Vivo S50 Series Set to Launch Next Month With Power-Packed Snapdragon Hardware

The Vivo S50 series, internally codenamed "Battle Angel", is reportedly set to launch in China next month, succeeding the Vivo S30 lineup that debuted in May 2025 with MediaTek Dimensity processors. According to leaks from tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo, the upcoming lineup will comprise the standard Vivo S50 and the compact Vivo S50 Pro Mini, aiming to deliver flagship-level experiences in a mid-range package through significant upgrades in processing power, imaging, and biometrics.

Originally tipped for a November debut, the series has been delayed to December, aligning with Vivo's strategy to compete in the year-end "flagship-killer" market alongside rivals like OnePlus and Xiaomi. The phones have already cleared China's SRRC radio certification, signalling imminent readiness, though Vivo has yet to provide official confirmation on timelines or features. This move reflects the brand's push to blend premium hardware with accessible pricing, building on the S30's success in balancing slim designs and versatile cameras.

At the heart of the S50 Pro Mini lies the unreleased Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 SoC, a 3 nm chip featuring a 3.8 GHz prime core, enhanced performance cores, and an advanced Adreno GPU for superior efficiency and graphics—marking a shift from the Dimensity 9300+ in its predecessor. The base Vivo S50, meanwhile, is expected to employ the Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chipset, offering robust mid-range capabilities with improved AI integration and thermal management. Both models will run Android 16-based OriginOS 6 out of the box, promising seamless multitasking and extended battery life.

Display-wise, the S50 sports a 6.59-inch flat OLED panel with 1.5K resolution and a 120 Hz refresh rate for vibrant visuals, while the Pro Mini opts for a more pocketable 6.31-inch variant with identical specs, emphasising Vivo's continued focus on compact flagships. Battery capacities are rumoured to exceed predecessors, with the Pro Mini potentially packing 6,000-6,500 mAh for all-day endurance, supported by faster 90 W or higher charging.

Camera enthusiasts will appreciate the series' imaging prowess, highlighted by a triple rear setup on both devices incorporating a Sony IMX882-class periscope telephoto lens for superior optical zoom—up to 3x or more—alongside a 50MP primary sensor and ultrawide unit, enabling professional-grade portraits and low-light shots. Selfies could benefit from a 50MP front-facing camera, enhancing the lineup's appeal for content creators.

Security features include an upgraded in-screen ultrasonic 3D fingerprint scanner, akin to the Vivo X300 series, for faster and more reliable unlocks compared to optical alternatives in the S30 models. These enhancements position the S50 as a versatile daily driver, with metal middle frames for premium build quality and IP-rated water resistance likely to carry over from prior iterations.

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As speculation mounts, global variants add intrigue: the S50 Pro Mini may rebrand as the Vivo X300 FE, following the S30 Pro Mini's path to international shelves, while the base S50 could align with the Vivo V70 series expected in Q1 2026. Priced competitively around CNY 3,000-4,000 (approximately $420-560), the duo aims to challenge segment leaders by prioritising performance without compromising on design or battery. With Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 poised to debut in devices like the OnePlus Ace 6 Turbo, Vivo's entry could set early benchmarks, though real-world testing will determine if these leaks translate to tangible leaps in the crowded mid-premium arena.

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