Vivo has officially unveiled its latest compact flagship smartphone, the S50 Pro Mini, in China. Following weeks of speculation, the device confirms its position as a premium offering that packs top-tier specifications into a smaller form factor, challenging the notion that "mini" models must compromise on power or features. This launch marks a significant update to Vivo's S series, bringing a new design language and the latest silicon from Qualcomm to consumers seeking a high-performance device in a more manageable size.
Design and Display: A Modern, Durable Compact
The Vivo S50 Pro Mini introduces a substantial design overhaul, moving away from its predecessor's aesthetic. It now features a prominent horizontal camera bar on the rear, reminiscent of recent designs like the iPhone Air, set upon a raised module. The chassis combines a flat glass back with aerospace-grade metal frames, resulting in a device that is 8.1mm thick and weighs approximately 192 grams. Durability is a key focus, with the phone boasting both IP68 and IP69 ratings for robust water and dust resistance. On the front, the phone sports a 6.31-inch flat LTPO AMOLED display with a 1.5K resolution (2640 x 1216 pixels) and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. The panel is impressively bright, capable of reaching 5000 nits peak brightness, and incorporates eye-care features like 4320Hz PWM dimming. An ultrasonic in-display fingerprint scanner provides secure and fast authentication.
Key Specifications of the Vivo S50 Pro Mini
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.31-inch Flat LTPO AMOLED, 1.5K (2640x1216), 120Hz, 5000 nits peak |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 |
| RAM/Storage | Up to 16GB LPDDR5X / Up to 1TB UFS 4.1 |
| Rear Camera | 50MP Main (OIS) + 50MP Periscope Telephoto (3x Zoom, OIS) + 8MP Ultra-wide |
| Front Camera | 50MP |
| Battery & Charging | 6,500mAh, 90W wired, 40W wireless |
| Durability | IP68 & IP69 rated |
| OS | OriginOS 6 (based on Android 16) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Other Features | Ultrasonic fingerprint, X-axis linear motor, Stereo speakers |
| Dimensions/Weight | 8.1mm thick, ~192g |
Performance and Hardware: No Compromises in a Small Package
Defying its "Mini" moniker, the S50 Pro Mini is equipped with Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, representing a generational leap from the Dimensity 9300+ found in the previous model. This chipset is paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X Ultra RAM and up to 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage in the top configuration, ensuring flagship-level performance for demanding applications and multitasking. Perhaps most surprising is the inclusion of a substantial 6,500mAh battery, which is exceptionally large for a device of this size. It supports 90W wired fast charging and 40W wireless fast charging. The device rounds out its feature set with stereo dual speakers, an X-axis linear motor for precise haptic feedback, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and it ships with the Android 16-based OriginOS 6.
Camera System: Versatile Imaging Capabilities
Vivo has equipped the S50 Pro Mini with a versatile triple-camera array that appears to carry over capable sensors from earlier models. The main camera is a 50MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a bright f/1.57 aperture. It is joined by a 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens, offering 3x optical zoom with OIS, which is a premium feature for a compact phone. Completing the rear setup is an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens with a 110-degree field of view and autofocus. For selfies and video calls, a 50MP front-facing camera is housed within a punch-hole cutout on the display.
Pricing, Availability, and Global Prospects
The Vivo S50 Pro Mini is available in China in three color options: Confession White, Inspiration Purple, and Deep Space Black. It comes in multiple storage configurations with the following pricing: the 12GB + 256GB model is priced at CNY 3,699 (approximately USD 524), the 12GB + 512GB variant costs CNY 3,999 (approximately USD 567), and the top-tier 16GB + 1TB model is set at CNY 4,299 (approximately USD 609). The device is available for purchase through Vivo's official channels in China. While a global launch date has not been officially announced, industry rumors suggest the device may be rebranded as the Vivo X300 FE for international markets.