Vivo has introduced its X500 flagship series in China, with the company again making photography the centerpiece. The standout model is the X500 Pro Max, a newly added tier that sits above the standard flagships and is built around a fresh set of imaging hardware.

According to The Verge, the Pro Max is the first phone to use new sensors from Sony and silicon from MediaTek. Those components enable what the company describes as impressive dynamic range, with the device supporting 17 stops of dynamic range and 4K video at 240 frames per second for slow motion.

The move underscores how smartphone makers are increasingly differentiating through computational photography and video capabilities, while also leaning on partnerships with component suppliers like Sony and MediaTek to gain an edge in a crowded market. The X500 Pro Max's specifications suggest Vivo is targeting power users and content creators who prioritize camera performance over other features.