Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra Detailed Review

Xiaomi's newest flagship phones don't offer many innovations, but the quad-lens camera on the Ultra model stands out. While Xiaomi's new 15 and 15 Ultra flagship models offer incremental improvements over previous versions, they are highly competitive smartphones . The Xiaomi 15 is an elegant and compact device that can compete with the iPhone 16 or Pixel 9, but the Xiaomi 15 Ultra possesses desirable qualities for photographers. Both models deliver balanced performance with superior hardware specifications, while the HyperOS software adapts to market trends thanks to improved AI integration.

There are areas for improvement. Unwanted pre-installed apps on expensive smartphones create an unacceptable impression. The Xiaomi 15's design is extremely ordinary and has the same features as the Xiaomi 14 introduced last year. The lack of Qi2 support is disappointing, as Android users will need magnetic accessories.

Elegant and Functional

It's common for the newest phone model to be indistinguishable from its predecessor ( Samsung and Apple are examples). However, the Xiaomi 15 is almost identical. The color options are similar, available in black, white, and green. It has garnered positive reviews for its design. The phone has a compact structure that allows for easy one-handed use, a matte surface that resists fingerprints, and slightly rounded corners, all of which enhance grip comfort.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a completely different model, with its massive rear camera being the standout feature. The weight distribution is concentrated at the top. As we observed in our experience with the 14 Ultra, a case is necessary to protect the large module. It occasionally gets stuck when carried in a pocket, and the protrusion prevents the phone from standing upright, making the use of wireless chargers difficult. However, this is acceptable for photography enthusiasts.

Xiaomi has enhanced the exterior design of the 15 Ultra, highlighting its camera capabilities and collaboration with Leica, with a two-tone silver chrome finish and a faux black leather look. Furthermore, a black color option with red accents around the camera module is also available. Both the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra are IP68 water-resistant, featuring Xiaomi Shield Glass protection, while the Ultra model is equipped with enhanced Shield Glass 2.0.

The Xiaomi 15 features a 6.36-inch flat AMOLED display with a resolution of 3670 × 1200 pixels, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts a 6.73-inch display with a resolution of 3200 × 1440 pixels and slightly curved edges. Both models offer smooth scrolling and energy efficiency thanks to variable refresh rates from 1 to 120 Hz. The Xiaomi 15 reaches a maximum brightness of 3200 nits and supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+. A slight increase in brightness is observed compared to models introduced last year, and the screens stand out with their sharp, vibrant, and rich colors. The sound quality from the stereo speakers is also above average.

Like most current flagship phones, the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The standard model offers 12GB of RAM with 256GB or 512GB of fast storage (UFS 4.0), while the Ultra model features 16GB of RAM and 512GB or 1TB of faster storage (UFS 4.1). Both models performed well after watching videos, browsing the internet, and playing various games. While the flagship phones run quickly and smoothly when switching between apps or playing demanding games, the Ultra model is slightly more capable, but this doesn't make a difference in usage outside of the camera application.

Battery capacity has been increased. The Xiaomi 15's battery has been upgraded from 4,610 mAh to 5,240 mAh, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's battery has been increased from 5,000 mAh to 5,410 mAh. After taking photos, browsing the internet, and playing games in Edinburgh, Scotland, the 15 Ultra still had over 30% power remaining on its battery. A 20-minute session of the game Lichtspeer consumed 4% of the Ultra's battery. A full charge provides enough power for two days of light use on both models.

The included USB-C cable, when used with a Hypercharge (Xiaomi's proprietary charging standard) compatible charger, provides up to 90% charge. The battery is fully charged in less than an hour. The 15 Ultra supports wireless charging at 80% power with a Xiaomi wireless charger, while the Xiaomi 15 reaches 50% power with wireless charging. Both models tend to heat up during high-speed charging. Fast charging is also possible with other chargers thanks to support for QC 3+, PD 3.0, and Qi charging standards.

The lack of Qi2 support necessitates the use of magnetic accessories instead of fast charging, which is disappointing. Having magnetic accessories for perfect charging alignment is extremely useful and provides a significant advantage in overcoming the challenges of placing the 15 Ultra on wireless chargers.

Amazing Photo Experience

While the Xiaomi 15 Ultra delivers superior performance in the camera field, the Xiaomi 15 also boasts impressive features. The Xiaomi 15 is equipped with a triple-lens camera system with a 50-megapixel resolution. The 1/1.31-inch wide sensor and f/1.62 aperture used in the main camera provide adequate performance in low-light conditions. The telephoto lens zooms in on distant objects and delivers successful results in macro photography. The ultrawide lens is a preferred option for landscape photography. The camera, tuned by Leica, offers natural or vibrant color options; users can choose from a wide range of filters and settings. Most users report that the standard Xiaomi 15 camera provides sufficient performance.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra produces impressive photos in any condition with its quad-lens camera system. The main camera takes 50-megapixel shots using an f/1.63 aperture and a 1-inch sensor. Maximum performance is achieved in low light conditions. There's a 50-megapixel floating telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens. The main upgrade is a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens offering 4.3x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom. This system provides a wide focal length range from 14mm to 200mm.

Compared to last year's top-performing 14 Ultra camera, the 15 Ultra's camera system shows some differences. The lack of variable aperture on the main lens is a notable drawback. Xiaomi states that similar exposure effects can be achieved through software optimization and algorithm updates. While the wide aperture and sensor allow for sufficient light intake, users have limited control over exposure. The reduction in optical zoom from 5x to 4.3x, supported by a 200-megapixel upgrade, paves the way for increased digital zoom quality and a wider image area.

The 15 Ultra's camera delivers impressive landscape, portrait, and night shots. The ultrawide lens produces soft and warm tones, while the four lenses work in harmony. Detailed settings offer a wide range of options. The Photo Kit complements the traditional camera controls in red and black tones, along with a case and grip containing an extra battery. Despite its high cost, the product remains in demand. The front camera offers sufficient performance for selfies at 32 megapixels. It produces a pleasing bokeh effect as an alternative to the main camera. Video recording can be done in 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps.

Hyper Al

Xiaomi HyperOS 2, based on Android 15, offers a variety of new AI features. Functions such as transcription, translation, summarization, and spelling suggestions are performed with AI support. Photo editing tools allow for the removal of unwanted interventions, elimination of reflections, and the application of various enhancement options. To utilize these features, you must log in with your Xiaomi account.

When photo editing features were tested, the photo enlargement option did not yield the expected results, while the reflection removal and eraser options were found to be useful. AI-powered camera functions have become widespread. Although the transcription function provides satisfactory results, it works slower and more inaccurately when compared to Google's Recorder app on Pixel devices. While spell-checking suggestions offer successful results, the fact that only one suggestion is offered in response to a question does not meet expectations. Google Gemini, on the other hand, offers a full range of options for the same question.

HyperOS is constantly being improved. Notifications are accessed from the top left corner, and quick settings are accessed by swiping right. The lack of icon labeling creates a lack of clarity. The app drawer or traditional layout can be preferred; most elements are customizable.

There is a surplus of pre-installed, unnecessary applications. While apps like Facebook can be uninstalled, Xiaomi's ad-laden App Mall, Mi Browser, and some other apps cannot be removed. Xiaomi states that both models will receive four Android version updates and six years of security patches. While this is somewhat insufficient compared to what Google, Samsung, and Honor offer, it represents a positive step forward.

The Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra offer superior performance. Those using the Xiaomi 14 or Xiaomi 13 Ultra won't need to upgrade many features. If you choose the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, alternative options include the stylish Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra , the Honor Magic 7 Pro (which offers a triple-lens camera and retains variable aperture on the main camera), and the soon-to-be-released Oppo Find X8 Ultra.

Xiaomi 15 Northern Cyprus Prices

The Xiaomi 15 is available in the European market for €999. The Xiaomi Ultra is priced at €1499. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photo Kit can be purchased for an additional €199. Prices for the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Ultra in Cyprus have not yet been finalized. They will be available on our website once prices are confirmed.