Vivo is set to launch the Vivo S50 Pro Mini, a compact premium smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset. The device recently surfaced in benchmarks, achieving an impressive score of around 3 million points on AnTuTu v10, suggesting flagship-level performance in a small form factor.
The confirmation came from Vivo executive Han Bo Xiao via Weibo, who revealed that the S50 Pro Mini will feature high-end hardware comparable to the Vivo X300 and X200 Ultra series. It will be equipped with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring top-tier speed and responsiveness alongside the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor.
High Benchmark Scores Highlight Powerful Performance
The benchmark score of roughly 3 million points on AnTuTu v10 is notably higher than previous mid-premium Vivo devices. For instance, the Vivo X200 Ultra scored about 2.9 million points, while the X200 Pro Mini with a Dimensity 9400 Plus chipset scored around 2.4 million. This significant leap marks a generational improvement rather than a simple incremental upgrade.
Such a high benchmark score confirms that the “Mini” label refers only to the phone’s physical size, not its capabilities. This makes the S50 Pro Mini a compelling choice for users who demand flagship power but prefer a smaller, more manageable device.
Premium Camera Setup in a Compact Body
Vivo has also focused on photography by incorporating a 50 MP main sensor and a 50 MP periscope telephoto lens. This setup is uncommon for compact phones and offers superior optical zoom without sacrificing image quality. The camera system aims to compete with larger flagships that emphasize professional-grade photography.
This combination of high-performance internals and flagship camera features positions the S50 Pro Mini as a pioneer in the compact premium smartphone segment. It could set new benchmarks for what smaller phones can offer in terms of photography and overall performance.
Competition and Market Context
The Vivo S50 Pro Mini’s entry intensifies competition in the compact flagship category. Honor is reportedly developing a similar device called the Magic8 Mini. However, Vivo’s lead with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 chipset and advanced camera array gives it a strong advantage.
Qualcomm plans to officially unveil the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 on November 26, 2025, targeting the Chinese market initially. Vivo joins other early adopters such as OnePlus, which hinted at the Ace 6T model featuring this chip. The presence of this chipset in a compact device reinforces the trend of packing maximum power into smaller designs.
Thermal and Sustained Performance Considerations
While the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 offers outstanding peak performance, smaller phones face challenges with heat dissipation. Compact systems typically have less effective cooling solutions compared to larger “Ultra” models. This means that real-world sustained performance, especially under graphic-intensive gaming, might not fully match benchmark scores.
Nonetheless, the S50 Pro Mini’s release signals a positive move for consumers seeking powerful, pocket-friendly phones. The phone exemplifies a shift toward high-end specs without the bulk commonly associated with flagship devices.
Summary of Key Specifications:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5
- RAM: LPDDR5X
- Storage: UFS 4.1
- Main Camera: 50 MP sensor
- Telephoto Camera: 50 MP periscope lens
- AnTuTu Score: ~3,000,000 points
Vivo’s S50 Pro Mini is poised to redefine expectations for compact smartphones. It blends top-tier performance, advanced camera technology, and a premium design into a smaller package. Upcoming official releases and real-world testing will provide a clearer picture of its overall impact on the premium compact phone market.
