Vivo X Fold 5: Premium Foldable Smartphone with Apple Watch Support

Vivo has officially unveiled the X Fold 5 in China, a premium foldable smartphone that showcases significant hardware enhancements and remarkable cross-platform capabilities, including compatibility with Apple Watch.

Display and Design

The X Fold 5 features an impressive 8.03-inch 2K+ LTPO inner display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. Complementing this is a 6.53-inch Full HD+ cover display, also equipped with LTPO technology, ensuring a consistent 120Hz refresh rate and identical peak brightness, whether the device is folded or open. Despite its large display and a robust 6,000mAh battery, the smartphone maintains a lightweight design at just 217 grams, measuring an astoundingly slim 9.2mm when closed.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the same found in the X Fold3 Pro, the device can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM. It boasts advanced thermal management, featuring a 20,762mm² vapour chamber and a graphite cooling system.

Connectivity and Durability

A standout feature of the X Fold 5 is its emphasis on connectivity and durability. It employs a unique hinge antenna designed to optimise internal space while ensuring strong network performance, even when folded. Vivo’s dual-screen enhanced antenna technology increases signal strength by 36% in folded mode, further enhanced by collaborative joint signal tuning with Qualcomm.

This foldable model holds IPX8, IPX9, and IPX9+ ratings for water resistance, enabling it to endure high-pressure jets and hot water. It is the first smartphone in the foldable category to achieve IP5X dust protection and can function in conditions as cold as -20°C due to its antifreeze technology.

Camera Features

On the camera front, the X Fold 5 is equipped with three 50MP rear cameras, including a Sony IMX921 main sensor with optical image stabilisation (OIS), a 3x telephoto lens using Sony’s IMX882, and a 50MP ultra-wide lens. Both screens of the device also host 20MP selfie cameras.

Multitasking and Integration

Vivo has introduced a new multitasking feature named “Atomic Workbench”, allowing the user to operate up to five applications simultaneously. The software experience further enhances the device’s functionality with impressive levels of integration within the Apple ecosystem. The X Fold 5 is the first Android smartphone to facilitate connectivity with Apple Watch, enabling users to receive calls, read messages, and sync health data through the Vivo Health app. Additionally, it supports seamless file access from Mac devices, functions as an extended Mac display, and enables direct hotspot connections with iPhone as well as pairing with AirPods. Users can manage iPhone calls, messages, and notifications straight from the foldable without the need to switch devices.

Battery and Charging

The device houses a 6,000mAh battery, supporting 80W wired and 40W wireless charging capabilities.

Availability and Pricing

The Vivo X Fold 5 is offered in Green Pine, White, and Titanium colours. The pricing in China is as follows:

• 12GB + 256GB: ¥6,999 (~₹83,590)
• 12GB + 512GB: ¥7,999 (~₹95,550)
• 16GB + 512GB: ¥8,499 (~₹1,01,500)
• 16GB + 1TB: ¥9,499 (~₹1,13,450)

Pre-orders are currently open, with sales set to commence from July 2 in China. There is yet to be any official announcement regarding international availability.