The vivo Y500i has officially launched in China, expanding the Y500 lineup with a clear focus on long-lasting battery performance. The device targets users who prefer endurance over frequent charging while maintaining a modern design and balanced hardware. As a result, the Y500i positions itself as a practical smartphone for everyday use rather than a performance-driven flagship.
The standout feature of the vivo Y500i is its large silicon-carbon lithium-ion battery, designed to deliver up to two full days of usage on a single charge. This approach reflects vivo’s effort to attract users who rely heavily on their phones for work, communication, and entertainment. At the same time, power efficiency remains central to the phone’s overall design philosophy.
Design and Display
The vivo Y500i features a refreshed exterior with a clean and modern look. It measures 8.49mm in thickness and weighs 219 grams, maintaining a solid yet comfortable feel despite its large battery. The smartphone is offered in Galaxy Silver, Phoenix Gold, and Obsidian Black color options.
On the front, the device sports a 6.75-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The HD+ resolution helps conserve power while still delivering smooth scrolling and fluid animations. In addition, the panel reaches up to 1,200 nits of peak brightness, ensuring better visibility in outdoor conditions. A hole-punch cutout houses the front camera, keeping the display design minimal.
Performance and Software
Under the hood, the vivo Y500i runs on the Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, which prioritizes efficiency and stable daily performance. The chipset handles routine tasks, streaming, and social media smoothly. The phone is available with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, offering flexibility for different usage needs.
The device runs Android 16 with OriginOS 6, providing a refined interface and system-level optimizations. Connectivity options include 5G support, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. A side-mounted fingerprint scanner ensures quick and secure access. The phone also carries IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance.
Camera Capabilities
For photography, the vivo Y500i uses a single 50MP rear camera with autofocus and an f/1.8 aperture. The sensor delivers reliable results in good lighting conditions and suits everyday photography needs. On the front, a 5MP camera handles selfies and video calls, keeping the focus on practicality rather than advanced imaging features.
Battery and Charging
Battery performance defines the vivo Y500i experience. The smartphone packs a 7,200mAh silicon-carbon battery, allowing extended usage without daily charging. To complement this capacity, the device supports 44W fast wired charging, reducing downtime. Reverse wired charging is also supported, adding convenience for emergency situations.
Price and Availability
The vivo Y500i is currently available in China. Pricing starts at approximately $215 for the base variant, while higher RAM and storage configurations are offered at increased prices. With its aggressive pricing and strong battery focus, the device targets users seeking endurance within a budget-friendly range.
