I’ve been reviewing smartphones for years, and very few devices truly stand out as game changers. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one of them. This phone isn’t just another flagship — it’s Xiaomi’s boldest attempt yet to challenge Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra and Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max. With Leica-powered cameras, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and one of the brightest 2K AMOLED displays in the world, the 15 Ultra is built for those who want the very best in mobile photography and performance. Let’s break down what makes this phone special, and where it still falls short.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Full Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED, 2K resolution, 120Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 3200 nits peak |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) |
| RAM | 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB UFS 4.1 |
| Rear Cameras | 200MP periscope (Samsung HP9, 4.3x optical zoom) + 50MP Sony LYT 900 OIS main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 32MP Leica-tuned |
| Battery | 6,000mAh (China) / 5,410mAh (Global) |
| Charging | 90W wired, 80W wireless |
| Software | HyperOS 2 (Android 15) |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C 3.2, satellite communication |
| Other Features | IP68, Shield Glass 2.0, ultrasonic fingerprint, Dolby Atmos speakers |
Design & Build Quality
The circular Leica camera module dominates the back, reminding you this phone is built for serious photographers. Xiaomi offers Pine Green, Cypress Green (vegan leather), White, and Black options. The textured leather gives a premium grip, while IP68 certification ensures dust and water resistance. Despite its size, the curved display edges make it more ergonomic.
Display Performance
The 6.73-inch AMOLED panel is a showstopper:
- 2K resolution
- 120Hz LTPO refresh rate
- 3,200 nits peak brightness (brightest in 2025)
- Dolby Vision + HDR10+ support
Streaming movies, gaming, or outdoor use — everything looks brighter and more immersive compared to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Performance & Software
Powered by Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) and up to 16GB RAM, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra delivers flagship-class speed.
- Gaming titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile run flawlessly.
- Thermal control is impressive, avoiding overheating during long gaming sessions.
- On benchmarks, it’s on par with or ahead of the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
With HyperOS 2 (Android 15), you get:
- A clean UI
- HyperAI features (AI editing, translation, and smarter multitasking)
- Strong optimization for smooth daily use
Camera Review – Leica at Its Best
| Camera | Sensor & Features |
| Main | 50MP Sony LYT 900, OIS |
| Periscope | 200MP Samsung HP9, 4.3x optical zoom |
| Telephoto | 50MP portrait zoom |
| Ultrawide | 50MP for landscapes |
| Front | 32MP Leica-tuned selfie |
Camera Highlights:
- Daylight shots: Sharp, vibrant, true-to-life Leica colors.
- Low-light: Excellent detail and brightness thanks to computational photography.
- Zoom: Beats Samsung’s 10x zoom in detail retention.
- Video: 8K recording, strong stabilization, cinematic results.
If you want DSLR-level quality in your pocket, this is the closest Android phone yet.
Battery & Charging
The 6,000mAh battery (China) or 5,410mAh (Global) easily lasts 1.5 days with heavy use.
- 90W wired charging: ~35 minutes full charge
- 80W wireless charging: faster than most wired competitors
Once you use this charging speed, it’s tough to go back.
Unique Features
- Two-way satellite communication (emergency use)
- Dolby Atmos stereo speakers
- Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 for durability
- Ultrasonic fingerprint scanner (better accuracy than optical)
- HyperAI tools for edits and translations
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- 200MP Leica periscope camera
- Brightest 2K AMOLED display (3200 nits)
- Snapdragon 8 Elite = fastest Android chip
- Huge battery + industry-leading charging
- Premium design with IP68 durability
❌ Cons
- Expensive compared to last year’s model
- Large camera bump makes it bulky
- Smaller battery in global version
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is not just a smartphone. It’s Xiaomi’s best attempt yet at building the ultimate Android flagship. With its Leica-powered cameras, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and ultra-fast charging, it’s a dream device for photographers and power users. Yes, it’s expensive — but it gives Samsung and Apple serious competition. If mobile photography is your priority, or you simply want the most well-rounded flagship of 2025, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra should be your top pick.
FAQ
1. What makes the Xiaomi 15 Ultra different from other flagships?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra stands out with its 200MP Leica periscope camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and one of the brightest 2K AMOLED displays in 2025. It also supports 90W wired and 80W wireless fast charging, making it faster than most competitors.
2. How good is the camera on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
It’s one of the best smartphone cameras ever made. The quad-camera system includes a 200MP periscope zoom lens, a 50MP Sony LYT 900 main sensor, plus telephoto and ultrawide lenses. Photos are sharp, vibrant, and detailed in both daylight and low light. Video goes up to 8K with strong stabilization.
3. Does the Xiaomi 15 Ultra support satellite communication?
Yes, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra includes two-way satellite communication, which can be used for emergency situations when regular networks are unavailable.
4. What is the battery size of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
The Chinese variant comes with a 6,000mAh battery, while the global version has a slightly smaller 5,410mAh battery. Both last more than a day on heavy use.
5. How fast does the Xiaomi 15 Ultra charge?
With 90W wired charging, it goes from 0–100% in about 35 minutes. The 80W wireless charging is among the fastest in the world, beating most wired solutions.
6. Which operating system does it run on?
The phone runs on HyperOS 2, based on Android 15, offering a clean UI along with HyperAI features like AI editing, live translations, and smart multitasking.
7. Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra waterproof?
Yes, it has an IP68 rating, making it water and dust resistant.
8. How does the Xiaomi 15 Ultra compare to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra matches or beats its rivals in many areas: it has faster charging, a brighter display, and a more versatile zoom camera. However, Samsung and Apple still lead in software ecosystem and long-term updates.
9. What storage options are available?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB UFS 4.1 storage variants, paired with 12GB or 16GB RAM.
10. Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra worth buying?
If you care about mobile photography, performance, and fast charging, then yes — it’s one of the best Android phones of 2025. But if you want a more compact design or are sensitive to price, other options may suit you better.
