Tech
Vivo’s first Pro Max phone proves its Ultra is still in a league of its own
Publication: The Verge
Author: Dominic Preston
Source published: 02/11/2026, 15:15:00 UTC
Briefing created: 02/11/2026, 15:59:29 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 02/11/2026, 15:31:25 UTC.
Briefings
Vivo's X500 Pro Max marks the first flagship to bridge the gap between Pro and Ultra tiers, featuring a 17-stop dynamic range main camera and a 7,800mAh battery. It retains the Ultra's telephoto lens but sacrifices the narrow 35mm focal length and world-leading ultrawide capabilities of the X300 Ultra. The device offers a 1440p display and 144Hz refresh rate, yet lacks the specific focal length and ultrawide features that defined its predecessor.
Key points
- Vivo's X500 Pro Max is the first flagship smartphone to sit between the Pro and Ultra tiers.
- The X500 Pro Max features a 17-stop dynamic range main camera but lacks the narrow 35mm focal length and world-leading ultrawide found in the X300 Ultra.
Context
Vivo's X500 Pro Max represents a strategic shift in flagship positioning, offering a balanced camera system with superior dynamic range while retaining the telephoto lens from the Ultra model. This design choice aims to provide users with a versatile camera setup without sacrificing the specific focal lengths and ultrawide capabilities that made the X300 Ultra stand out.
Limitations
The evidence is limited to a single article snapshot from November 2026. Specific camera sensor details, exact battery capacity figures beyond 7,800mAh, and performance benchmarks are not provided. The article does not confirm whether the Ultra's ultrawide lens is fully retained or if Vivo has made significant compromises to the Ultra's core features.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 02/11/2026, 15:59:29 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
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