Vivo X500 surfaces on Geekbench with Dimensity 9600M, 12GB RAM

Vivo's decision to equip the base X500 with a Dimensity 9600M, while reserving the 2nm Dimensity 9600 Pro for its higher-end models, is a clear pricing play. The 9600M, a refresh of last year's 9500, offers solid performance. It also supports Gemini Nano 4 and Qwen 3.5 Omni 4B, which are key AI model integrations. This allows Vivo to offer AI capabilities at a lower price point without cannibalizing its premium offerings.

This strategy benefits MediaTek by placing its chips across a broader price spectrum within a major Chinese brand. It also creates a distinct value proposition for Vivo in the competitive Asian smartphone market. Consumers get AI features like photography suggestions and NPU support without the premium cost of a flagship chip. Vivo gains market share by appealing to budget-conscious buyers who still want advanced features.

The thing to watch is how this split affects Vivo's overall market perception in China. If the X500's 7,500mAh battery and carry-over camera hardware deliver on user experience, the Dimensity 9600M could prove a smart compromise. The real test comes after the September 21 launch, when pricing and full specifications are revealed.