Vivo X300 Ultra & Max: Specs, Release Date & Samsung Galaxy S26 Rival

Vivo showcased both the X300 Ultra and, more subtly, the X300 Max at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona this week, a move largely interpreted as a direct response to the recent launch of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra. Whereas Vivo has not yet announced an official release date, the X300 Ultra is anticipated to arrive in China later this month, with a global launch expected later this year. The appearance of the X300 Max, previously known by model number V2548A, adds another layer to Vivo’s upcoming flagship lineup.

Beyond the Ultra: A First Look at the X300 Max

Recent leaks indicated Vivo was similarly developing the X300 Max, and now it appears the company quietly demonstrated the device at MWC 2026. Vivo initially described a “mysterious phone” on display at the event, linked to MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 chipset, as an existing model within the X300 series. Yet, tech tipster Roland Quandt clarified the situation, confirming the device photographed by Han Bo Xiao is indeed the V258A, which has already appeared in the 3C database with support for 90W wired charging.

The X300 Max distinguishes itself from the X300 and X300 Pro through a unique camera arrangement. While retaining Zeiss T* lenses, the Max features two cameras positioned on either side of the Zeiss branding, with a third camera located above them. It remains unclear whether a fourth camera is also included in the setup. Current rumors suggest the X300 Max will incorporate a 6.78-inch, 1440p OLED display with LTPO technology, and a substantial 7,000mAh battery.

Dimensity 9500 Powering the X300 Lineup

Notably, the X300 Max shares the same Dimensity 9500 chipset as the X300 and X300 Pro. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500 is a high-complete System on a Chip (SoC) designed for flagship smartphones, focusing on performance and efficiency. It utilizes an octa-core CPU configuration, combining Cortex-X4 prime cores for peak performance with Cortex-A720 and Cortex-A520 cores for balanced power consumption. The integrated Arm Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU delivers substantial graphics processing capabilities, supporting features like ray tracing and variable rate shading. The chipset also includes an integrated 5G modem, supporting both sub-6GHz and mmWave frequencies, and advanced AI processing capabilities through a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

Camera System: A Departure in Design

The camera system on the X300 Max represents a significant design shift. The arrangement of two cameras flanking the Zeiss logo, with a third positioned above, suggests a deliberate attempt to differentiate the Max from its siblings. While the specific capabilities of each camera remain unconfirmed, the leverage of Zeiss T* lenses indicates a commitment to optical quality. Zeiss T* coatings are renowned for minimizing reflections and maximizing light transmission, resulting in sharper images with improved contrast and reduced flare. The inclusion of a periscope lens, as rumored for the X300 Ultra, is also a possibility for the Max, enabling extended optical zoom ranges.

Battery Life and Display Technology

The rumored 7,000mAh battery capacity positions the X300 Max as a potential leader in battery endurance. Such a large capacity would likely provide all-day battery life even under heavy usage scenarios. Coupled with 90W wired charging, the device could potentially recharge from 0% to 100% in under an hour. The 6.78-inch, 1440p OLED display with LTPO technology promises a vibrant and responsive visual experience. LTPO (Low-Temperature Polycrystalline Oxide) technology allows for variable refresh rates, dynamically adjusting the display’s refresh rate from as low as 1Hz to 120Hz based on the content being displayed. This not only enhances smoothness but also conserves battery life by reducing power consumption when a high refresh rate isn’t necessary.

Positioning within the X300 Series

The X300 series appears to be structured with a clear hierarchy. The standard X300 serves as the base model, offering a balance of features and price. The X300 Pro steps up the experience with enhanced specifications, such as a more advanced camera system and faster charging. The X300 Ultra, and now the X300 Max, represent the pinnacle of Vivo’s smartphone technology, pushing the boundaries of imaging, performance, and display quality. The precise positioning of the Max relative to the Ultra remains to be seen, but the unique camera design and rumored specifications suggest it will cater to a specific niche within the high-end smartphone market.

The global launch of the Vivo X300 Ultra is anticipated later in 2026, and it will be engaging to spot if the X300 Max also receives a wider release. Further details regarding pricing and availability are expected to be announced in the coming months.