4.7 out of 5 Ratings
Price: $1,480.80 on AliExpress
Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Review (Price & Specs)
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is Xiaomi’s flagship smartphone for 2025, positioned as a photography powerhouse with Leica-tuned cameras, premium build quality, and top-tier performance. Launched in China on February 27, 2025, and globally (including Europe and India) on March 3, 2025, at MWC Barcelona, it’s designed for users who prioritize mobile photography without compromises. Priced starting at around $900/₹78,000 for the base model in China (up to $1,600/₹1,10,000 for higher configs globally), it’s a direct rival to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max. As of October 2025, it’s widely available, with recent deals dropping prices (e.g., £899 in the UK) and strong user buzz around its camera capabilities.
Key Specifications
Here’s a breakdown of the standout specs, with notes on global vs. Chinese variants where relevant:
Price: $1,480.80 on AliExpress
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.73-inch WQHD+ (3200 x 1440) LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 3,200 nits peak brightness, HDR10+/Dolby Vision, Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0, 1920Hz PWM dimming. Excellent for outdoor visibility and smooth scrolling. |
| Processor & Memory | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, up to 1TB UFS 4.1 storage. Delivers blistering performance in gaming and multitasking, with efficient power use. |
| Battery | 5,410mAh (global; 6,000mAh in China), 90W wired HyperCharge (full in ~30 mins), 80W wireless. Solid endurance (up to 1.5 days moderate use), though some users report needing two charges daily without optimization. |
| Cameras (Rear) | Quad Leica setup: 50MP Sony LYT-900 1-inch main (f/1.63, OIS), 50MP Samsung ultra-wide (f/2.2, 115° FOV), 50MP 3x telephoto (f/1.8, OIS), 200MP periscope 4.3x telephoto (f/2.6, OIS, up to 120x digital zoom). Supports Leica Vibrant/Autentic styles, AI enhancements. |
| Cameras (Front) | 32MP (f/2.0), 4K/60fps video, HDR. |
| Build & Durability | IP68 water/dust resistance, ultrasonic in-display fingerprint, aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass 7i on camera module. Dimensions: 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.4mm, 226-229g. Eye-catching Silver Chrome or Black finishes. |
| Software | Android 15 with HyperOS 2 (4 years OS updates). AI features like Gemini integration, Circle to Search, interpreter tools; smooth but some bloatware complaints. |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, IR blaster, USB-C 3.2. Super Antenna Array for strong signals. |
| Audio & Haptics | Dual stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), X-axis linear motor. Haptics are among the best, but speakers are a step down from the 14 Ultra. |
| Extras | Optional Photography Kit (shutter button, grip, extra battery; ~$130/₹12,000 bundled in India). No expandable storage or charger in box. |
Performance and Features
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the 15 Ultra handles intensive tasks like 4K video editing or ray-traced gaming (e.g., Genshin Impact at max settings) without throttling much, thanks to a 5,100mm² vapor chamber cooling system. Benchmarks show it edging out competitors in multi-core Geekbench scores (~7,500). Battery life is reliable for a full day of heavy use, with adaptive modes extending it further. HyperOS 2 shines in customization (e.g., always-on display tweaks) and AI productivity tools, but some features require internet and feel less polished than Samsung’s One UI.
The real star is the camera system. The 1-inch main sensor captures exceptional low-light detail and dynamic range, while the 200MP periscope telephoto enables jaw-dropping zooms—users have snapped clear shots of Mt. Everest from 450km away. DXOMARK rates it highest for zoom quality, outperforming the Galaxy S25 Ultra in telephoto versatility. However, video stabilization lags behind rivals, and low-light highlight handling can overexpose. Object/product photography is a delight with telemacro modes, as shared by photographers on X.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched zoom and photography versatility—ideal for enthusiasts.
- Premium, durable design with top-notch haptics and display.
- Blazing-fast charging and strong overall performance.
- Value-packed at current deals (e.g., price cuts in August 2025).
Cons:
- Heavier and thicker than slimmer flagships like the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
- Software bugs and slower updates reported by early users.
- Camera processing inconsistencies in night shots and video.
- Not officially sold in the US/Australia; import risks apply.
User and Expert Reception
Reviews praise it as a “beast from the east” for creators, with CNET calling it a “photography champion” after European testing, and The Verge highlighting the “insane” periscope lens. On X, users rave about real-world feats like distant mountain captures and cafe/product shots, often claiming it beats the iPhone 17 Pro Max in detail retention. However, some note battery tweaks needed for all-day use and wish for better offline AI. Sales crushed rivals in China, but global adoption is strong in Europe/India. If you’re into mobile photography, this is a must-try—pair it with the kit for a DSLR-like experience.
Price: $1,480.80 on AliExpress
