Both the vivo X500 and X500 Pro Max get ZEISS cameras, but the Pro Max adds a 200MP telephoto lens and stronger video tools, while the X500 offers capable triple cameras at a lower price.
vivo launched the vivo X500 and vivo X500 Pro Max in China on 21st September 2026. Both put cameras at the centre of the experience, but the gap is clear when you compare the ZEISS hardware. The standard vivo X500 gets a 50MP Sony LYTIA-828 main camera, a 64MP telephoto lens, and a 50MP ultrawide sensor. The Pro Max steps up to a 200MP ZEISS APO telephoto lens and a newer 50MP main camera built for stronger dynamic range.
The differences go beyond the cameras: the Pro Max also offers stronger overall hardware, while the X500 keeps the package lighter and more affordable. The choice really comes down to how much you want from your ZEISS flagship, and how much they are willing to spend for those upgrades.
vivo X500 vs X500 Pro Max: how do the key specifications compare?
The vivo X500 and vivo X500 Pro Max both carry ZEISS camera branding, but the hardware underneath differs significantly. The table below shows how they compare across the main camera, display, processor, battery, and video specifications:
| Specification | vivo X500 | vivo X500 Pro Max |
| Display | 6.59-inch AMOLED, 2750 x 1260 pixels | 6.85-inch 2K AMOLED, 3168 x 1440 pixels |
| Refresh rate | Up to 144Hz | Up to 144Hz |
| Processor | Dimensity 9600M, 3nm | Dimensity 9600 Pro, 2nm |
| Main camera | 50MP Sony LYTIA-828 | 50MP Sony LYTIA-910 |
| Telephoto camera | 64MP Sony LYTIA-610, 3.1x optical zoom | 200MP ZEISS APO, 3.5x optical zoom |
| Ultrawide camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Stabilisation | Up to CIPA 5.5 | CIPA 7.0 on main and telephoto |
| Video | 4K 120fps slow motion; 4K 120fps 10-bit Log | Up to 8K; 4K 240fps slow motion |
| Battery | 7,500mAh | 8,000mAh |
| Charging | 90W wired, 40W wireless | 90W wired, 40W wireless |
| Weight | 211g/213g | 225g/229g |
Where the vivo X500 Pro Max wins the ZEISS face-off?
- 200MP telephoto for more zoom detail
The 200MP ZEISS APO telephoto camera is the Pro Max’s biggest camera advantage. It combines a large 1/1.4-inch sensor with an 85mm focal length, 3.5x optical zoom, and CIPA 7.0 stabilisation. That should help with sharper portraits, cleaner zoom shots, and steadier photos of distant subjects. The 200MP resolution also gives you more flexibility to crop into images later. - Stronger main camera in difficult light
The Pro Max uses a 50MP 1/1.28-inch main camera with an f/1.57 aperture and 3-degree gimbal-style stabilisation. Its sensor supports up to 17EV of dynamic range, helping it keep more detail in bright skies and darker parts of the same frame. Both the main and telephoto cameras reach CIPA 7.0 stabilisation, which should also help with handheld night shots and video. - More serious video tools
Video is another clear Pro Max advantage. It supports native 4K slow motion at 240fps, 4K 120fps subject tracking, and 4K 120fps 10-bit Log recording. vivo also supports 10-bit 4:2:2 APV encoding and an ACES colour workflow on the Pro series, giving creators more flexibility when grading footage later.
Why the vivo X500 still puts up a strong fight?
- A capable ZEISS camera setup for less
The standard X500 is not simply a stripped-down camera phone. Its 50MP Sony LYTIA-828 main sensor is also 1/1.28-inch and gets ZEISS gimbal-level stabilisation. The 64MP Sony LYTIA-610 telephoto supports 3.1x optical zoom and reaches CIPA 5.5 stabilisation. For everyday portraits, travel shots, zoom photography, and night shooting, that is still serious camera hardware. - Video features remain strong
The X500 supports 4K 120fps slow motion and 4K 120fps 10-bit Log recording. So, if you shoot video regularly are not dropping down to basic recording features by choosing the standard model. The Pro Max mainly raises the ceiling with 240fps slow motion and its more advanced imaging hardware.
What else separates the two?
The Pro Max gets the 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro chip, running up to 4.55GHz, while the X500 uses the 3nm Dimensity 9600M chipset that clocks up to 4.21GHz. That gives the Pro Max more processing power for demanding games, heavier multitasking, and the extra image processing its camera system needs. The standard X500 should still have more than enough power for normal flagship use.
The Pro Max also has the larger 6.85-inch 2K display and an 8,000mAh battery. The X500 uses a smaller 6.59-inch 1.5K screen and a 7,500mAh battery, but it is around 14-16g lighter depending on colour. Both support 90W wired and 40W wireless charging for quick refills.
vivo X500 and X500 Pro Max: What is the expected price in India?
vivo has not yet confirmed the India launch date or pricing for either model. Until then, the China launch prices offer the best indication of how the two may be positioned:
| Model | RAM + storage | Approx. price in INR |
| vivo X500 | 12GB + 256GB | Rs. 79,100 |
| vivo X500 | 12GB + 512GB | Rs. 86,300 |
| vivo X500 | 12GB + 1TB | Rs. 1,00,700 |
| vivo X500 Pro Max | 12GB + 256GB | Rs. 1,01,000 |
| vivo X500 Pro Max | 12GB + 512GB | Rs. 1,15,100 |
| vivo X500 Pro Max | 16GB + 512GB | Rs. 1,22,300 |
| vivo X500 Pro Max | 12GB + 1TB (with satellite messaging, China only) | Rs. 1,29,400 |
| vivo X500 Pro Max | 16GB + 1TB (Creator Kit) | Rs. 1,87,000 |
Last updated: 13th October 2026
Disclaimer: These prices are based on the current exchange rate and may change when the phone is launched in India.
Which ZEISS flagship should I choose?
The vivo X500 Pro Max makes more sense for people who want the top model and are willing to pay extra for better cameras, stronger performance, and a larger screen. The vivo X500 offers a similar flagship feel for less, while still keeping the ZEISS camera experience and fast everyday performance.
How can I get the vivo X500 series phones with Bajaj Finance?
Both the vivo X500 and vivo X500 Pro Max are expected to carry premium pricing in India. If they launch here, you can use Easy EMIs from Bajaj Finance to spread the cost of your preferred model across monthly payments instead of paying the full amount upfront. They can visit the nearest partner store to check out offers and upgrade affordably.
Steps to shop on Easy EMIs
- Visit a nearby Bajaj Finance partner store after the phones launch in India.
- Enquire about the vivo X500 or vivo X500 Pro Max.
- Check the available Easy EMI offers and eligibility.
- Choose a suitable repayment tenure.
- Complete the formalities and purchase the preferred model on Easy EMI.
