vivo Y500: The mid-range smartphone market has been fiercely competitive in recent years, but vivo has consistently managed to carve out a strong foothold, particularly in China. With its Y-series, the company has built a reputation for delivering affordable yet feature-packed smartphones that appeal to a broad audience. Now, vivo is upping the ante with the launch of the vivo Y500, a device that redefines what consumers can expect from a budget-friendly midranger. The phone has already generated massive buzz thanks to its unprecedented 8,200mAh battery, rugged durability, and upgraded performance.
What sets the vivo Y500 apart from its predecessors is not just its raw battery power but also its robust build and enhanced usability. Unlike most mid-range devices, which compromise durability for slim designs, the Y500 confidently integrates IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, ensuring the device can withstand even extreme conditions. vivo claims the phone can survive submersion at 1.5 meters for over 24 hours, endure pressurized water jets, and tolerate temperatures up to 80°C, all while delivering exceptional day-to-day smartphone performance.
Coupled with the Dimensity 7300 chipset, a large 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, and a 50MP main camera, the vivo Y500 is designed to appeal not only to mainstream users but also to those who prioritize durability, endurance, and efficiency. Whether you are a gamer, a traveler, or simply someone tired of charging your phone every night, this smartphone has something special to offer.
vivo Y500 Specifications Overview
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.77-inch AMOLED, FHD+, 120Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7300 |
| RAM & Storage | 8GB + 128GB / 12GB + 512GB |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) main + 2MP depth sensor |
| Front Camera | 8MP punch-hole selfie camera |
| Battery | 8,200mAh silicon-carbon battery |
| Charging | 90W wired fast charging with 24-level protection |
| Operating System | OriginOS 5 (Android 15) |
| Durability | IP68/IP69 certified, Diamond Shield glass, 360° cushioning |
| Colors | Glacier Blue, Dragon Crystal Powder, Black |
| Price | Starts at CNY 1,399 (~$196) |
| Launch Date | September 5, 2025 (China) |
Display and Design
The vivo Y500 features a 6.77-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming, video streaming, and social media scrolling. The Diamond Shield glass protection, coupled with vivo’s 360-degree drop cushioning, ensures that the phone can handle daily drops and scratches. Available in Glacier Blue, Dragon Crystal Powder, and Black, the Y500 manages to blend durability with style, appealing to both rugged users and fashion-conscious buyers.
Performance and Hardware
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset, the Y500 promises efficient multitasking and smooth performance, even for gaming and heavy apps. Paired with up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, users won’t have to worry about speed or storage space. vivo’s software optimization with OriginOS 5 (Android 15) further enhances system responsiveness, ensuring that the phone remains future-ready.
Camera Capabilities
For photography enthusiasts, the vivo Y500 offers a 50MP main rear camera with f/1.8 aperture supported by a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots. While the setup may not rival flagship multi-lens configurations, it delivers reliable results for everyday photography. The 8MP front camera housed in the punch-hole cutout ensures decent selfies and smooth video calling.
Also read: Realme’s 10,000mAh Phone Set to Enter Production in 2026: Everything We Know So Far
Battery Life and Charging
The 8,200mAh silicon-carbon battery is the true star of the vivo Y500. With an impressive energy density rating of 847Wh/L, vivo claims the device can last over 18.4 hours of continuous usage. To complement this massive battery, the phone supports 90W wired fast charging with 24-level protection against overheating, overvoltage, and current spikes. This means you can recharge the device quickly and safely, reducing downtime.
Durability and Ruggedness
Durability is one of the Y500’s strongest selling points. The phone carries both IP68 and IP69 certifications, making it resistant to dust, water immersion, and even high-pressure jets. Additionally, the handset is engineered to withstand extreme heat (up to 80°C), giving it an edge over typical midrange devices. Combined with internal shock absorbers, it’s an excellent choice for adventurers, travelers, or anyone needing a phone that won’t quit in tough conditions.
Connectivity Options
The vivo Y500 supports all modern connectivity standards, including 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and USB Type-C. This ensures fast downloads, seamless video calls, and reliable navigation support.
Price and Availability
The vivo Y500 comes in multiple storage configurations:
- 8GB + 128GB – CNY 1,399 (~$196)
- 12GB + 512GB – CNY 1,999 (~$280)
Open sales in China begin on September 5, 2025. While global availability has not yet been confirmed, vivo’s history suggests the Y500 could expand to international markets in the near future.
Unique Selling Points (USP)
- Massive 8,200mAh battery with 90W fast charging
- Rugged IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance
- Dimensity 7300 chipset for smooth performance
- Large 120Hz AMOLED display with Diamond Shield glass
- Affordable pricing starting under $200
Conclusion
The vivo Y500 represents a bold step forward for mid-range smartphones. While most devices in this category focus on either performance or affordability, the Y500 manages to deliver both durability and endurance without compromising on day-to-day usability. Its 8,200mAh battery alone is a game-changer, ensuring that users can go days without worrying about charging.
Beyond battery life, vivo has taken durability to the next level. The IP68/IP69 ratings and Diamond Shield glass protection make the phone uniquely suited for harsh environments. Whether you’re outdoors, traveling, or working in demanding conditions, the Y500 is built to survive.
The device’s MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, paired with up to 12GB RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and gaming. Meanwhile, the 50MP camera setup, though modest, offers reliable image quality for everyday needs. Add to this a sleek AMOLED display and stylish color choices, and you get a smartphone that doesn’t compromise looks for toughness.
Ultimately, the vivo Y500 proves that midrange smartphones no longer need to be fragile or underpowered. It’s a strong contender not only in China but potentially in global markets if vivo decides to launch it internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes the vivo Y500’s battery different from other smartphones?
The vivo Y500’s 8,200mAh silicon-carbon battery offers higher energy density compared to standard lithium batteries, allowing longer usage without significantly increasing size or weight. With up to 18.4 hours of continuous usage and 90W fast charging, it sets a new benchmark in battery technology for midrange smartphones.
2. Is the vivo Y500 suitable for outdoor and rugged use?
Yes, absolutely. The Y500 carries IP68 and IP69 certifications, meaning it can survive submersion in water, dust exposure, high-pressure water jets, and even extreme heat up to 80°C. Coupled with Diamond Shield glass and internal shock absorbers, it’s designed to handle rough environments.
3. How does the vivo Y500 perform for gaming and heavy apps?
Thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 chipset and up to 12GB RAM, the vivo Y500 is well-suited for multitasking and gaming. The 120Hz AMOLED display further enhances the experience, ensuring smoother frame rates and responsive gameplay.
4. Will the vivo Y500 be available globally?
As of now, the vivo Y500 has been announced for China, with open sales beginning on September 5, 2025. vivo has not confirmed international availability, but given the popularity of its Y-series, there’s a strong possibility it will launch in other regions later.
5. How much does the vivo Y500 cost and is it worth the price?
The vivo Y500 starts at CNY 1,399 (~$196) for the base 8GB + 128GB model and goes up to CNY 1,999 (~$280) for the 12GB + 512GB version. Considering its massive battery, IP69 durability, fast charging, and AMOLED display, the device offers exceptional value compared to other midrange smartphones in the same price range.
