camera System and Design
On the back, the Y500i sports a dual-camera array headlined by a 50-megapixel primary sensor with autofocus, promising detailed shots in good lighting. It's accompanied by a secondary sensor for depth effects. For selfies and video calls, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera is housed within the display's waterdrop notch. The device maintains a sleek profile at 8.49mm thick, though its substantial battery contributes to a weight of 219 grams, giving it a solid, reassuring feel in hand. It arrives in three elegant colors: Phoenix Gold, Obsidian Black, and Galaxy Silver.
The Unbeatable Battery Champion
Perhaps the most head-turning feature is its massive 7,200mAh battery. In an era where all-day battery life is a priority, this capacity is a game-changer, potentially offering multi-day usage for moderate users. When it's time to recharge, the 44W wired fast charging gets you back up to speed swiftly. (For a compatible charger, you can check out the popular Anker Nano 45W model, currently listed at $19.99 on Amazon).
Ruggedness and Extra Features
Vivo hasn't cut corners on durability. The Y500i carries a robust IP698/69 water resistance rating, protecting it against powerful water jets. It also boasts the SGS Gold Label 5-star certification for overall ruggedness. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers quick and secure unlocking, while a built-in infrared sensor turns the phone into a universal remote for your home appliances. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi.
Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts
The Vivo Y500i is attractively priced, starting at just CNY 1,499 (approximately $215) for the base model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Other variants are priced as follows:
- 8GB + 256GB: CNY 1,799 (~$255)
- 8GB + 512GB: CNY 1,999 (~$285)
- 12GB + 256GB: CNY 1,999 (~$285)
- 12GB + 512GB: CNY 2,199 (~$315)
For consumers in China, the device is now available for purchase directly through Vivo's official online store.
With its combination of a huge high-brightness display, a processor ready for daily tasks, exceptional battery life, and surprising durability credentials, the Vivo Y500i presents a formidable option in the budget arena. It proves that you don't always have to break the bank for a phone that can reliably handle everything from work to entertainment.
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| The Vivo Y500i features a 50 MP primary camera |