Vivo continues to push the boundaries in battery life. Following the Y500 Pro with its 7,000 mAh battery announced last month, the newest member of the family, the Vivo Y500i, is now preparing to take the stage. Information that surfaced in the China Telecom database indicates that this new model will reshuffle the cards in the budget-friendly segment with its massive battery and up-to-date software.
7,200 mAh: Is the Era of Weekly Charges Beginning?
The most striking feature of the Vivo Y500i is undoubtedly its massive 7,200 mAh battery. This capacity, far exceeding the standards (5,000 mAh) in the smartphone market, makes the device a true “energy powerhouse.” Although fast charging support is not yet confirmed, this battery is powerful enough to easily last several days even with heavy use.
Despite being a budget-friendly model, Vivo hasn’t held back on the software side:
- Android 16: The device will come out of the box with Google’s latest operating system, Android 16. This is rare in the affordable segment.
- Processor: At the heart of the phone is the efficiency-focused Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset.
- Memory Options: Users can choose between 8GB+256GB, 8GB+512GB, and even top versions with 12GB of RAM.
The Vivo Y500i carries the design lines of the Vivo S50 model, which was recently introduced in China:
- Display: A large 6.75-inch panel with HD+ resolution.
- Dimensions: Weighing 219 grams and measuring 8.39 mm thick, the phone offers a reasonable form factor despite its massive battery.
- Camera: There is a 50 MP main camera on the back, while the front features a 5 MP lens for selfies.
- Security: The fingerprint reader is located on the side for easy access.
The Vivo Y500i comes in a rich color palette to suit every taste: Obsidian Black, Galaxy Silver, Golden Brown, and Wind Feather Gold. According to the China Telecom listing, the device will first be available in the Chinese market on January 16, 2026. No official date has yet been given for the global market.
