After spending several weeks with Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I’m still blown away by what this device brings to the table. Released globally on February 27, 2025, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra represents the company’s most ambitious smartphone yet. I’ve been particularly impressed by its revolutionary camera system (developed alongside Leica) and bleeding-edge performance specs that had me rethinking what’s possible in modern smartphones.
In this review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience with the phone’s design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software. Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra worth its premium price tag? Let’s dive in and find out.
Design and Build Quality: Premium with Purpose
The first thing that struck me when I unboxed the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was its substantial yet refined presence. Yes, it’s a large phone at 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.4 mm with a weight of 226 grams (229g for the silver chrome variant), but it doesn’t feel unwieldy in daily use.
Xiaomi hasn’t cut any corners with the materials of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The aluminum frame feels solid in hand, while the back panel comes in either high-quality glass fiber or an eco-friendly silicone polymer (the “eco leather” option), depending on your color choice. The front panel is protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0, which has already saved my screen from a couple of accidental drops.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: that massive camera bump. There’s no getting around it—the “camera volcano” (as I’ve taken to calling it) is prominent. But after using the phone for a while, I’ve come to appreciate the industrial-chic aesthetic. It’s available in black, white, and silver chrome finishes, and while divisive, it certainly makes a statement about the phone’s photographic credentials.
My silver chrome review unit has attracted plenty of attention and questions from friends and strangers alike. The IP68 rating has also proven useful during a recent rainy photoshoot where the phone performed flawlessly despite light exposure to water.
Display: Vibrant, Bright, and Butter-Smooth
The 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED display on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is nothing short of spectacular. With QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3200 pixels) and roughly 522 pixels per inch, everything from text to photos appears razor-sharp.
What I’ve found most impressive during daily use is the combination of the variable refresh rate (1-120Hz) and brightness capabilities. The phone intelligently adjusts refresh rates based on what you’re doing—conserving battery when you’re reading static content but ramping up to silky-smooth 120Hz while scrolling or gaming.
The peak brightness of Xiaomi 15 Ultra is 3200 nits, and it is no marketing gimmick either. I took the phone to the beach on a blindingly sunny day and could still clearly see the screen—something I can’t say for many flagship competitors. Watching HDR content has been a genuine treat, thanks to Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support. Streaming shows like “The Last Explorer” showcased the display’s ability to handle deep blacks and vibrant colors simultaneously.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.73 inches |
| Display Type | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Pixel Density | ~522 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 1 – 120 Hz (variable) |
| Peak Brightness | 3200 nits |
| Features | Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 68B colors |
| Protection | Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 |
Performance of Xiaomi 15 ultra
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra packs Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and the performance is exactly what you’d expect from a 2025 flagship—blazingly fast with headroom to spare. My review unit came with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.1 storage, though some markets offer 12GB/256GB or 16GB/1TB configurations.
During my testing period of Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I’ve thrown everything at this phone—from intense gaming sessions (Genshin Impact at max settings ran without a stutter) to simultaneously running multiple productivity apps while keeping dozens of Chrome tabs open. Nothing seems to slow it down.
The octa-core CPU configuration (two performance cores at 4.32GHz and six efficiency cores at 3.53GHz) handled everything with ease. What particularly impressed me was the thermal management—even after an hour-long gaming session, the phone remained comfortably warm but never hot to the touch.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm) |
| CPU | Octa-core (2×4.32 GHz + 6×3.53 GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 830 |
| RAM Options | 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage Options | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (UFS 4.1) |
| Operating System | Android 15 with HyperOS 2 |
Camera: Benchmark for Mobile Photography
As a hobby photographer, the camera system was what initially drew me to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and it hasn’t disappointed. The Leica partnership has yielded spectacular results across all four rear cameras:
The 50MP primary camera with its massive 1-inch type Sony LYT-900 sensor delivers exceptional detail and dynamic range. Night shots that would be grainy messes on lesser phones come out clear and detailed. The f/1.6 aperture and OIS help tremendously in challenging lighting conditions.
The regular 50MP telephoto (70mm equivalent, 3x optical zoom) has become my go-to for portraits. The background separation is natural, and the macro capabilities let me get as close as 10cm to subjects, which is perfect for food photography or capturing small details.
But the real star of the show is the 200MP periscope telephoto camera. Using Samsung’s ISOCELL HP9 sensor and offering 4.3x optical zoom, this lens captures details I didn’t think possible on a smartphone. During a recent trip to the zoo, I could capture animals with surprising clarity from considerable distances. The multi-directional PDAF and OIS ensure these zoomed shots remain sharp even without a tripod.
The 50MP ultra-wide (14mm equivalent, 115° field of view) completes the quartet with minimal distortion and consistent color science compared to the other lenses—something that’s often lacking in competitors.
The 32MP front camera handles selfies admirably, with good detail retention and natural skin tones.
| Camera Module | Sensor | Aperture | Focal Length | Optical Zoom | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary (Wide) | 50 MP, 1″ | f/1.6 | 23 mm | — | Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Telephoto | 50 MP | f/1.8 | 70 mm | 3x | Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, Macro |
| Periscope Telephoto | 200 MP | f/2.6 | 100 mm | 4.3x | Multi-Directional PDAF, OIS |
| Ultra-wide | 50 MP | f/2.2 | 14 mm | — | Dual Pixel PDAF |
| Front Camera | 32 MP | f/2.0 | 21 mm | — | HDR support |
Video capabilities are equally impressive. I’ve been testing 8K/30fps recording for special occasions, but the 4K/60fps mode with Dolby Vision HDR offers the best balance of quality and file size for everyday use. The gyro-based stabilization works wonders for handheld footage—I managed to capture smooth video while walking through a crowded market.
Battery Life and Charging: Fast and Lasting
The battery performance of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been consistently strong during my testing. My global version packs a 5410mAh cell (the Chinese variant gets a heftier 6000mAh battery). On typical days with mixed usage—emails, social media, some photography, streaming music, and about an hour of gaming—I’d end the day with 25-30% remaining.
Where the Xiaomi 15 Ultra truly shines is charging speed. The 90W wired HyperCharge support is a game-changer. During a recent airport layover, I plugged in at 15% and reached 72% in just 20 minutes—enough to last the entire next flight. The 80W wireless charging is almost as impressive when using Xiaomi’s compatible charging stand.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | Global: 5410 mAh; China: 6000 mAh |
| Wired Charging | Up to 90W (HyperCharge) |
| Wireless Charging | Up to 80W |
| Reverse Wireless Charging | 10W |
I did notice a more significant battery drain during days of heavy camera use, particularly when recording 8K video or using the 200MP camera extensively. That said, the fast-charging capabilities more than compensate for any shortcomings in battery endurance.
User Experience: Feature-Rich But Complex
Running Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 overlay, the software experience in Xiaomi 15 ultra is comprehensive if occasionally overwhelming. The interface feels modern and fluid, with thoughtful animations and a cohesive design language.
After using the phone for several weeks, I’ve particularly appreciated the AI-powered features—the photo editing tools are genuinely useful rather than gimmicky, while the transcription feature has replaced my voice recorder app entirely.
That said, HyperOS 2 does come with its fair share of pre-installed apps. Some are useful, others less so, and not all can be completely removed. This isn’t unique to Xiaomi, but it’s worth noting if you prefer a cleaner software experience.
Xiaomi’s commitment to four major OS upgrades and six years of security patches is reassuring, though not quite as lengthy as what Samsung and Apple now offer.
Additional Features and Real-World Experience
Day-to-day use has revealed several highlights worth mentioning:
The ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor is lightning fast and reliable, even with slightly damp fingers. The dual stereo speakers deliver balanced sound with impressive volume—I’ve found myself using them for podcast listening around the house rather than connecting external speakers.
Connectivity has been rock solid, with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 support. The phone handled my extensive smart home system without a hitch, and call quality has been excellent.
My three weeks with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra have convinced me that this is one of the most complete flagship packages available. The camera system exceeds expectations, the performance shows no signs of slowing down, and the fast charging has genuinely changed how I use my phone.
Pricing and Value Proposition
At £1,299.00 for the 16GB/512GB configuration (the only one available in global markets), the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is firmly in premium flagship territory. Yet, when compared to similarly specced devices from Samsung and Apple, it offers more cutting-edge camera hardware and faster charging capabilities at a comparable or slightly lower price point. Check out the price on the official site.
Final Verdict: A New Photography Champion
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra represents a significant achievement for the company—a true no-compromise flagship that excels in nearly every category. Its camera system sets new standards for smartphone photography, while performance, display quality, and charging speeds are all top-tier.
Yes, the design is polarizing, the software occasionally complex, and the price substantial. But for those seeking the absolute best in mobile photography wrapped in a package that doesn’t compromise on other flagship essentials, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra delivers convincingly.
After several weeks of daily use, I find myself reaching for this phone even when my review period is over—particularly when I know I’ll want to capture photos or videos. That, perhaps more than any spec sheet or feature list, is the strongest endorsement I can give.
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