Vivo appears to be expanding its camera-first approach beyond smartphones, with a new vlogging camera now tipped to arrive alongside the next flagship lineup, the Vivo X500 series. The company is also exploring ways to extend camera capabilities in the mid-range through accessories like external telephoto extenders. If the timeline holds, both could debut in China around September.
Vivo X500 series vlogging camera for creators
Speaking at a recent media interaction, Vivo executives Huang Tao and Han Boxiao acknowledged that while smartphone rear cameras have improved, users who shoot vlogs or live content still depend on separate devices. Vivo’s solution appears to be a compact, pocket-style camera with built-in stabilisation, designed for self-recording.
Details are limited, but the positioning suggests it will compete with devices like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the upcoming DJI Osmo Pocket 4. These already offer stabilised video in a small form factor, so Vivo’s entry would need to match that convenience while integrating better with its phones.
This move also ties into Vivo’s ongoing imaging push, shaped in part by its long-term collaboration with Zeiss. The partnership, established in 2020, began with the Vivo X60 series, expanded to mid-range devices in recent years, and was renewed in 2025 to explore imaging technologies beyond smartphones.
Telephoto extender may expand to S60 series
At the same interaction, Han Boxiao also spoke about Vivo’s external telephoto extenders, such as the G2 and G2 Ultra, currently offered with the X300 Ultra in China, and reported to come to India even with the Vivo X300 FE in May. These are designed to improve long-distance photography in scenarios like concerts or events.
In what could be a landmark move, Vivo is now considering bringing similar support to the Vivo S60 series, which is expected to launch between May and June. The S series is typically rebranded globally as the V series, positioning it in the upper mid-range segment where Vivo already focuses heavily on camera performance. If telephoto extender support makes it to these models and eventually rolls out in India and other global markets, it could shift expectations in this segment. Mid-range phones have so far focused on primary sensors and front cameras, but adding both long-range flexibility and, separately, a dedicated vlogging solution would cover two clear gaps. However, Huang Tao noted that extending telephoto support to this lineup depends on maintaining consistent image quality with the accessory attached, indicating that wider rollout is not guaranteed.
The next flagship family is expected to be called the Vivo X500 series, skipping the X400 naming. The lineup could launch in Q3, likely around September, which would be slightly earlier than the X300 series rollout last year. The X500 series is expected to follow a typical upgrade cycle, while Vivo tests how far it can extend imaging through accessories and standalone devices. The vlogging camera could be worth watching if you create a lot of vertical video and want something easier to carry than a full camera setup.
