vivo‘s upcoming X500 series is expected to offer more than just its usual flagship lineup. A new leak has now revealed the first key details about the rumored vivo X500e, suggesting it could arrive with a Snapdragon 8-series chipset, ZEISS-tuned cameras, and a redesigned camera module.
According to well-known tipster Digital Chat Station, the vivo X500 series will consist of four models: the vivo X500e, vivo X500, vivo X500 Pro (or Pro Mini), and vivo X500 Pro Max. Previous reports claim that the X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max will all be powered by MediaTek’s upcoming Dimensity 9600-series chipset, while the X500e is expected to take a different route.
The leak claims the vivo X500e will feature a compact 6.59-inch display paired with an unspecified Snapdragon 8-series processor. While the exact chipset remains unknown, the move would make the X500e stand out from the rest of the lineup.
Another notable change is the phone’s design. Unlike the other rumored X500 models, which are expected to feature a circular camera island, the X500e is tipped to sport a square camera module positioned in the upper-left corner of the rear panel. The camera system will reportedly be co-engineered with ZEISS.
Camera specifications remain limited for now, but the leak claims the device will include a periscope telephoto camera based on Sony’s IMX8-series sensor with a large sensor size, suggesting improved long-range photography.
As for its launch, nothing has been confirmed yet. The leak does not mention whether the X500e will debut alongside the Dimensity 9600-powered X500 series, which is rumored to launch in September. Since the X500e is expected to use a Snapdragon 8-series chip instead, it may arrive at a later date.
Current speculation points to a possible first-half 2027 launch alongside the rumored vivo X500 Ultra, which is expected to be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 processor. However, this remains speculative, and there is no official confirmation from vivo.
The leak also raises questions about the future of the FE lineup. Earlier this year, the China-exclusive vivo S50 Pro Mini was rebranded as the vivo X300 FE for global markets. However, vivo recently unveiled the S60 and S60e (Vitality Edition) in China without introducing an S60 Pro Mini.
Because of this, reports suggest the vivo X500e could effectively replace the missing S60 Pro Mini in China. If that happens, vivo may also skip the rumored vivo X500 FE and instead release the X500e in both China and global markets.
That said, the existence or non-existence of the vivo X500 FE remains purely speculative. Until vivo makes an official announcement, it’s best to treat these rumors with caution.