Vivo Unveils the X500 Pro Max: A Stepping Stone in Phone Photography

This spring, Vivo caught the attention of tech enthusiasts by declaring the X300 Ultra as having the finest mobile camera system globally. Its standout features included a remarkable main camera with a 35mm focal length and an ultrawide camera that led the competition. However, the newly launched X500 Pro Max takes a different approach, bringing impressive upgrades while sacrificing some of the uniqueness that made its predecessor famous.

The X500 Pro Max features a robust camera system known for its world-class dynamic range and retains the telephoto lens that was well-received in the Ultra model. However, it does not include the outstanding main camera or ultrawide capabilities that made the earlier version notable.

Pros and Cons

The Good:

• Exceptional telephoto camera
• 17 stops of dynamic range on the main camera
• Large battery capacity
• High-resolution display

The Bad:

• Ultrawide camera quality is a weak link
• Lacks the unique 35mm focal length of its predecessor
• Priced at the high end of the market

The introduction of the X500 Pro Max follows a trend among top-tier Android brands, including Xiaomi, Oppo, and Honor, to roll out premium “Pro Max” versions of their devices. These models aim to bridge the gap between flagship and ultra models, often resulting in significant price increases, a point that may raise eyebrows amongst potential buyers.

While the new model has adopted several flagship features from the X300 Ultra, including matching display quality and an impressive battery, it does not leverage the latest Snapdragon chipset. Instead, it’s powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, which offers comparable performance. The same high-quality periscope telephoto lens returns in the Pro Max, ensuring some continuity.

Despite its array of standout features, the X500 Pro Max does not fully succeed in being a direct successor to the X300 Ultra; the loss of the focal length and ultrawide capabilities reduces its uniqueness. The Pro Max maintains a standard 24mm focal length, which is common among competing devices.

Additionally, the quality disparity between the ultrawide camera and the other two lenses became evident during testing. For instance, shooting in low-light conditions showcased how the ultrawide struggled to capture details in bright environments while the main camera excelled.

Vivo aims to enhance its camera offerings with future releases, and many are looking forward to a potential X500 Ultra model expected next spring. This model will need to prove its worth, especially given the high price tag associated with advanced smartphone photography.

Editor’s Take

The launch of the X500 Pro Max signifies a strategic move by Vivo to capture a more premium segment in the smartphone market. While it continues to showcase impressive features, the missing innovative elements from the X300 Ultra could disappoint photography enthusiasts. This evolution underscores the ongoing competitive battle among smartphone manufacturers to offer superior camera technology in a crowded marketplace.