Vivo is preparing to update its high-end smartphone series in China with the new Vivo S50 and Vivo S50 Pro Mini, both of which are scheduled for release on December 15. Although the company has previously hinted at the design and some key features, a new listing on the China Telecom website has now disclosed detailed specifications, configurations, and color choices, providing a nearly complete overview of what to anticipate. The leak further supports claims regarding Vivo’s international strategy, which involves rebranding the S50 Pro Mini to the Vivo X300 FE in different markets.
Vivo S50 and S50 Pro Mini: What the Listing Reveals?
The China Telecom database indicates that the Vivo S50 is identified by the model number V2528A, whereas the Vivo S50 Pro Mini is listed as V2527A. The two smartphones will be available in various RAM and storage options, such as 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, and 16GB + 512GB, clearly indicating that Vivo is establishing the S50 series in the upper-premium category.
Regarding color choices, the standard Vivo S50 will come in Space Black, Confession, Inspiration Purple, and Serene Blue (translated from Chinese). The more streamlined S50 Pro Mini reduces this a bit, providing finishes in Space Black, Confession, and Inspiration Purple.
Display, Camera, and Performance Details of Vivo S50 Series
A major distinction between the two models is found in their screen dimensions. The Vivo S50 is equipped with a 6.59-inch display, whereas the S50 Pro Mini offers a more compact 6.31-inch screen, catering to users who favor smaller flagship models without compromising on performance.
The camera hardware seems to be mostly identical on both phones. The specifications reveal a triple rear camera configuration featuring two 50-megapixel sensors and an 8-megapixel additional camera, plus a 50-megapixel front camera for selfies and video conferencing. Remarkably, the standard Vivo S50 is reported to feature a Sony IMX882 1/1.95-inch periscope telephone lens, which may provide it with an advantage in zoom photography.
Behind the scenes, the difference in performance becomes clearer. The Vivo S50 features the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset (SM8635), offering nearly flagship performance at a somewhat lower level. In the meantime, the S50 Pro Mini enhances performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen SoC (SM8845), a fact that Vivo has officially verified.
Both devices will run Android 16 out of the box and support dual SIM connectivity.
Battery, Charging, and Premium Internals
The Vivo S50 Pro Mini is proving to be the more comprehensive option overall. It has been verified to feature LPDDR5x RAM with speeds reaching 9600Mbps, UFS 4.1 storage, and a large 6,500mAh battery. Charging capabilities are also remarkable, featuring 90W wired fast charging, making it competitive with top flagship devices available.
Although the complete battery specifications for the standard S50 are not fully revealed in the listing, it is anticipated to provide a somewhat more conservative configuration to set it apart from the Pro Mini.
Global Launch Plans and Rebranding Strategy
Apart from China, Vivo seems to have larger ambitions for the S50 series. The Vivo S50 Pro Mini is rumored to debut worldwide as the Vivo X300 FE, whereas the standard Vivo S50 may be the basis for the Vivo V70 in global markets. Notably, the global V70 model might transition to a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, suggesting some local adjustments to reach varying price levels.
Final Thought
Featuring top-tier processors, high-resolution cameras, fast charging capabilities, and a unique compact flagship choice, the Vivo S50 series is poised to revolutionize the market. With pre-order currently active and the December 15 release approaching, attention is focused on Vivo to determine how it will price and position these impressive new smartphones both in China and worldwide.