The mid-range smartphone sector has just been shaken up by the arrival of a new player that's no joke. We're talking about the Vivo Y500 , a device from the Chinese company that has generated considerable buzz because it combines features normally only seen in much more expensive devices, with a strong focus on durability and battery life that puts many of its direct competitors to shame.
Vivo's proposition is clear: to offer a rugged phone that doesn't require you to be constantly plugged in and can withstand daily wear and tear without breaking a sweat. Initially launching in the Chinese market, this phone aims to attract users who prioritize real-world functionality and durability over superfluous features, while still maintaining a modern and appealing aesthetic.
colossal battery and military-grade armor
What's most striking, and rightly so, is its energy capacity. The standard model boasts a massive 8.200 mAh battery , a figure that breaks all current standards, far surpassing popular options like the Redmi Note 15 Pro. This means you can forget about the charger for several days, a blessing for those who hate the anxiety of running out of battery mid-day. To ensure you don't have to wait forever, it features 90W fast charging , allowing you to fully charge the battery in just over an hour.
But it's not just about power; it's a tank. The device boasts IP68, IP69, and IP69+ certifications , guaranteeing that dust and water are no problem. Furthermore, it holds the 5-star SGS Gold seal for drop and impact resistance, making it the ideal choice for forgetful people or those who work in harsh environments where a regular phone wouldn't last a day.
Vibrant screen and solid performance
In terms of visuals, Vivo hasn't held back. The Y500 features a 6,77-inch AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate that makes everything incredibly smooth. Its most impressive feature is its peak brightness, reaching 5.000 nits , ensuring you can read any message in the brightest sunlight without having to shield your eyes. Meanwhile, the Pro model adjusts the size to 6,67 inches but maintains the superior quality of pure blacks and vibrant colors characteristic of this technology.
Under the hood, we find different options depending on the model. The standard Y500 uses MediaTek's Dimensity 7300 , while the Pro version upgrades to the Dimensity 7400 (or 7400X), a 4nm chip that delivers very solid performance in multitasking and gaming. These configurations are complemented by 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, ensuring you won't run out of space for your apps and photos.
Photography and connectivity
When it comes to cameras, the base model is more than adequate for everyday use with a 50MP main sensor , supported by a 2MP lens and an 8MP front camera. However, the Vivo Y500 Pro raises the bar dramatically with a 200MP main sensor that includes optical image stabilization (OIS), achieving sharp images even if your hand shakes. This Pro model also boasts a 32MP selfie camera and a circular module design reminiscent of Huawei's high-end models.
As for the software, the device runs Android 15 or Android 16 (depending on the version and update) under the OriginOS 5 skin. It lacks no modern features: NFC for mobile payments , dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, and an in-display optical fingerprint sensor. All of this is packed into a chassis that's just 8,23 ​​mm thick, which is surprising considering the battery size.
Prices and available versions
The color options are varied, including Glacier Blue, Dragon Crystal Purple, and Basalt Black . For the Pro model, prices in China are surprisingly low, starting at €218 for the base 8GB+128GB version. If you need more storage, the 8GB+256GB option is around €242, while the 12GB+256GB configuration goes up to €280. The top-of-the-line model, with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage , comes in at approximately €315.
This device positions itself as an aggressive alternative in the mid-range, offering an unbeatable combination of extreme battery life , certified durability, and a top-notch screen, all while maintaining a very competitive price that makes it accessible to the general public without sacrificing the power of a Dimensity processor and the versatility of its cameras.