vivo has officially introduced OriginOS 7 in Shanghai, China, on September 21, 2026. The new operating system focuses on smoother performance, smarter multitasking, cross-device connectivity, and deeper customization.

OriginOS 7 introduces the next-generation Origin Smooth Engine, Origin Workbench, and Jovi, vivo’s personal AI agent. The company also promises up to six years of sustained smoothness through system-level optimizations.

The new operating system aims to make everyday smartphone interactions more responsive while helping users move seamlessly between apps and connected devices.

OriginOS 7 improves performance and multitasking

OriginOS 7 introduces the next-generation Origin Smooth Engine. The system redesigns graphics computation, memory management, and system scheduling to improve performance.

Its Ultra-Core Computing feature dynamically allocates processing resources based on demand. vivo says this helps maintain responsiveness during demanding activities, including gaming, multitasking, and extended video sessions.

The company claims OriginOS 7 reduces app cold start times by 10% and improves app page switching by 11%.

Memory Fusion also improves memory allocation and reclamation. vivo says the feature increases memory reclamation by 60% and can free up to 25GB of additional storage on a 256GB device.

Meanwhile, Dual Rendering introduces a new rendering pipeline and compilation framework. vivo claims it improves rendering efficiency by 14.4%, resulting in smoother animations and richer visuals.

These improvements power Origin Workbench, which lets users manage up to five active applications in a unified workspace. Users can coordinate tasks such as exporting video footage, reviewing notes, and messaging without constantly switching between apps.

vivo also says OriginOS 7 passed its 72-month anti-aging test. The company designed the system to maintain its responsiveness after six years of daily use.

Origin Animation makes interactions feel more natural

OriginOS 7 introduces Origin Animation, which applies physics-inspired motion to everyday interactions.

Fluid Motion lets interface elements stretch, bounce, and merge based on finger movements. Spring Animation applies consistent motion across system components, apps, and in-page elements.

Seamless Interaction also improves scrolling across supported system apps and third-party applications.

Together, these features aim to make transitions and touch interactions feel more natural.

OriginOS 7 connects vivo phones with Apple devices

OriginOS 7 expands cross-ecosystem connectivity, allowing users to integrate their vivo phones with devices they already own.

Apple Watch users can receive notifications and sync workout and health data with the Origin Health app. AirPods users can access battery information through Origin Island and use Spatial Audio.

Through vivo Office Kit, users can also connect their phones with an iPad, Mac, or Windows PC. The feature supports task handoffs, real-time note synchronization, and cross-screen file transfers.

OriginOS 7 also integrates iCloud into vivo File Manager. Users can browse, upload, and download photos and files stored in iCloud without leaving the app.

Feature availability may vary depending on the device, region, and software version.

Jovi brings AI-powered assistance across devices

OriginOS 7 introduces Jovi, a personal AI agent designed to manage workflows across connected phones and PCs.

Through vivo Office Kit, Jovi can retrieve files from a connected computer, summarize information, and deliver the results to a user’s phone. Users can also schedule recurring tasks, such as compiling weekly reports or organizing files.

For everyday productivity, Snap Note can turn photos of whiteboards, handwritten notes, and presentation slides into editable, formatted documents.

vivo also emphasizes user control and transparency. Through Jovi Security, the system records autonomous actions and requires user authorization for key steps.

OriginOS 7 adds interactive themes and customization

OriginOS 7 introduces new ways to personalize lock screens, home screens, and Always-On Displays.

Wiggle Theme transforms personal photos into interactive surfaces that ripple and respond to touch. Glint Theme uses gyroscope sensing to create realistic lighting and shadows as users tilt their phones.

StickIt lets users create layered collages from photos and Live Photos across supported screens.

Pet Pals adds interactive companions that respond to device movement, charging status, music playback, and the time of day.

These features give users more ways to personalize their phones beyond traditional wallpapers and static themes.

OriginOS 7 availability

vivo will begin the OriginOS 7 Preview Program on September 21, 2026, for the vivo X300 Pro and select iQOO devices in India, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The operating system will subsequently roll out to the vivo X500 Series, as well as new X Fold and V Series devices.

vivo has yet to announce a specific rollout timeline for other devices and markets. Feature availability may vary by region and device.

vivo has officially launched the X500 Series in Shanghai, China, on September 21, 2026. The new lineup includes the vivo X500, X500 Pro, and X500 Pro Max.

The new imaging flagships introduce vivo’s BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack. The system focuses on improving photography, video recording, and live imaging through advancements in sensors, chips, and algorithms.

vivo aims to deliver professional-grade imaging capabilities while making cinematic video creation more accessible to everyday users.

The vivo X500 Series also introduces several imaging upgrades, including 4K 240fps cinematic slow-motion video, 8K Native Live, and improved stabilization. The company designed the lineup to deliver a more consistent experience across photography, video, and live content.

BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack

The BlueImage Dynamic Imaging Technology Stack serves as the foundation for the X500 Series’ imaging capabilities. vivo developed the system around five key standards: high dynamic range, professional image quality, cinematic color, professional stabilization, and dynamic consistency.

The X500 Pro Max debuts the vivo × Sony LYTIA L910 sensor. It delivers a claimed 17 EV ultra-high dynamic range for video, allowing users to capture more detail in challenging lighting conditions.

The X500 Pro Max also features a ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera with 3-degree gimbal-grade optical image stabilization (OIS). Both its main and telephoto cameras achieve CIPA 7.0 Professional Stabilization.

vivo also partnered with MediaTek to develop professional Log video hardware for the Dimensity 9600 Pro. The chipset supports high-spec video creation through dedicated imaging processing capabilities.

vivo X500 Pro Series brings cinematic video to smartphones

The vivo X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max feature a ZEISS TrueDynamic Main Camera with a 1/1.28-inch sensor and ZEISS T* Coating.

The X500 Pro Max uses a 200-megapixel ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera, similar to the one on the vivo X300 Ultra. It supports CIPA 7.0 Professional Stabilization, multi-zone laser focus, and up to 30x Long Range Motion Snapshot.

The phone also supports Anyplace Telephoto Tracking and the 400mm equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2 Ultra.

Meanwhile, the X500 Pro features a ZEISS APO Telephoto Camera with CIPA 7.0 Professional Stabilization.

Both Pro models support 4K 240fps Cinematic Slow-Mo Video. They also offer 17 EV TrueDynamic Log Video with 10-bit 4:2:2 encoding and ACES support.

vivo partnered with DaVinci to support official color transformation, allowing users to color-grade smartphone Log footage in the same color space as professional cinema camera footage.

The X500 Pro Series also supports 4K 120fps 10-bit Log direct output and 4K 120fps autofocus tracking video. The latter helps maintain focus even when foreground objects temporarily obscure the subject.

For portrait videos, the lineup introduces 4K Cinematic Portrait Video with unified portrait beautification and HDR production standards.

vivo also added six cinematic video color styles: Golden, Platinum, Sunny Day, Paris Afterglow, Noir, and Amber. Each style uses a dedicated color pipeline that optimizes the appearance of people and scenery.

The Pro Series also supports 8K Native Live direct output, keeping the cover frame and video stream consistent in color and perspective.

Users can access four cinematic camera movement options through Cinema mode: Auto Framing Video, Vortex Shot, Super Slow-Mo, and Dual View.

vivo X500 offers upgraded imaging in a standard model

The standard vivo X500 also brings several imaging features from the Pro lineup.

Its main camera uses the vivo × Sony LYTIA 828 sensor, the same sensor found in the vivo X300 Pro. The 1/1.28-inch sensor works with ZEISS Gimbal-Grade OIS to deliver stable video footage.

For telephoto, the X500 uses the vivo × Sony LYTIA 610 sensor, which it shares with the X500 Pro. The 64-megapixel telephoto camera supports 4K 120fps high-spec slow-motion video and CIPA 5.5 Professional Stabilization.

The standard model also supports 4K 120fps slow motion, cinematic color styles, 4K 60fps Cinematic Portrait Video across all focal lengths, 4K 120fps 10-bit Log, and 4K 120fps HLG video.

The entire X500 Series supports 8K Native Live, which vivo says delivers more detailed Live Photos.

The standard model also supports the 200mm equivalent vivo ZEISS Telephoto Extender Gen 2. The accessory weighs 153 grams and measures 96mm in length. It supports 14 shooting modes, including portrait, landscape, and stage photography.

vivo X500 Series features Dimensity 9600-series chips

The vivo X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9600 Pro, which uses a second-generation 2nm process.

The X500 Pro Max features a 6.85-inch BOE Q11 2K ZEISS Master Color Display and an 8,000mAh BlueVolt Battery.

The X500 Pro, meanwhile, features a 6.36-inch ZEISS Master Color Display and a 6,510mAh BlueVolt Battery.

Both models run OriginOS 7, which introduces Origin Workbench and Seamless Interaction. vivo also says the phones passed its Lab’s 72-month anti-aging model test.

The X500 Pro Series comes in four colors: Sunny White, Starry Gray, Moonlit Black, and Sunset Orange.

The standard vivo X500 uses the MediaTek Dimensity 9600M chip. It features a 6.59-inch ZEISS Master Color Display and a 7,500mAh BlueVolt Battery.

The phone supports 90W FlashCharge and 40W Wireless FlashCharge. It also runs OriginOS 7, with Origin Workbench supporting up to five apps running in the foreground.

The vivo X500 comes in Starry Gray, Sunny White, Dawn Pink, and Dusk Black.

vivo X500 Series price and availability

vivo has announced the following China pricing for the X500 Series. Sales officially begin on September 24, 2026.

Configuration and pricing are as follows:

vivo X500

• 12GB + 256GB = CNY 5499
• 12GB + 512GB = CNY 5999
• 12GB + 1TB = CNY 6999

X500 Pro

• 12GB + 256GB CNY 6499
• 12GB + 512GB CNY 7499
• 12GB + 1TB CNY 8499

X500 Pro Max

• 12GB + 256GB = CNY 6999
• 12GB + 512GB = CNY 7999
• 16GB + 512GB = CNY 8499
• 12GB + 1TB = CNY 8999

vivo also announced a special X500 Pro Max Creator Edition with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. It retails for CNY 12,999.

The company will also offer photography accessories for the X500 Series, including the ZEISS Telephoto Extender G2 for CNY 999 and the ZEISS Telephoto Extender G2 Ultra for CNY 1999.

The X500 Pro Max Creator Kit costs CNY 699. A bundle featuring the X500 Pro Max, G2 Ultra telephoto extender, and Creator Kit is priced at CNY 2499.

These prices are for the Chinese market. vivo has yet to announce international pricing or availability for the X500 Series.

REDMI has summoned a new phone breed under their notable “Note” lineup since 2014.

(Un)officially retiring the Pro+ model, it’s not just the sub-brand’s first “Pro Max” phone, it’s also the Chinese giant’s first ever smartphone to feature a whopping 10,000mAh tank within.

But is that feat alone enough to choose over its Pro sibling?

Here’s my in-depth REDMI Note 17 Pro Max review.

Design that just resigned

The moment you unwrap it from its paper cocoon, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max greets you with its refined design.

That also meant REDMI has resigned from its premium-like, signature centered camera island just after two generations.

Much like most Android midrangers nowadays,  it now features a smaller squircular camera cutout placed at the back’s top-left part.

This made me question and doubt their design team’s decision.

If we’re solely talking about design distinction, the iPhone-esque camera layout of the Note 17 Pro suits more towards the Pro Max variant — and vice versa.

After all, that same oval cutout can be seen with its sister brand’s Pro Max model. But I digress.

Rants aside, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max is favorable to hold — at least for a big-handed guy like me.

Still, much like design, the actual feel is preferential.

Although some might argue that the quad-curved display and curved back of the previous Note 15 Pro+ might soothe the palms a little bit better, the flat display and edges of Note 17 Pro Max don’t necessarily mean a sharp and abrupt feel at hand. This honestly feels more secure to hold.

In case you drop it, the Note 17 Pro Max is made to last especially with its reinforced Titan chassis. This structural design makes it withstand drops as high as three meters — or taller than any human being at around 9.84 feet.

To make it more “future-proof,” this smartphone also has these quintessential IP ratings: IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K certifications.

How can I forget that strengthened Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on its front?

It’s an amazing inclusion considering this type of glass protection is usually limited to flagship models like Samsung’s Galaxy S26 series and Google’s latest Pixel 11 lineup.

#NowPlaying: My Bias, My Boss

With the phone’s front already introduced, let’s now focus on that large 6.83-inch AMOLED display.

At the surface level, both displays are just impossible to differentiate.

Still, there are subtle differences that one might prefer over another.

It’s pretty much the same in the latest drama I’ve binged and finished using this smartphone.

Nam Da-reum had her feelings confused both for her office boss (Kang Ha-gi) and her actual, long-time K-Pop bias (Lee Chan) — which both happened to be her work colleagues.

For the most part, this struggle happens to a lot of buyers, too.

Just like the visual supremacy of both Kang Hoon and Cha Woo-min, both the REDMI Note 17 Pro and Pro Max also share the same attributes. There’s that sharp 1.5K display resolution, 3500 nits of peak brightness, 12-bit color depth, even 240Hz / 3200Hz touch sampling rates.

Well, the Pro Max has the slight upper hand with its HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support that the Pro model lacks.

This meant that HDR content is livelier and more immersive on the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max.

Regardless if it’s on YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max, one will definitely appreciate the Pro Max’s screen better.

Now, if you’re concerned about eye safety, both phones boast TÜV Rheinland’s Low Blue Light, Flicker Free, Circadian Friendly certifications.

On Queue: TUIDE, OURBIRTHDAY

Much like the dual debut of the REDMI Note 17 Pro series, two septet K-Pop girl groups were also born during this third quarter of 2026.

While both groups share the same member number, these two newly-created groups are also distinct from one another.

The REDMI Note 17 Pro and Pro Max both possess the same stereo speaker setup. Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Lossless features weren’t forgotten as well.

Upon closer inspection though, the Note 17 Pro Max produces an even louder output thanks to its 400% Volume Boost feature. That’s in contrast to the 300% boost of its Pro sib.

At least on my ears, REDMI’s Note 17 Pro Max sounded deeper especially heard with TUIDE’s vocals in their lowkey-addicting “SUN KISS” debut track.

Even more, the steps and thumps in OURBIRTHDAY’s “HUNGRY” also felt and sounded more powerful and impactful as opposed to the Note 17 Pro’s output.

New chip above its hip

Unlike its Max-less sibling running a slower Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max rocks the “faster” Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 SoC.

This brand new chip announced by Qualcomm this 2026 piqued my interest to the point that it made me install three games with three varying graphic capabilities.

Of course, like any other FPS or MOBA game, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max handles them with ease. Whether that may be CoDM, MLBB, PUBG, HOK, and countless games in the same league, this phone can and will run ’em.

Now, onto a more demanding one: my all-time favorite Racing Master. At first, it was able to run in Ultra HD resolution at 60fps frame rate.

Unfortunately, it didn’t had much superiority over its Pro counterpart. After a 10-minute gameplay, it prompts to a graphic setting warning.

Last but definitely not the least, HoYoverse’s graphics-intensive Zenless Zone Zero.

As expected, the graphics were set to the lowest settings after installing core resources.

Roaming around New Eridu and Hollow felt just right. The moment you enter combat mode, though, is where things go out of hand.

The frame stutters and jitters are just unstoppable. Even with Performance Mode turned on, it wasn’t enough to salvage the frame rate.

The unwanted lag and lack of effective heat dissipation is already a disappointment as it is.

Even worse, after quickly checking my social media app, the game closed right after I jumped back to it.

I know what some of you might think: This is a midrange phone with a mid-class chipset.

As someone who practices journalistic integrity, it’s my responsibility to share all these observations. No sugarcoating aside, this isn’t any better from REDMI Note 15 Pro+’s Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 chipset.

Still, Xiaomi changing the internals to a faster LPDDR5X memory plus UFS 4.1 storage over the LPDDR4X+ UFS 2.2 combo found in its predecessor is more than a welcome change.

Come for the cameras

The consistency continues with the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max sharing the same camera system as its Pro brother.

ICYMI, it’s a combination of 50MP main (1x wide) and an 8MP f/2.2 UWA (Ultra-Wide Angle) lens.

Admittedly, I was about to make this part short. However, my curiosity dared me to compare it to its Max-less sib.

With a wider aperture of f/1.5 (versus f/1.8), larger 0.8µm sensor (over 0.64µm), and one more lens element at 6P (Pro has 5P), the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max simply has the upper-hand despite those “small” gaps.

And, as much as how we value camera hardware, the chip equipped within surprisingly matters.

My short camera comparison proves that a different SoC also produces a different image output. This is very apparent when taking food shots.

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Left – REDMI Note 17 Pro Max
Right – REDMI Note 17 Pro

My main complaint about the Note 17 Pro is how some photos looked washed out. The bokeh falloff also looks forced.

The Note 17 Pro Max also captured shots with an accurate AWB (Auto White Balance) while the latter usually leans on the warmer side.

The Pro model even had focusing issues. That’s even after installing the latest software updates for both phones.

If you’re not satisfied with its regular output, there are built-in color filters and always-on flash in the camera app for that added flair.

With the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens (for both), it’s expected to have an AI-improved output.

Even its UWA shooter produced better results despite having the same lens module.

Safe to say, I enjoyed using the cameras of the Pro Max a whole lot more. Whether those are taking mementos of frisky fur friends…

…indoor shots with little to no presence of natural light…

 

…or even portraits and action-filled snaps, shooting with it was overall smoother and snappier compared to its Pro counterpart.

And now that it’s mentioned, the selfie shooter of the Pro Max is indifferent at 32MP f/2.2. That’s against the smaller and darker 16MP f/2.4 module of the Note 17 Pro.

Tasked to the max

As of writing, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max is the brand’s first smartphone with a 10,000mAh battery. And by that, it boasts the biggest battery in any REDMI and Xiaomi smartphone so far.

One minor caveat: In certain regions, you’ll get the smaller 9210mAh capacity. But even with that 790mAh difference, it’s still heaps larger than the 8340mAh-equipped Note 17 Pro.

The long-lasting endurance is as amazing as how it looks on paper. Moderate usage can last more than 24 hours. Minimal usage? That’s about two to three days max. Of course, standby time is a lot longer when you don’t use it extensively.

There’s even a reverse wired charging capability just in case your other feeble-powered smartphones lose that precious charge.

For instance, I tried charging my completely dead iPhone 13 Pro Max using the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max for 30 minutes. With that duration, it gave around 29% charge. That is already good especially if one’s out from an outlet and already in a pinch.

That said, one should still consider the app running in the foreground and background.

With almost two hours worth of installation and gameplay, including ZZZ’s countless character dialogues and a lone yet lengthy combat consumed, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max consumed 19% charge.

Other than the phone’s actual battery capacity, the inclusion of charging brick and cable is also region-dependent.

In Asia, or at least where I reside, it still comes bundled out of the box.

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Now, if you live in European regions, you’d know by now how EU’s strict laws result to the absence of these accessories.

Still, it’s worthy to note that the Note 17 Pro Max supports USB-C PPS protocol.

In my GadgetMatch Charge Test though, that still accounts for 21 minutes of charging time difference.

	Xiaomi 100W Charger + USB-C to USB-A cable	UGREEN 100W Uno + ADATA Magnetic USB-C to USB-C cable
START TIME (from 0%)	6:05PM	9:54AM
3 minutes	5%	6%
5 minutes	9%	8%
10 minutes	16%	12%
15 minutes	21%	18%
30 minutes	38%	41%
45 minutes	55%	57%
1 hour	72%	75%
1 hour 15 minutes	88%	89%
1 hour 30 minutes	–	95%
END TIME (100%)	7:29PM 1 hour 24 minutes	11:39AM 1 hour 45 minutes

With that speedy and reliable 100W HyperCharge speed, it was able to juice up the phone to the very brim under 1 hour 25 minutes.

Coincidentally, the Note 17 Pro got fully-filled in 1 hour 25 minutes using Xiaomi’s 100W HyperCharger and cable.

Now this is the part where I can truthfully say the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max reigns.

Is the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max your GadgetMatch?

With a starting price of PhP 30,999 / SG$ 749, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max isn’t sitting on the same throne as its predecessor and clearest contender, the REDMI Note 15 Pro+.

The ever-immersive audiovisual goodness, utmost Titan durability, and capable cameras are found on both models. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when it comes to aesthetics and ergonomics.

Now, if you favor that beastly battery above all else, the Note 17 Pro Max is worth the Swipe Right.

But, with that PhP 6500 / SG$ 90 price gap between the 512GB variants of both models, the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max is simply a Swipe Left.

Adding more fuel to the fire, the previous Pro+ model has the better chipset and a more refined 200MP main camera. Not to mention, the base memory starts at 12GB, while the newer one, despite being faster, only comes with 8GB of RAM.

So, unless that bigger battery is a dealbreaker for you, the older Pro+ model remains the better value.

A new breed born from AI greed

Clearly, the continuous components crisis isn’t stopping anytime soon. The culprit is none other than the further use and abuse of AI.

As someone who has seen the early warning signs of AI since 2019, this is one among what I fear and dread the most.

The birth of the REDMI Note 17 Pro Max as a new phone breed was undoubtedly brought by the unnecessary AI greed of both companies and consumers’ demands alike.

And, as much as I hate to admit it, midrange smartphones with this high price to lower performance ratio might actually be the “new normal.”

The final purchasing power still falls under your hands. However, at the end of the day, these discrepancies and inconsistencies in hardware alongside an even higher launch pricing truly and surely speaks volumes on what to expect with smartphones starting now and the years to come.