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| The Zeiss-branded flagship could launch in late 2026 with a LOFIC sensor for the first time, much like the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. |
Whispers from the rumor mill suggest Vivo is preparing to shake up its X-series lineup in a big way — and yes, it looks like the company is skipping straight from X300 to X500.
For smartphone enthusiasts keeping tabs on the ever-evolving flagship landscape, the Vivo X series has become synonymous with cutting-edge camera innovation and premium design. But with the X300 Ultra barely settled into the spotlight, early — and admittedly murky — leaks about the next-generation Vivo X500 series are already beginning to surface. And while nothing is set in stone just yet, the initial details are nothing short of intriguing.
Let’s break down what we’re hearing so far, from a potential chipset divergence between the standard and Pro models to a game-changing camera sensor that borrows a trick from Xiaomi’s latest playbook.
A Curious Branding Skip: Why No X400?
First things first — it appears Vivo is planning to leapfrog the “X400” naming altogether. While the company hasn’t officially commented on the logic behind this move, industry watchers speculate it could be a strategic shift to align with a new design philosophy or to avoid numerical overlap with competing lineups. Whatever the reason, all signs currently point to a Vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Ultra arriving in the second half of 2026.
Chipset Divergence: Standard and Pro Go Separate Ways
One of the more unexpected rumors making the rounds is that the Vivo X500 and X500 Pro may no longer share the same chipset. In previous generations, Vivo typically unified silicon across its Pro and non-Pro models — often leaning on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon or MediaTek’s Dimensity flagships. This time, however, leakers suggest a tiered approach, with the Pro model potentially receiving a more powerful processor while the vanilla version settles for a second-tier flagship chip.
If true, this would mark a significant departure for Vivo, pushing the Pro variant closer to Ultra territory while keeping the base model more affordable. It’s a strategy we’ve seen from Samsung and Apple, but Vivo has historically resisted such fragmentation. Worth watching closely.
Camera Hardware: A New Sensor — But Not the One You Hoped For
Now for the part Vivo fans care about most: the camera system. According to recent leaks, the X500 and X500 Pro will receive a new primary camera sensor — but before you get too excited, it’s important to manage expectations.
The sensor in question is reportedly a successor to the 1/1.28‑inch 50 MP Sony LYT‑928 (found in the X300 Pro), rather than the massive 1/1.12‑inch 200 MP Sony LYT‑901 used in the X300 Ultra. While that might sound like a disappointment on paper, it actually makes strategic sense. The X300 Ultra only launched recently, and Vivo will want to preserve some clear advantages for its true flagship.
That said, the X500 Pro may still one-up the X300 Ultra in at least one area: LOFIC technology.
For a closer look at the original leak and accompanying image, check out Smart Pikachu’s Weibo post right here.
For the uninitiated, LOFIC (Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor) is a pixel-level innovation that dramatically improves dynamic range — essentially allowing a camera sensor to capture more detail in both shadows and highlights simultaneously. It’s the same technology that helped the Xiaomi 17 Ultra earn rave reviews for its stunning HDR performance. If Vivo brings LOFIC to the X500 Pro’s Zeiss-tuned main camera, we could be looking at one of the most versatile mobile imaging systems of the year.
Ultrawide and Telephoto Upgrades
The camera improvements don’t stop at the primary sensor. According to leaker Smart Pikachu (via Weibo), the Vivo X500 Pro will pair its new 50 MP main camera with a 50 MP ultrawide lens and a 200 MP telephoto module — the latter likely using periscope-style optics for impressive zoom range without sacrificing resolution.
Meanwhile, the Vivo X500 Ultra is rumored to inherit the multispectral sensor from the X300 Ultra. That component, which helps analyze and correct color across multiple light wavelengths, was a standout feature on the X300 Ultra, delivering notably natural skin tones and accurate whites under challenging indoor or mixed lighting. Its return would be a welcome continuity.
Two Screen Sizes for the X500 Pro? Yes, Really
Perhaps the most surprising twist comes from the same leaker: Vivo may follow Apple and Xiaomi by offering the X500 Pro in two distinct screen sizes — at least within the Chinese market.
- A compact 6.4‑inch version for those who prefer one-handed usability
- A large 6.9‑inch Pro Max variant for media consumption and productivity
This would be a first for Vivo’s X series, which has traditionally settled on a single display size per model tier. The move suggests Vivo is taking cues from Apple’s iPhone Pro/Pro Max strategy and Xiaomi’s recent dual-size approach, acknowledging that not all premium buyers want a massive slab. Would a 6.4‑inch “mini flagship” find an audience outside China? That remains an open question, but early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive.
What’s Still Missing: Launch Timeline and Pricing
As of now, concrete launch dates remain elusive. The second half of 2026 is the most commonly cited window, which would put the X500 series roughly 12 months after the X300 lineup. Pricing is anyone’s guess, though the chipset divergence and dual-size options could allow Vivo to stretch from a more accessible starting point up to a truly premium Ultra tier.
One thing is certain: with LOFIC on the table, a potential 200 MP telephoto, and the flexibility of two screen sizes, the Vivo X500 Pro is shaping up to be a compelling alternative to the upcoming Galaxy S27 and iPhone 18 families.
Bottom Line: Promising, but Stay Tuned
Let’s be clear — all of this is based on early, unverified leaks. The rumor mill is famously fickle, and features like LOFIC or dual screen sizes could still be scrapped before production. But the direction is unmistakable: Vivo appears to be doubling down on camera innovation while experimenting with new form factors to court a broader audience.
For now, take everything with a healthy grain of salt — but keep an eye on that Weibo link for updates. If even half of these rumors pan out, the Vivo X500 series could be one of 2026’s most exciting flagship launches.
*What do you think — are you excited for a compact 6.4‑inch Vivo Pro model? Or would you rather see that 200 MP sensor trickle down to the non-Ultra line? Let us know in the comments below.*
