Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Expert Review

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a flagship smartphone that stands out primarily as a photography powerhouse, combining cutting-edge hardware with a refined design and robust performance. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which delivers fast, lag-free operation and excels in gaming performance, handling demanding titles smoothly at high frame rates.

The device runs on Xiaomi's HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15, offering smooth animations and a range of AI features, although some users find these AI tools less impressive and somewhat reliant on internet connectivity.

Design and Build

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a distinctive design that sets it apart from its predecessor and many competitors. It has a large, slightly curved 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a 3200 x 1440 resolution and a variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, delivering sharp, vibrant visuals with peak brightness up to 3200 nits.

The phone is relatively hefty and thick, weighing around 226-229 grams, which contributes to a premium feel but may affect comfort during extended use. The large camera module on the back makes the phone top-heavy and somewhat cumbersome to pocket or use with some wireless chargers. The finish options include a striking two-tone silver chrome with faux leather and a black version with red accents, reflecting its Leica partnership.

Camera System

The camera system is a major highlight, developed in partnership with Leica. The MI 15 Ultra features a quad-camera setup:

• 50MP main sensor (1-inch, OIS, Leica optics)
• 200MP ultra-telephoto sensor (1/1.4-inch, OIS)
• 50MP ultra-wide sensor
• 50MP ultra floating telephoto sensor

This setup delivers exceptional image quality, with advanced features like laser autofocus, a color spectrum sensor, and a 67mm filter ring holder (optional). The cameras support 8K video at 30fps, 4K video at up to 120fps, and Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit recording. The front camera is a 32MP sensor with 4K video capabilities.

Performance and Battery

Under the hood, the Xiaomi MI 15 Ultra boasts top-tier specifications with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, ensuring quick app launches and smooth multitasking. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chip not only powers gaming and daily tasks efficiently but also supports enhanced AI processing.

The phone includes an advanced cooling system (IceLoop vapor chamber) that keeps temperatures manageable during heavy use. Battery life is solid, often lasting up to two days with moderate use, and charging is fast and reliable. However, battery management under intense gaming could be improved, as noted with some percentage drops during extended sessions.

Software and AI Features

Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0 introduces various AI tools such as generative text creation, voice-to-text transcription, and image editing enhancements. While these features are functional, they do not significantly distinguish the phone from competitors and sometimes require an internet connection to operate. The software experience includes some bloatware and overengineered apps, which may detract from the overall user experience for some.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Price

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra price varies by region and configuration:

Starting at $1,289 internationally for the base model. Pricing is expected to align with global flagship levels, with local tariffs affecting the final price.

Overall Impression

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a compelling choice for users prioritizing camera quality and raw performance. It offers a premium build, an outstanding display, and one of the best camera systems currently available on the market. While its AI features and software experience may not be groundbreaking, and its weight and size might not suit everyone, the phone’s photographic capabilities, smooth performance, and solid battery life make it a top-tier flagship.

Pros:

• Stunning 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and 3200 nits brightness
• Leica-powered quad-camera system with 8K video and advanced photography features
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for flagship performance
• Long-lasting 5410mAh battery with 90W wired and 80W wireless charging
• Premium build with IP68 rating and advanced cooling

Cons:

• Premium price point
• No expandable storage
• Large and heavy for some users

It competes well against other high-end smartphones but comes at a premium price, which may lead some buyers to consider alternatives like the OPPO Find X6 Pro or OnePlus 13 for a better value proposition.

In summary, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is best described as a powerful, camera-centric flagship with excellent hardware and performance, a sophisticated design, and a few minor software and ergonomic trade-offs. It is ideal for photography enthusiasts and power users who want a device that excels in imaging and gaming alike.