Vivo Y500i Review: The Budget‑Friendly 5G Smartphone with a Massive 7,200 mAh Battery
*Published on SecZine – Your source for the latest smartphone news, hands‑on reviews, and tech trends.*
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Overview
Vivo strengthens its foothold in the entry‑level 5G market with the Vivo Y500i . Announced in China on 12 January 2026, the device packs a 7,200 mAh battery, Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor, up to 12 GB RAM, and a staggering 512 GB of internal storage. It promises not only extended battery life but also a camera and display experience that redefines what a budget smartphone can offer.
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## Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|—|—|
| Display | 6.75‑inch LCD, 1080 × 2400 px, 90 Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 (8‑core, 2.2 GHz) |
| RAM / Storage | 8 GB / 12 GB RAM, 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB UFS 2.2 |
| Rear Camera | 50 MP (f/1.8) main + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth |
| Front Camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 7,200 mAh, 33 W fast charging |
| Connectivity | Sub‑6 5G, Wi‑Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 |
| OS | Android 13 with Vivo UI 13 |
| Colors | Midnight Black, Aurora Blue, Sunset Red |
| Estimated Price (India) | ₹17,999 – ₹21,999 (subject to final launch pricing) |
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## Launch Timeline
– China: Official Asia‑Pacific launch – 12 January 2026.
– India: No pre‑order program announced yet, but the price bracket suggests a strategic push to capture the growing demand for affordable 5G devices.
*Reference point:* Two years earlier, Vivo released the V29 (4 Oct 2023), a premium flagship with a 6.78‑inch QHD+ 120 Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and 8‑12 GB RAM, priced at ₹30,990. The Y500i positions itself as the value‑centric sibling of that flagship.
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## Why the Y500i Stands Out
1. Unmatched Battery Capacity
– 7,200 mAh – roughly 40 % larger than the typical 5,000 mAh found in most 5G budget phones.
– Real‑world endurance: Up to 2 days of heavy usage on a single charge.
– Fast charge: 33 W charger reaches ~70 % in ~45 minutes.
2. Efficient Snapdragon 4 Gen 2
– A hybrid architecture (2 high‑performance + 6 efficiency cores) delivers smooth daily performance, casual gaming, and multitasking without draining the battery.
3. High‑Resolution Camera System
– 50 MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS) brings clear, detailed photos to the entry‑level segment.
4. Massive Storage Options
– Up to 512 GB built‑in storage plus microSD expansion (up to 128 GB) for power users who keep large game libraries and media files.
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## Potential Market Impact
| Competitor | Typical Battery | Price (₹) |
|—|—|—|
| OnePlus Nord N300 | 5,000 mAh | ~₹17,999 |
| Realme Narzo 60 | 5,200 mAh | ~₹18,499 |
| Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro | 5,500 mAh | ~₹19,999 |
– The Y500i’s 7,200 mAh advantage creates a clear battery‑life differentiator.
– By offering premium‑grade specs (90 Hz display, 12 GB RAM, 512 GB storage) at a mid‑range price, Vivo could push competitors to adopt similar feature sets, potentially driving overall price reductions in the segment.
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## Challenges to Watch
– Display Technology: The LCD panel, while offering a 90 Hz refresh rate, may fall short of consumer expectations for vibrant colors and power efficiency compared to OLED alternatives.
– Market Saturation: Indian consumers expect high‑feature devices at aggressive price points. Vivo must manage supply‑chain costs and local tax incentives to maintain profitability while staying competitive.
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## Verdict
The Vivo Y500i sets a new benchmark for budget‑friendly 5G smartphones. Its combination of a 7,200 mAh battery , Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 chipset, up to 12 GB RAM , and a 50 MP camera tackles the most common pain points—short battery life and mediocre performance—without inflating the price tag.
If Vivo can replicate its Chinese success in India, the Y500i will not only boost the brand’s sales figures but also give Indian consumers a compelling 5G option that does not compromise on battery endurance or essential high‑end features. This move could usher in a new era where “no‑compromise battery life” becomes the standard for entry‑level smartphones.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the Y500i support 5G bands used in India?
A: Yes, it supports Sub‑6 5G frequencies compatible with Indian carriers.
Q: Is the 33 W charger included in the box?
A: Official specifications indicate the charger is bundled, but regional packaging may vary.
Q: How does the camera perform in low‑light conditions?
A: The f/1.8 aperture and OIS deliver respectable low‑light results for its class, though it won’t match flagship night‑mode capabilities.
Q: Can the storage be expanded beyond 512 GB?
A: Storage can be expanded via a microSD card up to an additional 128 GB.
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