Vivo is reportedly developing the X500 Ultra as another premium addition to its flagship smartphone portfolio. The upcoming device is expected to bring significant camera improvements, with earlier reports pointing towards a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensor. A fresh leak has now provided more details about its expected launch schedule and hardware.
According to the latest information, the Vivo X500 Ultra could make its debut in early 2027. The smartphone is also tipped to feature a powerful Qualcomm processor, potentially distinguishing it from other models in the X500 series. Vivo had previously indicated that the Ultra variant would deliver better camera performance than the X500 Pro Max.
Vivo X500 Ultra Expected Launch Timeline and Processor
The Vivo X500 Ultra could launch in March or April 2027.
The leak also points towards Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6 chipset as the possible processor for the upcoming flagship. In comparison, the other smartphones in the X500 lineup are expected to use MediaTek Dimensity 9600-series processors.
The reported launch schedule is consistent with an earlier indication from Vivo Vice President of Product Huang Tao. In September, the executive reportedly revealed that the company was targeting a March-April 2027 launch for the X500 Ultra. He also suggested that the device would offer superior camera performance compared to the Vivo X500 Pro Max.
Vivo X500 Ultra Camera Specifications Could Include 200MP Sensors
Camera capabilities are expected to be one of the biggest highlights of the Vivo X500 Ultra. According to recent leaks, the company is evaluating three different 200-megapixel periscope telephoto sensors for the smartphone.
The sensors are reportedly available in three optical formats: 1/1.12-inch, 1/1.3-inch and 1/1.4-inch. However, it remains unclear which sensor Vivo will ultimately select for the final device.
Another report suggests that the top-end X500 Ultra could feature a triple rear camera system. This setup may include a 200-megapixel primary camera, a 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor and a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera.
These specifications have not been officially confirmed by Vivo, so the final camera configuration could differ from the leaked details.
Vivo X500 Pro Max Camera Setup Compared
The expected camera improvements could make the X500 Ultra a significant upgrade over the X500 Pro Max.
The Vivo X500 Pro Max features a triple rear camera system led by a 200-megapixel Zeiss APO periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom. The setup also includes a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera. For selfies and video calls, the smartphone comes with a 50-megapixel front camera.
With the X500 Ultra reportedly being developed with advanced 200-megapixel camera sensors, Vivo appears to be targeting even stronger photography capabilities with its upcoming flagship.
Vivo X500 Ultra Global Launch Possibility
Apart from its expected China launch, the Vivo X500 Ultra could also reach international markets. The smartphone has reportedly appeared in IMEI database listings in Turkey and Brazil, indicating the possibility of availability beyond China.
However, these database appearances do not confirm an international launch. Vivo has not yet announced the smartphone’s global release plans or shared details about its availability in individual markets.
For now, the X500 Ultra’s launch timeline, processor and camera specifications remain based on leaks and early reports. More details are expected to emerge as the anticipated 2027 launch approaches.