vivo X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max Launched in Europe with 200MP ZEISS APO Camera, Dimensity 9600 Pro and Big Batteries

vivo has officially brought its X500 flagship series to Europe. The company launched the X500 Pro and the X500 Pro Max at its European event on October 27, with pre-orders opening the same day and open sales starting on November 5.

The standard X500 is not part of the European lineup. Buyers in Europe get a choice between two Pro models, both built around ZEISS cameras and MediaTek's newest flagship chip: a compact flagship and a full-size camera flagship.

Performance and Chipset

Both phones run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, a 2nm flagship chipset, paired with 12GB of RAM. It handles gaming, camera processing and everyday multitasking with ease.

The Pro Max adds vivo's V3+ and VS1 imaging chips, which help with photo processing and video.

Camera System

Cameras are the heart of this series. Both phones share a 50MP ZEISS main camera with a Sony LYTIA L910 sensor and an f/1.57 lens, plus a 50MP ZEISS ultra-wide camera and a 50MP front camera.

The difference is in zoom. The X500 Pro uses a 64MP ZEISS APO telephoto camera, while the Pro Max steps up to a 200MP ZEISS APO periscope telephoto with a large 1/1.4-inch sensor, 3.5x optical zoom and strong stabilization. The Pro Max also works with an optional ZEISS Telephoto Extender that stretches reach to a 400mm equivalent, made for distant subjects.

Video is strong too. The Pro Max supports recording up to 4K at 240fps, along with cinematic portrait and color video modes, giving creators more room to edit afterwards.

Display and Battery

The X500 Pro has a 6.36-inch AMOLED display with 1.5K resolution and up to a 144Hz refresh rate. The Pro Max goes bigger with a 6.85-inch LTPO AMOLED display at 2K resolution, an adaptive 1-144Hz refresh rate and peak brightness up to 4,400 nits, with Dolby Vision support.

Battery sizes are generous. The European X500 Pro carries a 5,300mAh battery, while the European Pro Max packs a 6,750mAh BlueVolt battery. Both support 90W wired fast charging, IP68 and IP69 resistance, and an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanner.

Software and Design

Both models run OriginOS 7 based on Android 17, with vivo's AI tools for photography, recording and everyday tasks, plus cross-device file sharing.

The X500 Pro comes in Sunny White and Moonlit Black, while the Pro Max comes in Starry Gray and Moonlit Black. Both keep vivo's large round camera module on the back, with ZEISS branding at its center.

Price and Availability

Pre-orders opened in Europe on October 27, and general sales begin on November 5. The X500 Pro starts at €1,399 for 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage.

The X500 Pro Max starts at €1,599 for 12GB and 256GB, rising to €1,799 for 512GB and €2,199 for the 1TB version.

Final Thoughts

The X500 Pro and Pro Max are a clear statement from vivo. The company is betting that camera hardware, and especially long-range zoom, is what will win over premium buyers in Europe.

The Pro looks like the smarter pick for most people, with the same chip and main camera in a smaller body at a lower price. The Pro Max is for photographers who want the 200MP zoom and the biggest screen and battery.