First Look and Build Quality
Design and In-hand Feel
The Xiaomi 15 is very slim, light at just 191 grams. Beautiful in Lilac Purple, but it feels a little too slippery and extremely velvety for its compact phone form factor, though it still felt very premium due to metal framing and Dragon Crystal Glass. Apparently, it’s 10 times stronger than Gorilla Glass Victus, so that’s claimed.
Color and Material Choices
The minimalist design gets a boost with shimmery borders on the buttons and a revamped rear camera layout that eliminates unnecessary bulk. This thoughtful design makes it easier for one-handed use.
Display Quality
Display Specifications
The 6.36-inch 1.5K LTPO OLED promises vivid visuals along with a 120Hz refresh and 2670 x 1200 resolution.
Brightness and Color Accuracy
With peak brightness reaching 2,700 nits, outdoor readability is stellar. While the default color mode lacked vibrancy, switching to Vivid mode brought the display to life.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.36 inches, (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Resolution | 2670×1200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~460 ppi density) |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz (LTPO) |
| Peak Brightness | 3,200 nits |
Unique Features
The Wet Hand Touch tech ensures the display remains responsive even with sweaty hands, and the 3D ultrasonic fingerprint sensor offers lightning-fast unlock speeds.
Performance
Snapdragon 8 Elite Overview
The Mi 15 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and it also features up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM along with 1TB UFS 4.0 storage.
Benchmark Scores
While benchmark restrictions on the China variant limited the scope, AnTuTu tests revealed a solid score of 2,550,786.
Real-World Usability
Everyday tasks, from switching apps to browsing, were buttery smooth. However, the device ran warmer compared to competitors like the Vivo X200 Pro Mini, especially during benchmarks.
| Performance Metrics | Xiaomi 15 | Vivo X200 Pro Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Dimensity 9400 |
| AnTuTu Score | 2,550,786 | 2,640,000 (approx.) |
| Thermal Performance | Average Heating | Cooler Temps |
HyperOS and Software
New Features in HyperOS 2.0
HyperOS 2.0 enhances the experience with dynamic video wallpapers, AI-assisted features, and intuitive volume controls.
AI Integration
The AI suite includes tools like fraud detection, speed recognition, and an upgraded Gallery Editor, although its true potential is best experienced on the global variant.
Battery Life
Observed Performance
It has a built-in 5,400mAh battery, making Xiaomi 15 rather long-lasting. During testing, it comfortably lasted over a day despite intensive usage.
Charging Speed and Technology
The 90W in-box charger refuels the battery from 13% to 100% in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for users on the go.
| Battery Metrics | Xiaomi 15 | Vivo X200 Pro Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5,400mAh | 5,700mAh |
| Charging Speed | 90W wired (PD3.0, QC3+), 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 80W |
Camera Performance
Main Camera
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Triple | – 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), OIS – 50 MP, f/2.0, 60mm (telephoto),OIS, 3x optical zoom – 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, (ultrawide) |
| Features | Laser AF, Leica lens, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@24/30/60fps (HDR10+, 10-bit Dolby Vision HDR), 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, 720p@1920fps, gyro-EIS |
Selfie Camera
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide) |
| Features | HDR, panorama |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
The camera setup delivers good daylight shots with decent dynamic range, but the telephoto and ultra-wide sensors lack the punch needed for compelling photos.
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sleek, compact design | Subpar thermal performance |
| Vibrant, bright display | Average telephoto shots |
| Impressive battery life | Limited AI features globally |
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 15 is a capable compact flagship, showcasing great design, battery performance, and a smooth user experience. However, it faces stiff competition, especially in camera performance. If Xiaomi addresses its shortcomings, it could set a new benchmark for compact smartphones.
FAQs
- What makes the Xiaomi 15 unique?
The Xiaomi 15 stands out for its sleek design, bright display, and HyperOS features. - The Xiaomi 15 is quite a bit different from the Vivo X200 Pro Mini.
While both excel in performance, the Vivo X200 Pro Mini offers better thermal efficiency and camera output. - Is Xiaomi 15 worth an upgrade to Xiaomi 14?
Only if you prioritize display enhancements and HyperOS improvements. - Does the Xiaomi 15 support fast charging?
Yes, it supports 90W fast charging, refueling the battery in just 35 minutes. - Should it be different for the international edition of Xiaomi 15?
Some features, like the AI suite, may vary between regions.