vivo X500 Series Leaks: 200MP Periscope Camera and Dual Screen Sizes Revealed

Saturday, 25 April 2026 at 09:36

vivo's X-series flagships have consistently been among the most camera-serious smartphones on the market. The X500 series, expected in Q4 2026, is shaping up to continue that tradition — and if the leaks from tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo hold, the Pro Max in particular is aiming for a significant imaging upgrade over an already excellent predecessor.

Summary

Sony LYT-838 with LOFIC: The X500 Pro Max is tipped to use a next-gen 50MP Sony LYT-838 primary sensor with LOFIC technology, succeeding the LYT-828 used in the X300 Pro.
200MP periscope telephoto: A 200MP periscope lens is tipped for the Pro Max alongside an upgraded ultra-wide camera.
Display range across the lineup: The standard X500 is expected to feature a ~6.4-inch display, while the Pro Max moves to a larger ~6.9-inch panel.
Dimensity 9600 series chips throughout: Standard X500 on Dimensity 9600; Pro and Pro Max on the more advanced Dimensity 9600 Pro.
7,000mAh battery for Pro Max: A significant capacity jump, with Q4 2026 launch expected based on predecessor timelines.

The Camera: LOFIC Comes to vivo's Flagship Sensor

The most technically significant aspect of the X500 Pro Max leaks is the sensor upgrade. Smart Pikachu's Weibo post, corroborated by a separate tipster named Fenibook, points to the Sony LYT-838 as the primary sensor — a step up from the LYT-828 found in the X300 Pro. The key difference is LOFIC — Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor — technology, which expands the dynamic range of the sensor by capturing highlight detail that conventional designs blow out. The X300 Pro's LYT-828 does not support LOFIC. If the LYT-838 implementation delivers on its design intent, real-world high-contrast photography should see a measurable improvement.

Alongside it sits a 200MP periscope telephoto lens. vivo's X200 Pro already demonstrated what a 200MP periscope can do in practice — reviewers consistently praised its 3.7x to 10x zoom performance as among the best available. The X500 Pro Max appears set to build on that foundation with an upgraded ultra-wide as well, though specific specs for the third lens have not surfaced yet.

Screen Strategy: Two Sizes, Two Markets

The display leak is straightforward. The standard X500 is expected to feature a roughly 6.4-inch panel — compact by 2026 flagship standards — while the Pro Max scales up to approximately 6.9 inches. The series is skipping the number 4 in its naming (moving from X300 directly to X500) due to cultural associations with the number in Chinese markets. Based on the X300 launch timeline, Q4 2026 — most likely October — is the expected window for the series debut.

Chipset: Dimensity 9600 Throughout, Pro Variant at the Top

The standard X500 is tipped for the MediaTek Dimensity 9600, while both the Pro and Pro Max step up to the Dimensity 9600 Pro. The Pro variant distinction matters — higher peak clock speeds, enhanced AI processing, and improved camera ISP capabilities typically separate the two tiers. Neither chip has been officially announced by MediaTek yet, making these designations forward-looking rather than confirmed.

The 7,000mAh Battery: A New Ceiling for the Pro Max

A 7,000mAh battery in a non-foldable flagship is a meaningful statement. vivo's X300 Ultra already pushed boundaries with its power cell, and the X500 Pro Max appears set to continue that approach. Charging speed details have not yet surfaced in any leak. Given vivo's track record with fast charging on previous X-series flagships, 100W or above is a reasonable expectation — but nothing is confirmed.