Vivo to Launch X500 Series and iQOO 16 Ultra in Malaysia 2026 – Official Announcement, Expected Prices & Launch Timeline
Vivo Malaysia has officially announced the upcoming launch of two major flagship series in 2026: the Vivo X500 Series (including X500 Pro and X500 Pro+) and the gaming-focused iQOO 16 Ultra. This announcement from our vivo iQOO collection marks vivo’s most aggressive flagship push in Malaysia, bringing cutting-edge camera technology, flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 performance, and innovative features to compete with Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max.
This comprehensive coverage includes everything you need to know: official launch timeline, complete expected specifications for all models, rumored pricing for Malaysia market, key features and innovations, pre-order information, and detailed comparisons with competing flagships from our most powerful flagships collection. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, mobile gamer, or flagship smartphone buyer, this guide from our smartphones of the year keeps you updated on vivo’s biggest Malaysia launches in 2026.
🚀 Official Announcement Summary
What’s Launching: Vivo Malaysia will launch three flagship phones in 2026:
- Vivo X500 Pro – Camera flagship with ZEISS optics (Q2 2026)
- Vivo X500 Pro+ – Ultimate camera flagship with 1-inch sensor (Q2 2026)
- iQOO 16 Ultra – Gaming flagship with Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (Q3 2026)
Launch Timeline: X500 Series expected in April-May 2026, iQOO 16 Ultra in July-August 2026. All models will feature flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processors from our Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 guide, advanced camera systems, and premium build quality to compete directly with Samsung Galaxy S26 series and iPhone 17 series from our upcoming smartphones 2026.
Vivo X500 Series – Camera Flagship Duo
Launch Timeline:
- Global Launch: March 2026 (China first)
- Malaysia Launch: April-May 2026 (expected)
- Pre-Order Period: 2 weeks before official launch
- Retail Availability: Mid-May 2026 onwards
Vivo X500 Pro – Expected Specifications:
| Specification | Vivo X500 Pro (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78″ LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 2K+ resolution, 3000 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (3nm) from our Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 collection |
| RAM & Storage | 12GB/16GB LPDDR5X + 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Camera |
Triple ZEISS Camera: • 50MP main (Sony LYT-900, 1/1.49″ sensor, f/1.6, OIS, ZEISS T* coating) • 50MP ultrawide (Samsung JN1, f/2.0, 116° FOV) • 50MP portrait telephoto (2x optical zoom, f/2.5, OIS) |
| Front Camera | 32MP (Sony IMX615, f/2.4, autofocus) |
| Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps Dolby Vision, ZEISS Cinematic Mode |
| Battery | 5,500mAh with 120W wired + 50W wireless charging |
| Operating System | Funtouch OS 16 based on Android 16 |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus 3, aluminum frame, IP68 rating |
| Special Features | ZEISS optics, V4 imaging chip, ultrasonic fingerprint, dual stereo speakers |
| Expected Price (MY) | RM4,299 – RM4,799 |
Vivo X500 Pro+ – Expected Specifications:
| Specification | Vivo X500 Pro+ (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.82″ LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz, 2K+ resolution, 3200 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (overclocked version) |
| RAM & Storage | 16GB/24GB LPDDR5X + 512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Camera |
Quad ZEISS APO Camera: • 200MP main (Samsung HP9, 1″ sensor, f/1.7, OIS, ZEISS T* coating) from our 200MP camera collection • 50MP ultrawide (Sony IMX858, f/1.8, 120° FOV, macro) • 50MP portrait telephoto (2.8x optical, f/2.0, OIS) • 200MP periscope telephoto (5x optical zoom, f/2.5, OIS, APO lens) |
| Front Camera | 50MP (Samsung JN1, f/2.0, autofocus, 4K@60fps) |
| Video Recording | 8K@60fps, 4K@120fps Dolby Vision, ZEISS Cinematic Mode, ProRes support |
| Battery | 6,000mAh with 150W wired + 80W wireless charging |
| Operating System | Funtouch OS 16 based on Android 16 |
| Build Quality | Ceramic back, titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3, IP68 rating |
| Special Features | ZEISS APO optics, 1-inch sensor, V4 Pro imaging chip, satellite connectivity |
| Expected Price (MY) | RM5,799 – RM6,499 |
📷 Vivo X500 Series Key Camera Innovations:
- ZEISS APO Lens System: Advanced optics for zero chromatic aberration from our photography lovers collection
- 1-Inch Sensor (X500 Pro+): Largest smartphone camera sensor for DSLR-quality photos from our DSLR replacement guide
- V4 Imaging Chip: Dedicated ISP for computational photography from our low-light camera guide
- 5x Periscope Zoom: Professional telephoto capabilities from our periscope zoom collection
- ZEISS Cinematic Mode: Professional video with color grading from our cinematic video guide
- Night Mode 4.0: Exceptional low-light photography from our night mode collection
iQOO 16 Ultra – Gaming Flagship Beast
Launch Timeline:
- Global Launch: June 2026 (China first)
- Malaysia Launch: July-August 2026 (expected)
- Pre-Order Period: 2 weeks before official launch
- Retail Availability: Mid-August 2026 onwards
iQOO 16 Ultra – Expected Specifications:
| Specification | iQOO 16 Ultra (Expected) |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.82″ LTPO E7 AMOLED, 165Hz, 2K+ resolution, 3500 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (overclocked to 4.5GHz) from our Snapdragon collection |
| RAM & Storage | 16GB/24GB LPDDR5X (10000MHz) + 512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Camera |
Triple OIS Camera: • 200MP main (Samsung HP9, f/1.7, OIS, PDAF, Laser AF) • 50MP ultrawide (Samsung JN1, f/2.0, 116° FOV) • 64MP periscope telephoto (3.5x optical zoom, f/2.6, OIS) |
| Front Camera | 32MP (Sony IMX615, f/2.4, autofocus) |
| Video Recording | 8K@60fps, 4K@120fps, Gimbal OIS+EIS stabilization |
| Battery | 7,000mAh (dual-cell design) with 200W wired + 100W wireless charging from our 7000mAh collection |
| Operating System | Funtouch OS 16 based on Android 16 |
| Build Quality | Titanium alloy frame, ceramic back, Gorilla Glass Victus 3, IP68 rating |
| Special Features | Pressure-sensitive gaming triggers, Q2 gaming chip, dual VC cooling, RGB LED, 165Hz display |
| Expected Price (MY) | RM4,999 – RM5,799 |
🎮 iQOO 16 Ultra Key Gaming Innovations:
- 200W HyperCharge: Full 7000mAh charge in 15 minutes from our under 20 minutes collection
- 165Hz LTPO Display: Fastest refresh rate in flagships from our high refresh rate guide
- Q2 Gaming Chip: Frame interpolation to 165 FPS from our gaming phones collection
- Pressure Gaming Triggers: Ultrasonic shoulder buttons from our gaming triggers guide
- Advanced Cooling: Dual VC chambers + graphene sheets from our advanced cooling collection
- 7000mAh Battery: Longest battery in gaming flagships from our battery life guide
Expected Malaysia Pricing (2026)
Price Comparison Table:
| Model | Expected Malaysia Price | Key Positioning | Main Competitor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivo X500 Pro | RM4,299 – RM4,799 | Camera flagship | Samsung Galaxy S26+ from our Galaxy S26 guide |
| Vivo X500 Pro+ | RM5,799 – RM6,499 | Ultimate camera flagship | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro Max from our S26 Ultra guide |
| iQOO 16 Ultra | RM4,999 – RM5,799 | Gaming flagship | ROG Phone 9 Pro, Red Magic 11 Pro from our Red Magic guide |
Pricing Analysis:
- Vivo X500 Pro (RM4,299-4,799): Positioned RM500-800 cheaper than Samsung Galaxy S26+ to attract camera enthusiasts from our camera phones collection
- Vivo X500 Pro+ (RM5,799-6,499): Premium pricing justified by 1-inch sensor and ZEISS APO optics, competitive with S26 Ultra (RM6,999+) from our camera phones of the year
- iQOO 16 Ultra (RM4,999-5,799): Aggressive gaming flagship pricing, undercutting ROG Phone 9 Pro (RM6,299+) while offering similar features from our gaming phones of the year
Official Launch Timeline & Pre-Order Details
Vivo X500 Series Launch Schedule:
| Date/Period | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | Global Launch (China) | Official announcement of X500 Pro and X500 Pro+ specs and features |
| Early April 2026 | Malaysia Announcement | Vivo Malaysia confirms local launch dates and pricing |
| Mid April 2026 | Pre-Order Opens | 2-week pre-order period with early bird discounts and freebies |
| Early May 2026 | Official Launch Event | Malaysia launch event with media hands-on and retail availability |
| Mid May 2026 | Retail Availability | Nationwide availability through vivo stores and authorized retailers |
iQOO 16 Ultra Launch Schedule:
| Date/Period | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | Global Launch (China) | Official announcement of iQOO 16 Ultra specs and gaming features |
| Early July 2026 | Malaysia Announcement | Vivo Malaysia confirms local launch dates and pricing |
| Mid July 2026 | Pre-Order Opens | 2-week pre-order period with gaming bundle offers |
| Early August 2026 | Official Launch Event | Malaysia launch event with esports tournament and retail availability |
| Mid August 2026 | Retail Availability | Nationwide availability through vivo and gaming specialty stores |
Expected Pre-Order Benefits:
- Early Bird Discount: RM300-500 off for first 1,000 pre-orders
- Free Accessories: vivo TWS earbuds (worth RM399-699) or gaming cooler (iQOO 16 Ultra)
- Extended Warranty: 2-year warranty instead of standard 1-year
- Trade-In Bonus: Additional RM500-800 trade-in value for old phones
- 0% Installment: 12-24 months interest-free with major credit cards
- Exclusive Gifts: Limited edition cases, screen protectors, power banks
Key Innovations & Technology Highlights
How They Compare to Competitors
Vivo X500 Pro+ vs Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra:
| Feature | Vivo X500 Pro+ | Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 200MP, 1-inch sensor, ZEISS APO | 200MP, 1/1.3″ sensor |
| Optical Zoom | 5x periscope with APO lens | 10x periscope (Space Zoom) |
| Battery | 6,000mAh | 5,500mAh |
| Charging | 150W wired + 80W wireless | 65W wired + 25W wireless |
| S Pen | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Software Updates | 3 years Android + 4 years security | 7 years Android + security |
| Expected Price | RM5,799 – 6,499 | RM6,999 – 7,999 |
iQOO 16 Ultra vs ROG Phone 9 Pro:
| Feature | iQOO 16 Ultra | ROG Phone 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.82″ 165Hz LTPO AMOLED | 6.78″ 165Hz AMOLED |
| Battery | 7,000mAh | 6,000mAh |
| Charging | 200W wired + 100W wireless | 65W wired (no wireless) |
| Gaming Triggers | ✅ Pressure-sensitive | ✅ AirTriggers |
| Cooling | Dual VC chambers | GameCool 9 + active fan accessory |
| Accessories | Gaming cooler (optional) | AeroActive Cooler X included |
| Expected Price | RM4,999 – 5,799 | RM6,299 – 6,999 |
- X500 Pro+: RM1,000+ cheaper than S26 Ultra with comparable camera quality and faster charging
- iQOO 16 Ultra: RM1,000+ cheaper than ROG Phone 9 Pro with larger battery and faster charging
- Innovation Focus: Leading in charging speeds (200W), battery capacity (7000mAh), and camera sensors (1-inch)
Where to Buy & Pre-Order Information
Official vivo Malaysia Channels:
- vivo Malaysia Online Store: Direct pre-orders with official warranty and exclusive launch gifts
- vivo Brand Stores: Hands-on experience in major malls (Pavilion KL, Mid Valley, Sunway Pyramid, 1Utama)
- vivo Experience Centers: Full-service flagship stores with demo units and photography workshops
- vivo Service Centers: After-sales support and warranty claims nationwide (30+ locations)
Authorized Online Retailers:
- Shopee vivo Official Mall: Flash sales, platform vouchers, cashback deals, fastest delivery
- Lazada vivo Flagship Store: Official warranty, exclusive bundles, 0% installment options
- TikTok Shop vivo Official: Live shopping events, influencer promotions, early access deals
Retail Partners:
- Harvey Norman – Premium electronics retailer with display units and expert advice
- Courts – Nationwide availability, trade-in programs, flexible payment plans
- Senheng / SenQ – Competitive pricing, bundle deals, loyalty rewards
- All IT Hypermarket – Tech specialist retailer with gaming bundles (iQOO 16 Ultra)
- DirectD – Online retailer with fast delivery and price matching
How to Pre-Order (When Available):
- Step 1: Monitor vivo Malaysia official channels for pre-order announcement (typically 2 weeks before launch)
- Step 2: Register interest on vivo Malaysia website to receive early access notifications
- Step 3: Choose your preferred model and storage variant
- Step 4: Pay deposit (typically RM500-1,000) to secure pre-order slot
- Step 5: Collect device on launch day or receive home delivery with launch gifts
- Pre-order through official vivo Malaysia channels only to ensure genuine products and valid warranty
- Compare pre-order gifts across platforms (Shopee/Lazada may offer different bundles)
- Check trade-in programs – official vivo stores often offer better trade-in values during pre-order
- Verify Malaysia model numbers (ending with “MY”) for full warranty coverage and 5G band compatibility
- Use 0% installment plans from major banks (Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank) to spread payment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Vivo X500 Series launch in Malaysia?
The Vivo X500 Series (X500 Pro and X500 Pro+) is expected to launch in Malaysia in April-May 2026. The global launch is scheduled for March 2026 in China, followed by international rollout. Pre-orders will likely open in mid-April 2026 with retail availability by early-May 2026. Follow official vivo Malaysia social media channels for exact announcement dates from our upcoming smartphones 2026.
When will iQOO 16 Ultra launch in Malaysia?
The iQOO 16 Ultra is expected to launch in Malaysia in July-August 2026, approximately 3-4 months after the X500 Series. The global launch is scheduled for June 2026, with Malaysia pre-orders opening in mid-July 2026 and retail availability by mid-August 2026. This timing positions it as a gaming flagship for the second half of 2026 from our gaming phones of the year.
What will be the price of Vivo X500 Pro+ in Malaysia?
Based on global pricing patterns and Malaysia market analysis, the Vivo X500 Pro+ is expected to be priced between RM5,799 – RM6,499 depending on storage variant (512GB or 1TB). This positions it as a premium camera flagship competing with Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (RM6,999+) but at RM1,000+ lower price point from our camera phones collection. Official pricing will be announced closer to launch date.
What will be the price of iQOO 16 Ultra in Malaysia?
The iQOO 16 Ultra is expected to be priced between RM4,999 – RM5,799 depending on RAM/storage configuration (16GB+512GB or 24GB+1TB). This aggressive gaming flagship pricing undercuts ROG Phone 9 Pro (RM6,299+) while offering larger 7000mAh battery and 200W charging from our gaming phones collection. Final retail prices will be confirmed at official launch.
What are the key features of Vivo X500 Pro+?
Key features of Vivo X500 Pro+ from our photography lovers collection:
- 1-Inch Camera Sensor: Largest smartphone camera sensor for DSLR-quality photos
- ZEISS APO Optics: Professional lens system with zero chromatic aberration
- 200MP Main Camera: Samsung HP9 sensor with advanced image processing
- 5x Periscope Zoom: 200MP telephoto for exceptional distant shots
- 150W Charging: Full 6000mAh charge in ~25 minutes
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4: Flagship performance with AI capabilities
- Premium Build: Ceramic back, titanium frame, IP68 rating
What are the key features of iQOO 16 Ultra?
Key features of iQOO 16 Ultra from our gaming phones collection:
- 7000mAh Battery: Largest battery in gaming flagships for marathon gaming sessions
- 200W HyperCharge: Full charge in just 15 minutes (fastest globally)
- 165Hz Display: Fastest smartphone refresh rate for ultra-smooth gaming
- Gaming Triggers: Pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons for competitive advantage
- Q2 Gaming Chip: Dedicated gaming processor for frame interpolation
- Advanced Cooling: Dual VC chambers prevent throttling during long sessions
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4: Overclocked to 4.5GHz for maximum performance
How does Vivo X500 Pro+ compare to Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra?
Key differences from our Galaxy S26 Ultra guide:
- Price: Vivo X500 Pro+ cheaper (RM5,799-6,499 vs S26 Ultra RM6,999-7,999)
- Camera Sensor: Vivo wins (1-inch sensor vs Samsung’s 1/1.3″ sensor)
- Charging: Vivo wins massively (150W vs Samsung’s 65W)
- Battery: Vivo wins (6,000mAh vs Samsung’s 5,500mAh)
- S Pen: Samsung exclusive feature (Vivo doesn’t have stylus)
- Software Updates: Samsung wins (7 years vs Vivo’s 3 years)
- Zoom: Samsung wins (10x periscope vs Vivo’s 5x)
How does iQOO 16 Ultra compare to ROG Phone 9 Pro?
Key differences:
- Price: iQOO 16 Ultra cheaper (RM4,999-5,799 vs ROG Phone 9 Pro RM6,299-6,999)
- Battery: iQOO wins (7,000mAh vs ROG’s 6,000mAh)
- Charging: iQOO wins massively (200W vs ROG’s 65W)
- Display: Tie (both 165Hz AMOLED)
- Cooling: ROG wins (active fan accessory included vs passive cooling only)
- Gaming Ecosystem: ROG wins (more gaming accessories available)
- Camera: iQOO wins (200MP main vs ROG’s 50MP)
Will these phones support 5G in Malaysia?
Yes, full Malaysia 5G support from our 5G collection. All three models (Vivo X500 Pro, X500 Pro+, iQOO 16 Ultra) will support Malaysian 5G bands including n1, n3, n5, n8, n28, n78 for comprehensive coverage across Maxis, Celcom, Digi, U Mobile, Yes 5G, and Unifi Mobile networks. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 includes integrated X80 5G modem for peak speeds up to 10 Gbps download.
How long will software updates be provided?
Based on vivo’s current update policy from our software support guide:
- Major Android Updates: 3 years (Android 16, 17, 18, 19)
- Security Patches: 4 years (until 2030)
- Funtouch OS Updates: Regular feature additions throughout support period
This is shorter than Samsung’s 7-year commitment but standard for Chinese flagship brands and ensures phones stay secure and updated through 2030.
Where can I pre-order these phones?
Pre-orders will be available through:
- vivo Malaysia Official Website: Direct pre-orders with exclusive launch gifts
- Shopee vivo Official Mall: Platform vouchers and cashback offers
- Lazada vivo Flagship Store: Bundle deals and 0% installment
- vivo Brand Stores: Hands-on experience and immediate collection option
- Authorized Retailers: Harvey Norman, Courts, Senheng (physical stores)
Pre-orders typically open 2 weeks before official launch with early bird discounts (RM300-500 off), free accessories (TWS earbuds or gaming cooler), extended warranty (2 years), and 0% installment plans.
Final Thoughts – What to Expect from Vivo’s 2026 Malaysia Lineup
Overall Assessment:
Vivo’s 2026 Malaysia flagship lineup represents the company’s most ambitious push from our most powerful flagships collection to compete directly with Samsung and Apple in the premium segment. The combination of camera innovation (1-inch sensor, ZEISS APO optics), gaming prowess (7000mAh battery, 200W charging, 165Hz display), and aggressive pricing positions these phones as compelling alternatives to more expensive flagships.
What Makes These Launches Significant:
- Camera Leadership: Vivo X500 Pro+ aims to challenge Samsung S26 Ultra as the best camera phone from our camera phones of the year
- Gaming Innovation: iQOO 16 Ultra pushes boundaries with 200W charging and 7000mAh battery from our gaming phones of the year
- Value Proposition: RM1,000+ cheaper than Samsung/Apple flagships while offering competitive/superior specs from our value for money collection
- Technology Firsts: Leading in charging speeds (200W), battery capacity (7000mAh), camera sensors (1-inch)
Who Should Wait for These Phones:
- ✅ Photography Enthusiasts: Want best camera quality without paying S26 Ultra prices (X500 Pro+)
- ✅ Mobile Gamers: Need longest battery life and fastest charging in gaming flagship (iQOO 16 Ultra)
- ✅ Value Seekers: Want flagship specs at RM1,000+ less than Samsung/Apple alternatives
- ✅ Innovation Fans: Excited about cutting-edge charging speeds and camera technology
- ✅ ZEISS Optics Lovers: Appreciate professional lens quality in smartphone photography
Who Should Consider Alternatives:
- ❌ Samsung Ecosystem Users: Galaxy S26 Ultra better if you rely on DeX, Galaxy Watch, SmartThings
- ❌ Software Longevity Priority: Samsung offers 7 years updates vs vivo’s 3 years from our longest support guide
- ❌ S Pen Users: Galaxy S26 Ultra only flagship with integrated stylus
- ❌ Brand Reputation Matters: Samsung/Apple have stronger resale value and service networks in Malaysia
- ❌ iOS Preference: iPhone 17 Pro Max from our iPhone guide
Stay Updated: Follow gadgetspecs.my and vivo Malaysia official channels for official pricing announcements, pre-order details, hands-on reviews, and camera samples as launch dates approach. We’ll provide comprehensive reviews once devices are officially available in Malaysia.
