Vivo skips the number 4 and prepares the Vivo X500 series for 2026
Vivo is already gearing up for the next generation of its premium lineup. According to a recent leak, the Chinese manufacturer will skip directly from the Vivo X300 series to the Vivo X500 series, avoiding the number “4”, which is considered unlucky in several Asian countries, including China.
No Vivo X400 — Enter the Vivo X500 Series
The well-known leaker Digital Chat Station revealed on Weibo that the next generation of Vivo flagship devices will be called Vivo X500, and not X400.
This indicates that the brand will likely launch three models:
- Vivo X500
- Vivo X500 Pro
- Vivo X500 Ultra
These models will succeed the Vivo X300, Vivo X300 Pro, and Vivo X300 Ultra that were introduced in 2025.
Launch Expected in Late 2026
Initial speculations suggest that the Vivo X500 and Vivo X500 Pro could be unveiled between September and October 2026, while the X500 Ultra would arrive a bit later.
The Vivo X500 series is expected to introduce the brand new MediaTek Dimensity 9600, the first mobile processor manufactured using TSMC’s 2nm process.
This new fabrication technology promises substantial gains:
- +20% performance at equal power consumption,
- -36% energy consumption at the same frequency,
- +1.2x logic density compared to the current N3E process (3nm).
This 2nm chip will mark a significant milestone for MediaTek, allowing it to catch up with its competitor Qualcomm in the ultra-premium segment.
A Busy Schedule for Vivo
Before transitioning to the Vivo X500 series, Vivo has several upcoming launches planned:
- End of October 2025 → Vivo S50/S50 Pro Mini Series
- Early 2026 → Vivo X300s and X300 Ultra
The Vivo X300 Ultra is particularly anticipated: it is expected to be the world’s first smartphone to feature two 200-megapixel sensors, affirming Vivo’s intent to dominate the mobile photography market.
Vivo appears to be setting the stage for a significant evolution in its flagship offerings, both in terms of performance and brand strategy. With the Vivo X500 series and the 2nm Dimensity 9600, the brand aims to compete with the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 18 Pro in the ultra-premium segment.
Overall, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Vivo — potentially marking a significant technological milestone for the Chinese brand.
