Vivo’s camera-focused X500 Pro Max combines a 200MP telephoto lens, 7,800mAh battery and polished OriginOS 7 software, but its S$2,499 launch price makes the flagship a difficult sell despite strong performance.
Vivo’s X500 Pro Max arrives in Singapore as a full-fat flagship with a price to match, landing at S$2,499 for the sole 12GB-plus-512GB configuration. HardwareZone said the phone reached the market after its China debut at the end of September, and positioned it as a premium model rather than a direct successor to last year’s X300 lineup, which makes its value harder to judge against a simple year-on-year comparison. Even so, the formula is clear: this is a large-screen, camera-led device aimed squarely at buyers who want the most elaborate Vivo can build.
The hardware package is strong on paper. Vivo’s Singapore site lists a 6.85-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro processor, and a 7,800mAh battery with 90W wired charging and 40W wireless charging. HardwareZone’s review adds that the panel uses 3,168 x 1,440 resolution and 2K Zeiss Master Colour tuning, which helps deliver accurate colour reproduction. The publication did note, however, that peak brightness was less convincing in direct sunlight, even if the panel remained one of the phone’s most obvious strengths.
OriginOS 7 is another meaningful improvement. According to HardwareZone, the Android-based software feels cleaner and more polished than before, with smoother animations, additional Control Centre customisation and a redesigned interface with a liquid-glass aesthetic. More importantly for heavy users, Origin Workbench has finally arrived on a bar-style handset, allowing quick switching between several apps. The review also suggests Vivo has largely removed the ad-heavy notifications and preloaded clutter that affected earlier devices, which makes the X500 Pro Max feel more like a conventional flagship and less like a phone burdened by promotional software.
Camera performance remains the defining feature. The rear array combines a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide unit and a 200MP telephoto lens with 3.5x optical zoom, while Vivo’s official materials say the system is built around ZEISS optics and AI-assisted imaging tools. HardwareZone said the phone produces excellent photographs with strong detail, including when zoomed in, and that optional telephoto extenders add a further layer of flexibility for users who want more reach. The publication also found that the 400mm extender is the more compelling add-on if buyers are choosing only one accessory, because it delivers more meaningful long-range performance.
Battery life is perhaps the biggest practical surprise. HardwareZone said its benchmark result went beyond 1,700 minutes in PCMark for Android’s battery test, which it attributed to the large battery and software optimisation. In everyday use, the phone was able to last close to two full days unless gaming was heavy, while idle drain was remarkably low. Charging is quick rather than exceptional: the review recorded roughly half the battery restored in 45 minutes and a full charge in 93 minutes, which is reasonable for a cell of this size. Vivo’s own specifications also confirm support for wireless charging, broadening its appeal for users who want a premium charging setup.
The problem, as HardwareZone makes clear, is not capability but cost. At S$2,499, the X500 Pro Max sits above several strong rivals and even matches the launch price of Vivo’s previous 1TB X300 Ultra in Singapore. The company is trying to soften the blow with preorder incentives, including a S$200 discount, a free 200mm telephoto extender and case, extended warranty and screen protection coverage, plus online and in-store bonuses that vary by channel. Even so, the final impression is mixed: the X500 Pro Max is one of Vivo’s most complete and refined phones, but its asking price places it in a difficult position for buyers who may see comparable performance elsewhere for less.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to exercise their own judgement, conduct due diligence, or consult a qualified expert before acting on any information provided.
