Vivo X500 Pro and Pro Max are coming to the Czech Republic. Feature-packed camera phones with Zeiss telephoto lenses available from CZK 33,999

Last year, the Vivo X300 Pro model was the highlight of the autumn lineup, and those who wanted even better cameras had to wait for the spring Ultra. This year, Vivo is playing a different game. In Tenerife, where the Svět Androida editorial team was also present at the premiere, it just unveiled the European X500 Pro series with two models: the large X500 Pro Max with a 200Mpx telephoto lens and the compact X500 Pro with a 6.36-inch display. Both are primarily aimed at professionals or photography and video recording enthusiasts who will appreciate not only the specially designed hardware but also a wealth of advanced software features. Pre-orders in the Czech Republic start today.

Both telephoto lenses are 85 mm, but the Pro Max got 200 Mpx

The main weapon of the series are the Zeiss APO telephoto lenses with an equivalent focal length of 85 mm. The Pro Max houses a 200Mpx Samsung HP0 sensor measuring 1/1.4 inches, the same one Vivo used in its top-tier X300 Ultra this year. CIPA 7.0-level stabilization is said by the manufacturer to enable longer handheld exposures even in low light. With the Zeiss Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra teleconverter, the focal length extends up to 400 mm, and the attachment works in more than ten modes, such as for concert photography.

The X500 Pro has a telephoto lens with a 64Mpx Sony Lytia 610 sensor and can reach 200 mm with the smaller Gen 2 extender. However, there’s a “but.” While last year’s X300 Pro had a 200Mpx 1/1.4″ sensor, the new X500 only brings a 1/2″ sensor. Those who want a telephoto lens of the same class as last year now have to pay extra for the Pro Max.

Both phones feature the X-Track Engine object tracking, which maintains focus on a person even if they momentarily disappear from the frame. For sports or wildlife, the Long-Range Motion Snapshot function is useful, working with up to 30x zoom on the Pro Max and 20x on the smaller model.

4K Video at 240 Frames Per Second and Log with 17 EV Range

The main Zeiss TrueDynamic camera is built around a 50Mpx Sony Lytia 910 sensor with LOFIC technology, which we described in more detail when we unboxed the European Vivo X500 Pro Max. Vivo promises a dynamic range of 17 EV for it, and the Cinematic Pro Log curve is tuned specifically for this, allowing more room for color adjustments in post-production.

Recording is possible in 4K at 240 frames per second, in Video, Pro Video, and Slo-mo modes. Slow-motion shots are thus not limited to lower resolutions. Object tracking works in 4K at 120 fps, and a new feature is 4K Cinematic Portrait Video mode with color styles tuned with Zeiss. The Pro Max also features optical stabilization with a 3° range, which Vivo compares to a gimbal.

For quick shooting, there’s a Film Style mode with a 2.4:1 aspect ratio, motion blur, and grain that mimics the look of film with a single tap. Stage Mode 3.0 is aimed at concerts, allowing you to film both yourself and the performer simultaneously.

Under the Hood: 2nm Chipset and Over 6,500 mAh Battery

Both models are powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, manufactured with a 2nm process. The Pro Max features a 6.85-inch display with 2K resolution, a refresh rate of 1–144 Hz, and a local brightness of up to 4,400 nits, while the X500 Pro fits into 6.36 inches. The European Pro Max received a 6,750 mAh battery instead of the Chinese 8,000 mAh, and the smaller model has 6,510 mAh. This is still more than the 5,440 mAh of last year’s X300 Pro. Charging supports 90 W wired and 40 W wireless, both phones have IP68 and IP69 resistance, and run on OriginOS 7.

Price in the Czech Republic starts at CZK 33,999, pre-orders open today

The smaller X500 Pro will cost CZK 33,999 for the 256 GB version, which is a thousand crowns less than last year’s X300 Pro (CZK 34,990) at launch. However, it’s worth noting that back then, for that money, you got 512 GB and a larger telephoto lens. The Pro Max starts at CZK 39,999, and the most expensive set with 1TB storage and photographic accessories costs CZK 60,999. By the end of the year, Vivo will deduct one thousand crowns for the Pro Max with 512 GB and two thousand for sets with accessories using a discount code.

Pre-orders for standalone phones run from October 27 to November 15, while accessory sets and the teleconverter itself will be available from December 1. With standalone versions, you’ll receive a free 90W adapter, which is useful as it’s not included in the box. Vivo adds an extended three-year warranty and interest-free installments for 12 months to all models. The trade-in bonus is up to CZK 3,000 for the Pro Max and up to CZK 2,000 for the X500 Pro. Buyers of the smaller model also receive a code for a 50% discount on a photography kit, plus a free accessory with a strap.

However, even the Pro Max will not be the absolute top of the line. The Vivo X500 Ultra is already in preparation and is expected to be unveiled in China in March or April 2027. Whether it will arrive in our market is not yet certain.

Would you rather go for the Pro Max or the smaller X500 Pro?