vivo X500 Series Goes Global, With European Prices Starting at €1,299

vivo has launched its X500 flagship series in global markets, bringing three phones with powerful chips, large batteries and ZEISS cameras. But there is one catch for European buyers: the standard vivo X500 will not be available in Europe, leaving the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max as the main options.

The phones first launched in China in September. Now, vivo is expanding sales to other markets, with prices and storage options varying by region.

The vivo X500 Pro starts at €1,299 (around $1,510) in Europe for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage model. The 512GB version costs €1,449 (about $1,680).

It uses MediaTek’s Dimensity 9600 Pro chip and has a 6.39-inch LTPO AMOLED display. The rear camera system includes a 50MP main camera, a 200MP periscope zoom camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera.

The phone also packs a 6,510mAh silicon-carbon battery. It supports 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging, giving buyers a strong mix of speed and battery life.

The vivo X500 Pro Max starts at €1,499 (around $1,740) in Europe for 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. At the top end, the 1TB model with the photography kit costs €2,199 (about $2,550).

Its biggest selling point is the camera system. The phone has a 200MP periscope camera, designed for clear zoom shots, alongside a 50MP main camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. Its 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED screen also offers a large viewing area for photos and video.

The global version has a 7,800mAh battery, slightly smaller than the 8,000mAh cell in the Chinese model. It still supports 90W wired and 40W wireless charging.

The standard X500 is available in some Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia. It starts at MYR 4,699 (about $1,149) for 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, rising to MYR 5,299 (around $1,296) for 512GB.

It runs on the Dimensity 9600M chip and has a 6.58-inch AMOLED screen. Its cameras include a 50MP main sensor, a 64MP telephoto camera and a 50MP ultra-wide camera. The battery has a capacity of 7,500mAh.

The X500 Pro looks like the more practical choice for people who want a smaller phone at a lower price. The Pro Max costs more, but its larger screen and stronger zoom camera may appeal to keen photographers.

The main issue is price. At €2,199 with the photography kit, the top Pro Max is a costly phone. Buyers will need to decide whether its camera features justify the extra spend.