Vivo X500 vs X500 Pro vs X500 Pro Max: which should you buy?

RK STORE · REVIEW AND BUYING GUIDE

Checked 23 October 2026 · Chinese versions offered by RK Store

The largest phone is not the only interesting choice in the vivo X500 series. The X500 Pro is the smallest model, the regular X500 has a larger battery than the Pro, and the Pro Max puts more emphasis on screen space, battery capacity and telephoto photography. Start with how you use your phone, then choose the badge.

This is an editorial review based on official specifications and the specific RK Store listings. We have not conducted a hands-on test. Product images show the devices; the chart compares stated battery capacities. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Which vivo X500 suits you?

The key differences at a glance

Typical battery capacities; weight varies by colour. These are Chinese versions. X500 does not have a stated refresh range starting at 1 Hz; Pro and Pro Max do. [1][2][3]

vivo X500: a large battery and versatile cameras

The regular X500 deserves a look even if you usually buy Pro models. Its stated 7500 mAh capacity exceeds the Pro's 6510 mAh, while the 6.59-inch display sits between the other two sizes. You still get dedicated main, ultrawide and telephoto cameras. [1]

The Dimensity 9600M differs from the Dimensity 9600 Pro in the other two phones. Demanding games and sustained performance need practical testing; specifications alone cannot provide a reliable frame rate. The useful buying question is whether you specifically need the Pro chip or value battery capacity and the entry price more. [1]

vivo X500 Pro: the most compact option

The X500 Pro is interesting because it is more than a larger X500. At 151.78 mm tall and 192–197 g, it is the smallest and lightest of these three. If you often hold your phone in one hand or carry it in a smaller pocket, put those dimensions ahead of screen size or extra RAM. [1][2][3]

You get the same Dimensity 9600 Pro as the Pro Max, an LTPO display with a 1–144 Hz refresh range, and a 64 MP telephoto with 3.5× optical magnification. The smaller body also has the smallest battery capacity here. That is a clear choice of priorities, rather than an automatic reason to rule it out. [2][3]

vivo X500 Pro Max: a large screen and 200 MP telephoto

The Pro Max combines the largest display and battery in this comparison. Its 3168 × 1440 resolution across 6.85 inches gives maps, video and photo editing plenty of space. The tradeoff is a 163.32 × 76.82 mm body weighing 225–229 g. Whether you enjoy carrying a large phone should drive this decision. [3]

The main photography difference is the 200 MP telephoto camera. The main camera is still 50 MP. Both Pro and Pro Max specify 3.5× optical magnification, so 200 MP does not automatically mean more optical zoom. Higher resolution may be useful for detail and cropping, but results also depend on light, processing and shooting mode. [2][3]

Cameras: what does each upgrade actually add?

For everyday photos: all three have a 50 MP main camera with optical stabilisation, a 50 MP ultrawide and a 50 MP front camera. Megapixel counts alone cannot pick a winner. Differences in night shots, portraits and video need comparable real samples. [1][2][3]

For distant subjects: X500 offers 64 MP and 3.1× optical magnification, Pro has 64 MP and 3.5×, and Pro Max has 200 MP and 3.5×. Travel details, architecture and a stage are sensible reasons to consider the Pro Max's telephoto, provided its larger size suits you. [1][2][3]

Our advice: if you mostly shoot at 1× and share pictures in messages, weigh size and price first. If you often frame distant details and crop afterwards, look for value in the telephoto system. We do not assign a camera quality score without our own comparative photos.

Battery and charging: capacity is not a runtime test

The chart shows stated typical capacity on a scale starting at zero. Pro Max has the largest battery, but X500 is closer to it in capacity than the Pro is. [1][2][3]

A larger mAh figure does not promise a particular number of days between charges. Screen size and settings, mobile reception, cameras, games and background apps all affect runtime. We therefore do not invent endurance or benchmark results.

All three support up to 90 W wired and up to 40 W wireless charging. Compatible equipment is required, the wireless charger is sold separately, and actual power changes during charging. A 90 W rating does not imply an identical full-charge time for every model. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

China ROM: Google Play is already installed

When should you upgrade, and how much memory do you need?

Match the memory configuration before comparing prices

A snapshot from the listings on the check date: 12 GB / 512 GB in black. Pro Max currently costs less than Pro in this configuration, so a larger phone does not automatically mean paying more. Prices and availability can change; confirm them on the product page. [4][5][6]

Memory: 256 GB can suit a moderate local photo collection and cloud use. 512 GB is a reasonable starting point for frequent photos and video; 1 TB suits large local collections. Our X500 listings have 12 GB RAM, while selected Pro and Pro Max configurations also offer 16 GB. Combinations differ between models, and microSD expansion is not available. Check the exact configuration before ordering. [4][5][6]

Frequently asked questions

Is X500 Pro larger than the regular X500?

No. Pro has a 6.36-inch display and a 71.92 mm wide body; X500 has a 6.59-inch display and is 74.49 mm wide. Pro is the smallest of these three models. [1][2][3]

Does Pro Max have a 200 MP main camera?

200 MP refers to its telephoto. The main camera is 50 MP, and the telephoto's 3.5× optical magnification matches the Pro's stated magnification. [2][3]

Do I need to install Google Play myself?

No. Google Play is already installed on these phones from RK Store. Sign in to your account and install the apps you want. [4][5][6]

Will eSIM work in Europe?

European compatibility is unconfirmed. X500 has no support; vivo limits Pro support to 1 TB versions, and stated Pro and Pro Max support has Chinese carrier requirements. Check your exact carrier and version before buying. [1][2][3]

Sources and fact checking

Hardware was checked against official vivo pages for the Chinese versions; software preparation and available configurations against RK Store product listings. Quoted prices are a snapshot on the check date. Source links open in a new tab.

1. vivo X500 · official specifications (China)
2. vivo X500 Pro · official specifications (China)
3. vivo X500 Pro Max · official specifications (China)
4. RK Store · vivo X500 and configurations
5. RK Store · vivo X500 Pro and compatibility
6. RK Store · vivo X500 Pro Max and compatibility

Device images: existing RK Store product images. Cover: AI-assisted editorial illustration based on those product images. Chart: typical capacities from official specifications; not measured runtime.