APRIL 15, 2025
Thanks for clicking in. I’ve now had my hands on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for a month and want to share my thoughts and experiences.
Holding the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, you immediately feel the premium build. The ceramic back is incredibly smooth, and the metal frame adds a sense of robust durability. That camera bump is substantial, yes, but it provides a natural resting place for your fingers, improving grip.
The flat front and back, with those subtle curves at the display edges, make swipe gestures effortless. The buttons are tactile, the ports are well placed. The overall fit and finish is impeccable. While it's a bit heavier than some, that weight reinforces the premium feel.
It feels like a professional camera, and a smart phone all in one.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra in white
The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display is a visual treat. Xiaomi claims a 12-bit panel with 68 billion colors, but even without specialized testing, the colors are rich and the blacks are deep. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures everything is buttery smooth.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, this phone breezes through any task. Benchmark scores are top-tier. Comparing it to the Samsung S25 Ultra's 8-bit panel and the OPPO Find X8 Pro's 10-bit panel, the Xiaomi holds its own. Gaming, video editing, multitasking – it handles it all without breaking a sweat.
The best phone of the year?
HyperOS 2 on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a highly customizable experience. I’m a sucker for an attractive UI, and Xiaomi delivers. The dynamic icons, like the weather icon showing the current temperature, are a welcome touch. Unlike the static icons on OnePlus and Vivo, Xiaomi provides real-time information. The calendar icon also displays the current date, which is incredibly useful.
The UI is very customizable, which some users will love, and others may find overwhelming. The system update checker is well-designed, similar to OPPO's, providing clear version information. Comparing it to Samsung's UI, which lacks these dynamic features, Xiaomi stands out. We will show the pros and cons of each UI on screen.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the camera system. Co-engineered with Leica, it’s a photographer’s dream. The 50MP 23mm main sensor, powered by the Sony LYT-900 1-inch sensor, captures stunning detail and dynamic range.
The 50MP 14mm ultra-wide lens is incredibly versatile, allowing you to capture expansive scenes with exceptional clarity.
The 50MP 70mm telephoto lens offers impressive optical zoom, bringing distant subjects closer with remarkable detail.
And for those truly long-range shots, the 200MP ultra-telephoto lens provides incredible zoom capabilities.
The Leica modes and filters add a unique, professional touch, enhancing your creative control. Low-light performance is exceptional, thanks to the large sensors and advanced processing. Video recording is smooth and detailed, capturing every moment with clarity. The portrait mode is amazing, creating professional-looking portraits with beautiful bokeh.
Comparing it to the Samsung S25 Ultra, the Xiaomi offers a more versatile and nuanced camera experience, especially with its dedicated telephoto lenses. Let us show you some comparison shots. The level of detail from the zoom lenses is incredible, and the low-light performance is some of the best that we have ever seen.
Leica 1-inch main camera - 50MP 23mm
Leica 50MP 14mm ultra-wide camera
Leica 50MP 70mm telephoto camera
Leica ultra-telephoto 200MP 100mm
Powering this powerhouse is a 5,410 mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for most users. When it’s time to recharge, the 90W charging gets you back to full in about 70 minutes.
While not the fastest, it’s still very respectable. For context, the OnePlus 13 and OPPO Find X8 Pro charge in around 45 minutes, while the Samsung S25 Ultra is similar to the Xiaomi in time.
Wireless charging is also supported at 80W. The battery life is very impressive, even with heavy camera usage.
Let’s weigh the pros and cons. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts an exceptional camera system, a stunning display, powerful performance, and a premium design. The dynamic UI is a plus for many. However, the camera bump is substantial, the software can be polarizing, it’s a bit heavy, and the price is undeniably high. Ultimately, this phone is a powerhouse, but it’s not for everyone. If photography is your priority and you crave a premium experience, it’s a strong contender. The UI, while very customizable, can be overwhelming for some. The charging speed is good and the battery life is excellent.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a remarkable device that pushes the boundaries of smartphone photography and performance. Its camera system is truly exceptional, and the overall package is undeniably premium. However, it’s essential to consider the trade-offs. The large camera bump and the high price point might deter some users. The MIUI interface, while feature-rich, can be overwhelming for those seeking a simpler experience. If you're a photography enthusiast or a power user who demands the best, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a compelling choice. What are your thoughts on this device? Do you think the camera system justifies the price? Let us know in the comments below! Don't forget to like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit that notification bell1 for more in-depth tech reviews. We value your feedback and appreciate your support. Thank you for joining us on this journey to explore the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.