The Vivo X300 Ultra, the company’s flagship smartphone at the time, was just reviewed by PetaPixel in May. Now that the X500 Series has arrived in China, a brand-new Pro Max model loaded with state-of-the-art camera technology has made its appearance.
PetaPixel is concentrating on the two Pro variants, even though Vivo unveiled three phones in China today: the X500 Pro, the X500 Pro Max, and the vanilla X500. Each has a brand-new 50-megapixel primary camera that uses the Type 1/1.28 Lytia 910 image sensor from Sony. This LOFIC-equipped picture sensor was formally launched in June and claims roughly 17 stops of dynamic range.
LOFIC, or Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor, is the next big thing in mobile image, as PetaPixel has previously highlighted. The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P, which produces amazing image quality that occasionally rivals that of full-frame cameras, is one of the newest smartphones with LOFIC sensors.
The general notion is that LOFIC image sensors include a physical mechanism to store extra photoelectric charge, albeit the specifics of LOFIC are outside the purview of this page. A camera with a LOFIC sensor can handle more light and provide a broader dynamic range because it can use extra charge when conventional image sensors discard it.
That is a huge oversimplification, but when everything else is equal, the main lesson is improved image quality and increased dynamic range.
The 50-megapixel Lytia 910 picture sensors of the Pro and Pro Max are paired with a Zeiss T*-coated 24mm equivalent f/1.57 lens. In contrast to some other current smartphones that prioritize photos and videos, it has a fixed f/1.57 aperture.
The Pro and Pro Max have slightly different optical image stabilization, despite having the same primary cameras. The OIS on the Pro Max is classified as “gimbal-grade” by Vivo, whilst the OIS on the X500 Pro is around half as effective.
The two phones continue to diverge after this. The X500 Pro features a 64-megapixel Sony Lytia 610 picture sensor and an 85mm equivalent telephoto lens. The sensor is Type 1/2. Samsung’s relatively new ISOCELL HP0 image sensor, a Type 1/1.4 sensor, is used in the 200-megapixel 85mm camera of the Vivo X500 Pro Max. On paper, the telephoto cameras appear impressive in both situations.
The Zeiss Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra, which debuted alongside the X300 Series, boasts a 400mm equivalent focal length and is still fully compatible for mobile photographers who require even more reach.
Both phones have the same 50-megapixel, 15mm equivalent configuration on the ultra-wide side. The Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor, a comparatively compact Type 1/2.75 imager, is used in these cameras.
High-end video recording capabilities are promised by the Vivo X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max. Both phones support 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and capture 8Kp30 and 4Kp240 video. The phones support ACES color management, demonstrating Vivo’s commitment to color management.
The MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro powers both the Vivo X500 Pro and Vivo X500 Pro Max. This is the first commercial release of the chip. The Pro Max boasts a larger 6.85-inch display than the X500 Pro’s 6.36-inch OLED screen. The panel in each instance has a maximum brightness of 4,500 nits and a refresh rate of 144 Hz.
The standard X500 has some capabilities, but photographers will probably decide between the Vivo X500 Pro and Pro Max. The primary camera on the 6.59-inch phone is a 50-megapixel (23mm equivalent) Sony Lytia 828 (Type 1/1.28) sensor. Additionally, it features a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera that seems to match the other two phones in Vivo’s updated lineup, as well as a 64-megapixel telephoto camera (72mm equivalent).
Cost and Accessibility
In China, the Vivo X500 Series smartphones are currently priced at CNY 5,499 for the X500, CNY 6,499 for the X500 Pro, and CNY 6,999 for the X500 Pro Max. At current exchange rates, these prices come to about $820, $970, and $1,045. (CHECK)
