vivo Y500 Pro: 200MP Camera and Big Battery Redefine Mid-Range Phones

vivo is preparing a significant update to its mid-range lineup, and the spotlight is firmly on the upcoming vivo Y500 Pro.

Scheduled to be announced before the end of this year, the handset is shaping up to be more than just a modest refresh of the Y500. Instead, it’s introducing features rarely seen in this price tier, most notably a 200MP rear camera.

The vivo Y500, which launched in China earlier this month, already attracted attention with its enormous 8,200 mAh battery, robust IP69 water and dust resistance, and a 6.77-inch AMOLED display boasting a 120Hz refresh rate. That combination positioned the Y500 as one of the more practical devices for users who prioritize battery life and durability. But while its 50MP + 2MP dual camera setup was serviceable, it was never designed to impress photography enthusiasts.

The Y500 Pro, on the other hand, is clearly aimed at filling that gap. Product Manager Han Boxiao has revealed that the device will incorporate Samsung’s ISOCELL HP5 sensor, a 200MP unit with a 1/1.56-inch size and an f/1.88 aperture lens. This marks the very first time a Y-series phone will feature such a high-resolution shooter. While flagship models from other brands often boast 200MP sensors, seeing it trickle down to a mid-range line highlights how aggressively vivo is pushing imaging technology into more affordable devices.

Of course, megapixels alone don’t guarantee great photos. Critics have pointed out that budget and mid-range phones sometimes use secondary decorative lenses or underpowered processing that doesn’t take full advantage of the main sensor. The hope is that vivo backs the Y500 Pro’s camera hardware with strong image optimization software so users actually see tangible improvements in detail, low-light shots, and zoom performance.

Under the hood, the standard Y500 came equipped with MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300 SoC, OriginOS 5, and practical features like water resistance. vivo hasn’t officially detailed whether the Pro model will receive a performance bump or keep the same platform while relying on its camera to differentiate. Still, by blending its signature oversized battery with a truly headline-worthy camera, the Y500 Pro could stand out as one of the more balanced mid-range devices of 2025.

The move also signals vivo’s strategy of bringing premium-tier features into the Y-series, which has traditionally been viewed as value-first rather than innovation-first. If executed well, the Y500 Pro may reset expectations of what mid-range smartphones can deliver, particularly for users who want both endurance and a capable camera without breaking the bank.