Technology

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Vivo has officially confirmed key specifications for its much-anticipated foldable smartphone, the Vivo X Fold 5, and the details are turning heads. The upcoming foldable flagship is set to pack a massive 6,000mAh battery—a significant upgrade over its predecessor—and will also include a periscope telephoto camera, marking a bold leap in foldable phone capabilities.

The announcement comes as foldable smartphones continue to grow in popularity, with users demanding better battery life and top-tier camera performance from devices that often carry premium price tags. Vivo appears to be taking that challenge head-on with the X Fold 5.

According to Vivo’s official teaser shared on Chinese social media platform Weibo, the phone will house a dual-cell battery design combining to deliver a total capacity of 6,000mAh. This is one of the largest battery capacities ever seen in a foldable device and could be a game changer for those who struggle with the relatively low battery endurance typically associated with foldable phones. In comparison, the Vivo X Fold 4 had a 5,500mAh battery.

Vivo also confirmed that the X Fold 5 will feature fast charging capabilities, though the exact wattage has not yet been disclosed. Expectations are high that it will support Vivo’s 80W wired fast charging and possibly 50W wireless charging, similar to what the brand already offers in its flagship slab phones.

What truly sets the Vivo X Fold 5 apart is its advanced camera setup, especially the inclusion of a periscope-style telephoto lens. This type of camera uses a sideways lens arrangement to offer significantly higher zoom levels without adding bulk to the device's profile—an innovation that’s increasingly becoming a hallmark of premium smartphones. While earlier Vivo foldables offered decent camera arrays, this addition will bring the X Fold 5 in line with camera-centric flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Huawei’s Mate X series.

Insiders suggest the periscope camera could deliver 5x or even 10x optical zoom, enhancing the foldable’s appeal to photography enthusiasts. Combined with AI-enhanced imaging software, this should offer substantial improvements in zoomed-in clarity, portrait mode depth, and night photography.

Beyond these confirmed specs, rumors continue to swirl about other features. The Vivo X Fold 5 is expected to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The device is likely to sport a 120Hz AMOLED inner display, an ultra-thin hinge for reduced crease visibility, and an improved build for durability.

The design, as seen in leaked renders, suggests a slimmer chassis and refined aesthetics compared to the X Fold 4, making it not only powerful but more pocket-friendly. Vivo has reportedly put a lot of effort into improving the hinge mechanism and display longevity, two of the most criticized areas in the foldable category.

Vivo is expected to officially launch the X Fold 5 in China in late July, with a global release likely to follow shortly after. The phone is poised to compete directly with upcoming models like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the Honor Magic V3.

With a substantial battery, enhanced optics, and flagship-grade internals, the Vivo X Fold 5 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling foldable devices of 2025.