NAIROBI, Kenya, July 10 – Smartphone maker vivo has opened pre-orders for its latest Y Series device, the Y500, as it seeks to attract Kenyan consumers with a handset featuring what it says is its largest smartphone battery to date and enhanced privacy features.
The company said the Y500 will officially launch later this month, with a World Cup-themed pre-order campaign beginning on July 13.
The handset comes with an 8,100mAh BlueVolt battery, which vivo says is the largest battery it has fitted in a smartphone. The company is targeting users looking for longer battery life for activities such as streaming, gaming, browsing and work.
The Y500 also features a 1.5K AMOLED display, offering higher resolution, brighter colours and improved outdoor visibility.
Beyond hardware upgrades, vivo says the device will introduce new privacy features aimed at giving users greater control over their personal information stored on the phone. The company did not disclose details but said more information will be unveiled during the official launch.
The smartphone is also equipped with IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance ratings, designed to improve durability under harsh conditions.
To drive early sales, vivo has tied the pre-order campaign to football, with customers who reserve the handset from July 13 eligible for promotional offers and football-themed prizes.
The Y500 joins a growing list of smartphones entering the Kenyan market with larger batteries and enhanced durability as manufacturers compete for consumers seeking longer battery life and improved performance without moving into the premium price segment.
The company is expected to announce the phone’s retail price and full specifications during its official launch later this month.
