Vivo X Fold 5 Unveiled: A Game-Changer in Foldable Smartphones

In a significant advancement for the foldable smartphone market, Vivo has officially launched the Vivo X Fold 5, showcasing a series of notable upgrades that position it as a formidable competitor to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. This innovative device, first unveiled in China on June 26, 2025, boasts a remarkable IPX8 + IPX9 Plus water resistance rating and a substantial 6,000mAh battery, setting a new standard for performance and durability in the foldable category.

The Vivo X Fold 5 is designed with user experience in mind, prioritizing functional improvements over mere aesthetics. According to Vivo's Chief Product Officer, James Wu, "Our goal with the X Fold 5 was to enhance the utility of foldable devices while ensuring they remain robust against daily wear and tear, especially with its industry-leading water and dust resistance ratings." This phone is the first of its kind to achieve such high IP ratings, meaning it can withstand submersion in water and exposure to water jets.

The device features a dual-cell battery configuration, with one cell at 3,275mAh and the other at 2,725mAh, leveraging the latest Silicon-Carbon technology. This innovative battery design not only extends the phone's longevity but also ensures that it remains lightweight and compact. The X Fold 5 supports 80W wired and 40W wireless charging, a decrease from its predecessor but still competitive within the market.

The Vivo X Fold 5’s design maintains a familiar form factor, with dimensions of 9.2mm when folded and 4.3mm when unfolded, weighing in at 217 grams for the titanium variant. The device features a 6.53-inch cover display and an 8.03-inch inner display protected by second-generation Armour Glass, with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits and a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset powers the device, ensuring high-performance capabilities, particularly for gaming and multimedia applications.

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced camera system on the Vivo X Fold 5, which includes a trio of 50-megapixel sensors: the Sony IMX921 for wide-angle shots, the Sony IMX882 for 3x periscope telephoto shots, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide lens, all fine-tuned by ZEISS optics. This configuration is expected to deliver exceptional image quality, catering to both casual users and professional photographers.

The Vivo X Fold 5 is set to be available for pre-order starting at CNY 6,999 (approximately INR 83,670), with higher configurations reaching up to CNY 9,499 (approximately INR 1,13,550). General availability is anticipated on July 2, 2025, with plans for an international rollout likely following the device's success in the Chinese market.

The emergence of the Vivo X Fold 5 underscores a growing trend in the foldable smartphone sector, as manufacturers strive to balance innovation with practicality. Experts from the industry have remarked on the increasing competition between Vivo and Samsung, noting that the introduction of features such as enhanced water resistance and battery life could influence consumer preferences significantly. Dr. Emily Chen, a Senior Analyst at IDC, stated, "Vivo’s focus on durability and battery technology might set a benchmark that others will follow. The foldable market is evolving rapidly, and consumers are becoming more discerning about the features they value."

In conclusion, the Vivo X Fold 5 not only raises the bar for foldable smartphones but also exemplifies a shift towards more durable and functional designs in the tech industry. As it prepares to challenge Samsung's dominance in this space, it will be interesting to observe how consumers respond to these advancements and what implications they may have for future smartphone innovations.