Redmi Note 15 Review: It’s a new year, and Xiaomi has kicked things off with the launch of the Redmi Note 15 series. The lineup includes multiple models, but this post is all about the base variant, Redmi Note 15.
The Redmi Note series has always been iconic. When it first launched years ago, it changed the mid-range phone game. Over time, the hype went up and down. Some years were great, some were… forgettable.
But after using the Redmi Note 15, I can confidently say this: Compared to the previous generation, this is a proper all-around upgrade.
The real question is different, though. With smartphone prices climbing every year, is the Redmi Note 15 actually worth buying it launches under ₹22,999(around $256)?
Redmi Note 15 Unboxing Experience
The phone comes in Xiaomi’s familiar red and white box. Nothing fancy here, but it gets the job done.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Redmi Note 15 handset
- SIM ejector tool
- Documentation and stickers (and yes, I’m still curious how many people actually know why these stickers are included)
- An opaque protective case
- 45W fast charger
- USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable
Everything you need is included, which is always a win these days.
Design & In-Hand Feel: Curved Displays Are Back
The first thing you notice when you pick up the Redmi Note 15 is the 3D curved AMOLED display. Curved screens have become rare lately, with most brands switching to flat panels, so this instantly makes the phone stand out.
The camera module is a “squircle” design, not fully square, not circular either. It looks clean and modern.
Despite packing a 5520mAh battery, the phone feels surprisingly light. I checked the weight myself, and it came out to around 175.6 grams. That’s impressive.
The in-hand feel is excellent. If you like curved displays, you’re going to enjoy using this phone daily.
Xiaomi mentions reinforced glass, though they don’t specify the exact protection. I even did a small (and safe) drop test on wood, and the phone came out just fine.
Ports, Buttons & Build Details
- Bottom: SIM tray, microphone, USB Type-C port, speaker
- Right side: Power button and volume rocker
- Top: Speaker grill, IR blaster, and noise-canceling mic
Simple, practical, no weird design choices.
Display Quality: Easily One of the Highlights
The Redmi Note 15 features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with:
- 120Hz refresh rate
- 3D curved edges
- Up to 3200 nits peak brightness
- 1000 nits in high brightness mode
The bezels are extremely thin, especially on the sides, thanks to the curved design. Watching videos, browsing, or just scrolling through social media feels immersive.
Color reproduction is strong, contrast is deep, and outdoor visibility is excellent. For multimedia lovers, this display delivers.
Speakers & Multimedia Experience
The stereo speakers are loud, clear, and well-balanced. Xiaomi also includes:
- Dolby Atmos support
- A 300% volume boost mode
Even without pushing the amplified mode, the audio quality is solid. Watching movies or YouTube videos is genuinely enjoyable on this phone.
Performance & Specifications
The Redmi Note 15 is powered by the 6th Gen 3 chipset, paired with:
- 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
- 128GB UFS 2.2 storage
Honestly, I expected Xiaomi to go with 6GB RAM at this price, so 8GB is a pleasant surprise.
Performance-wise:
- AnTuTu score:
- ~6.5 lakh (v10)
- ~7.5 lakh (v11)
- Daily usage feels smooth
- Apps open quickly
- Multitasking works without issues
This is not a hardcore gaming phone, but casual and long gaming sessions are handled well. BGMI runs around 45–50 FPS, and the stability score sits at around 90%, which is solid for this segment.
Battery Life & Charging
The jump from last year’s battery size is noticeable:
- 5520mAh battery
- 45W fast charging
- Supports reverse wired charging
In real-world use, the phone easily lasts a full day and then some. Light to moderate users might even stretch it into the second day.
Software & Updates
Out of the box, the Redmi Note 15 runs HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15.
Yes, it should have launched with Android 16, but here’s the good part:
- 4 major Android updates
- 6 years of security updates
That means Android 16 and HyperOS 3.0 are coming soon, likely within a couple of months.
There are some pre-installed apps, but most of them can be removed. Once cleaned up, HyperOS feels fast and responsive.
You also get:
- Gemini AI integration
- Circle to Search
- Smooth gestures and animations
Connectivity & Sensors
Connectivity options include:
- Full 5G band support
- Dual-band Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth 5.1 (5.3 would’ve been better)
- NFC
- IR blaster
Security features:
- In-display fingerprint sensor
- Face unlock
Both work reliably, though the fingerprint scanner sits a bit lower than ideal.
Also Read: Realme 16 Pro Plus Review: This Phone Makes Flagships Look Overpriced
SIM Tray & Storage Expansion
The Redmi Note 15 comes with a hybrid SIM slot, meaning:
- Two SIM cards, or
- One SIM + one microSD card
Good flexibility, especially for users who still rely on expandable storage.
Camera Performance: Surprisingly Reliable
On the back, you get:
- 108MP primary camera
- 8MP ultra-wide camera
- Additional decorative sensors + LED flash
On the front:
- 20MP selfie camera
The main 108MP sensor is well-tuned. In most situations:
- Colors look natural
- The dynamic range is good
- Skin tones are pleasing
Out of 10 shots, you’ll like at least 8 or 9. Occasionally, there’s a slight overexposure, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Video Capabilities
- Rear: 4K at 30fps with OIS
- Ultra-wide: 1080p
- Front camera: 1080p
Portraits have decent edge detection, and overall camera performance is strong for this price range.
Extra Features & Durability
A few additional things worth mentioning:
- TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification
- SAR values within limits
- USB 2.0
- Decent haptics
- Military-grade MIL-STD-810H durability
- IP rating (basic splash resistance)
No FM Radio here, but most users won’t miss it.
Final Verdict: Is the Redmi Note 15 Worth It?
Compared to last year, the Redmi Note 15 feels like a real upgrade:
- Better performance
- Bigger battery
- Improved display
- Stronger camera setup
- Longer software support
Yes, competition in this price segment is intense, and smartphone prices are definitely rising. But if Xiaomi manages to keep this phone under ₹22,999, the Redmi Note 15 becomes a very compelling option.
