The Y-series devices are vivo’s best-sellers in China, and the brand-new Y500 has finally made its debut. The new device continues the trend of Chinese midrangers with massive battery capacity as it gets a gargantuan 8,200mAh (!) cell. That’s not the only new addition, as the phone is now IP68/IP69 rated against water and dust, and it also gets updated to the Dimensity 7300 chip.
Getting the chip and battery upgrade is one thing but vivo claims the Y500 is also superior in terms of durability.
The phone can handle water submersions at 1.5-meter depths for over 24 hours, pressurized water jets and up to 80°C heat. It also gets vivo’s 360-degree drop cushioning design with internal shock absorbers and Diamond Shield glass protection for the 6.77-inch AMOLED (FHD+ 120Hz).
vivo Y500 gets IP68/69 ingress protection and improved drop durability
The 8,200mAh silicon carbon battery inside the Y500 comes with an energy density rating of 847Wh/L. That’s enough for over 18.4 hours of continuous usage according to vivo. The Y500 is also equipped with 90W wired charging, featuring 24-level charging protection against high current, voltage, and device temperature.
In terms of cameras, you’re getting a 50 million main shooter with f/1.8 aperture alongside a 2MP depth helper. There’s an 8MP front-facing shooter integrated in the punch hole cutout up front. The phone boots OriginOS 5 based on Android 15.
vivo Y500 comes in Glacier Blue, Dragon Crystal Powder, and Black colors. The 8/128GB version starts at CNY 1,399 ($196) while the top-tier 12/512GB trim is CNY 1,999 ($280). Open sales in China are scheduled for September 5. It remains to be seen if and when the Y500 will make its way to global markets.