Vivo X Fold5: Southeast Asia’s Slimmest and Lightest Foldabl

Foldable smartphones have been the talk of the tech world for years, yet the category has remained a niche segment — expensive, exclusive, and often seen as experimental. But things are about to change. This August, vivo is set to bring its first foldable smartphone to Southeast Asia, and the Philippines will be among the first countries in the region to welcome it. The device? The vivo X Fold5 — a flagship foldable that blends cutting-edge design, premium build quality, and powerful performance in a remarkably slim and lightweight package.

The launch of the X Fold5 is more than just another smartphone release. It marks vivo’s bold entry into the foldable race in a market that’s hungry for innovation but still cautious about durability, portability, and pricing. From its advanced hinge engineering to its triple water-resistance rating, the vivo X Fold5 is designed to address the common concerns that have held many people back from trying foldable phones.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore everything we know about the X Fold5 so far — from its ultra-slim profile and innovative hinge design to its durability, battery technology, camera capabilities, and potential market impact.

A New Chapter for Foldables in Southeast Asia

Foldable phones have been around for a few years now, but adoption has been slower in Southeast Asia compared to other parts of the world. Price, durability fears, and limited availability have played a big role in this. vivo’s decision to launch the X Fold5 in the Philippines signals a strong push to make foldables more mainstream in the region.

Unlike early foldable models, which were bulky and heavy, the X Fold5 comes with a sleek form factor and a lightweight build that aims to make it as practical as it is futuristic.

Slimmest and Lightest in Its Class

One of the standout achievements of the vivo X Fold5 is its engineering. At just 217 grams in weight and 4.3 millimeters thick when unfolded, it is the slimmest and lightest foldable smartphone vivo has ever made.

Why does this matter? Foldables are often criticized for being heavier and thicker than traditional smartphones. This makes them less comfortable for daily use, especially when carried in pockets or held for long periods. vivo seems to have taken that criticism to heart, delivering a device that feels less like a tech prototype and more like a polished everyday companion.

The ultra-thin profile doesn’t just look good — it also contributes to better handling. Users will find it easier to grip, unfold, and carry without feeling weighed down.

Revolutionary Second-Generation Armor Architecture Hinge

The hinge is the heart of any foldable phone. In the past, fragile or clunky hinges have been a major weakness for the category. vivo’s second-generation Armor Architecture hinge is designed to change that.

This hinge uses carbon fiber components, which are both lightweight and incredibly strong, reducing overall weight while boosting resilience. More importantly, the hinge is engineered to reduce screen stress and minimize visible creases — one of the biggest aesthetic complaints about foldables.

vivo claims that the hinge is 47.3% tougher than its predecessor, promising longer-lasting performance even under heavy use. The smooth folding mechanism is designed to withstand hundreds of thousands of folds without loosening or squeaking.

Durability That Inspires Confidence

When it comes to foldables, durability concerns often overshadow the excitement. vivo is addressing this head-on with impressive protection ratings.

The X Fold5 boasts:

• IPX8 water resistance – Protection against submersion in water.
• IPX9 and IPX9+ high-pressure water resistance – Able to withstand high-pressure water jets without damage.
• IP5X dust resistance – Protection against harmful dust particles.

These ratings make the X Fold5 one of the most water- and dust-resistant foldables on the market.

The device has also passed a 600,000-fold test, meaning it can survive years of daily opening and closing without hinge failure. Plus, it’s capable of operating in extreme temperatures as low as -20°C, making it a reliable travel companion in both tropical and cold environments.

All-Day Power with Advanced Battery Technology

Inside the slim chassis is a 6000mAh BlueVolt battery, which is larger than many foldables offer. But vivo didn’t just go for capacity — they integrated silicon anode and semi-solid battery technologies to make sure the battery remains slim without sacrificing performance.

The result is all-day usage even with heavy multitasking, gaming, or camera use. Fast charging is expected to be supported, though vivo has yet to officially confirm the wattage for wired and wireless charging.

With the BlueVolt tech, users can expect better energy density, longer battery health, and faster charging cycles — all critical for a device that will likely be used in both tablet and phone modes throughout the day.

ZEISS Co-Engineered Camera System

vivo has a strong track record in smartphone photography, and for the X Fold5, they’re stepping it up by partnering with ZEISS optics. This collaboration has resulted in a 50MP super telephoto lens that promises professional-grade photography.

While the full camera setup has not yet been disclosed, we can expect:

• High-resolution sensors for crisp detail.
• ZEISS T lens coating* to reduce glare and ghosting.
• Advanced image processing for low-light photography.
• Versatile shooting modes for both folded and unfolded states.

This camera setup isn’t just about numbers — it’s about delivering real, usable improvements for creators, travelers, and everyday users who want flagship-level image quality.

Foldable Functionality Meets Flagship Performance

While vivo hasn’t confirmed the full chipset and RAM configuration yet, the X Fold5 is expected to carry top-tier hardware. This means users can expect smooth multitasking, console-quality gaming performance, and fast app switching between folded and unfolded modes.

Foldable phones excel in multitasking thanks to their split-screen and multi-window features, and with vivo’s software optimizations, the X Fold5 is likely to offer desktop-like productivity in your pocket.

Why This Launch Matters for the Market

The arrival of the vivo X Fold5 in the Philippines could be a tipping point for foldable adoption in Southeast Asia.

Here’s why:

• Affordability Potential – vivo is known for pricing its devices competitively compared to Samsung and Huawei.
• Durability Promise – High water/dust resistance plus extreme temperature resilience could ease consumer fears.
• Slim, Everyday Design – Lightweight build makes it appealing for daily use, not just tech enthusiasts.
• Mainstream Push – vivo has strong offline and online distribution channels in the Philippines, which means more people will actually see and try the phone in stores.

Potential Challenges Ahead

Despite its strengths, the X Fold5 will still face some challenges:

1. Price Sensitivity – Foldables are still significantly more expensive than traditional flagship phones.
2. App Optimization – Not all apps take full advantage of foldable displays.
3. Consumer Trust – Foldables still have a “fragile” reputation, and vivo will need to work hard to convince skeptics.

However, if vivo can address these points with strong marketing, competitive pricing, and solid after-sales service, the X Fold5 could become one of the most popular foldables in the region.

Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer in the Making?

The vivo X Fold5 isn’t just another foldable — it’s a statement that thin, light, durable, and practical foldables are possible. With its innovative hinge design, robust durability ratings, long-lasting battery, and ZEISS camera system, it’s poised to attract both tech enthusiasts and everyday users.

We’ll know more about pricing, exact specs, and availability closer to launch, but one thing is clear: the foldable market in Southeast Asia is about to get a major shake-up.

Key Takeaways:

• Launch Date: August 2025 (Philippines first in Southeast Asia)
• Weight & Thickness: 217g, 4.3mm when unfolded
• Hinge: Second-generation Armor Architecture with carbon fiber
• Durability: IPX8/IPX9/IPX9+, IP5X, 600,000 folds, -20°C operation
• Battery: 6000mAh BlueVolt with silicon anode & semi-solid tech
• Camera: ZEISS co-engineered with 50MP super telephoto lens
• Goal: Mainstream foldable adoption in Southeast Asia

If vivo gets the formula right, the X Fold5 could be remembered as the device that finally brought foldables into the hands of everyday consumers — sleek, strong, and ready for real life.