Vivo Y500 5G Review: Power, Durability, and Big Battery (2025)

The smartphone market is moving fast, but every once in a while, a device shows up that makes people pause. The Vivo Y500 5G is one such phone. With its massive battery, sleek design, and impressive waterproofing, it feels like Vivo is trying to bridge the gap between budget-friendly and premium devices. While the Y series has often been associated with practicality, this model pushes the boundaries with features we rarely see in this segment.

Let’s break down what makes the phone special, where it shines, and where it has some limitations.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Inside the retail box, Vivo includes everything you’d hope for. There’s a transparent protective case, a 90W fast charger, a data cable, and the usual quick start guide. The phone itself comes wrapped neatly, and the model we got hands-on with was in Glacier Blue, a color that feels stylish yet subtle.

The back has a silky matte texture, which not only looks premium but also keeps fingerprints away. The circular camera module resembles the design language seen on the Vivo X200S, giving it a modern identity. While the cameras protrude slightly, the phone still feels balanced in hand.

Even though it houses an enormous battery, the device is surprisingly slim at 8.23mm thickness. At first glance, you’d think it belongs in a higher price bracket.

Display Quality

The front of the Y500 carries a 6.77-inch OLED flat panel. With a 120Hz refresh rate and minimal bezels, it makes scrolling and watching videos smooth and immersive. One of the standout features is the peak brightness of 5,000 nits, which is among the highest we’ve seen in this range. Whether you’re outdoors under harsh sunlight or indoors watching a movie, visibility isn’t an issue.

Colors are vibrant, blacks look deep, and the overall viewing experience is strong. For gamers and binge-watchers, this screen is definitely a highlight.

Performance Under the Hood

Vivo has powered the phone with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 processor, built on a 4nm process. Paired with up to 12GB RAM and as much as 512GB of UFS 3.1 storage, the Y500 feels capable for everyday use.

For regular tasks like social media, browsing, and video playback, the phone runs effortlessly. Gaming is smooth, though heavy titles may not push beyond mid-level settings. Benchmarks suggest solid stability, but Vivo seems more focused on balanced performance and efficiency rather than raw flagship-level speed.

Battery: The Showstopper

The star of this device is undoubtedly its 8,200 mAh Blue Ocean battery, the largest Vivo has ever shipped. Battery anxiety becomes a thing of the past here. Even with heavy usage/streaming, gaming, or video calls it can easily last more than two days.

Charging is equally impressive. The included 90W fast charger can juice up the phone in about an hour, making it practical for people constantly on the move. Reverse charging is also supported, turning this phone into a power bank for other devices when needed.

Considering the size of the battery, the slim profile of the device is an engineering feat in itself.

Audio Experience

Good visuals demand good sound, and the Y500 doesn’t disappoint. With dual stereo speakers and an oversized sound chamber, the audio output is crisp and powerful. Vivo claims the main speaker can push volume up to 700%, and while that figure sounds exaggerated, the end result is genuinely loud and clear.

Watching movies, listening to music, or even playing games feels immersive without needing headphones.

Durability and Waterproofing

Durability is another major talking point. The phone comes with both IP68 and IP69 ratings, making it resistant to dust and fully waterproof. You can rinse it under a tap, use it with wet hands, or even drop it briefly in water without worry.

In addition, Vivo includes a protective case in the box that has airbag-style cushioning at the corners, adding another layer of safety. This is also the first Vivo device to receive a five-star anti-aging certification, which means it’s designed to withstand long-term use without quick wear and tear.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup is straightforward. On the back, there’s a 50MP main sensor paired with a 2MP depth lens, while the front carries an 8MP selfie shooter. In good lighting, photos come out detailed and natural. Portrait shots look fine, with decent edge detection, though low-light photography could use improvement.

Video recording goes up to 4K at 30fps on the rear camera and 1080p on the front. For casual users, the performance is more than enough, but those expecting flagship-level photography might feel limited.

Software and Features

The Y500 runs on Android 15 with Vivo’s custom skin on top. The interface is clean, with a few pre-installed apps that can be removed. Vivo has added some AI-powered features in the gallery, like background blur adjustments and sky replacement modes, which can be fun for creative users.

In terms of updates, the company promises two years of major OS upgrades and four years of security patches, ensuring the phone stays relevant for a decent amount of time.

Price and Availability

The phone is officially launching on September 1, 2025, starting in China. The expected pricing is:

• CNY 1,399 (~$180 / €165 / ₹14,999 / PKR 51,000) for the base variant
  
• CNY 1,999 (~$260 / €240 / ₹22,000 / PKR 72,000) for the higher variant with max storage and RAM
  

This aggressive pricing makes it very appealing for budget-conscious buyers looking for long-lasting performance.

Who Should Buy the Vivo Y500 5G?

The phone is ideal for users who prioritize battery life, durability, and reliable day-to-day performance. Travelers, field workers, or students who don’t want to charge their phone every night will appreciate its endurance.

On the flip side, if photography or flagship-level gaming is your main priority, you may want to explore other options. The Y500 sits firmly as an endurance champion rather than an all-around premium performer.

Conclusion

With the Y500 5G, Vivo has taken a bold step in redefining what a mid-range phone can offer. From its massive battery to its impressive waterproofing and premium design, it’s a device built for people who value practicality as much as style. It doesn’t try to be the best in every area, but where it focuses on battery, durability, and usability it delivers better than most of its competition.

For around $180, this phone could very well be one of the best-value releases of 2025.

Want to know about it Vivo y400 click here: Vivo Y400 5G – A Complete Review of Specs, Features, and Performance

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