Xiaomi has launched its third-generation camera-focused smartphone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which is positioning itself as a prime option for photography enthusiasts in India. With a multitude of premium smartphones available, consumers today can choose devices that excel in smartphone photography. Alongside the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and its sibling, the Xiaomi 15, potential buyers also have alternatives such as the Vivo X200 Pro, Vivo X200, Oppo Find X8, and Oppo Find X8 Pro.
Five years ago, recommendations for a camera-centric smartphone would likely have pointed towards the iPhone or Samsung’s flagship models. Today, the landscape has shifted, illustrating an expanding segment that benefits consumers.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, representing an effective evolution in the lineup. Xiaomi’s commitment to its successful formula continues with the inclusion of Leica branding, which brings reassurance to photography enthusiasts seeking quality in their smartphone cameras.
Should you consider the Xiaomi 15 Ultra as your next camera flagship smartphone? Let’s delve into the details in this review.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Design: Inspired by Classic Leica Cameras
- Available in a single Silver Chrome color
- Weighs 229 grams, leaning toward the heavier side
- Thickness measures 9.48mm
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is unmistakably designed for camera enthusiasts, with aesthetics reminiscent of the iconic Leica rangefinder cameras. The rear features a blend of aerospace-grade glass fiber and PU leather, presenting a premium yet classic appearance. The unibody construction ensures a solid feel in hand.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra (on the left) and Xiaomi 15 Ultra (on the right)
The large circular camera module housing four sensors on the back might be overwhelming for some, and the 229-gram weight took me a few days to adapt to for one-handed use. However, the PU leather and glass fiber design provide an effective grip for easier handling.
Xiaomi has enhanced durability with the introduction of the Xiaomi Guardian Structure, which employs an aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the camera, and Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 on the front.
Rear design comparison: Xiaomi 14 Ultra (on the left) and Xiaomi 15 Ultra (on the right)
A quad-curved display adds character, with thin bezels perfect for multimedia consumption. The device holds an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, which, while many may comment on the lack of IP69, is sufficient for typical user experiences, especially if water exposure is minimal. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has transitioned from an optical to an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner compared to its predecessor.
One striking aspect of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is its design attention. The distinctive Ultra hallmark enhances its appeal, particularly for photography enthusiasts.
Overall, the 15 Ultra can be seen as the ultimate camera phone for enthusiasts.
Photography Kit Legend Edition – An exciting addition to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the exclusive Photography Kit, which enhances its capabilities significantly. This kit includes a detachable shutter button and thumb support, a 2000mAh battery pack for extended shooting, a grip case for comfort, and customisation options for exposure, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. There’s also a zoom lever to improve zoom capabilities and a quick video button for instant recording. The kit features a customisable Fastshot mode, along with an IP54 rating for durability. This kit not only adds value but also enhances the overall photography experience, making the device even more captivating.
The phone comes in a Silver Chrome color option and weighs 229 grams
If you’re eager to unlock the photography capabilities of the 15 Ultra, the kit is definitely worth considering.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Display: Leading the Class
- Peak brightness of 3200nits
- Supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision
- Features Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 for protection
The 15 Ultra retains the display technology of its predecessor, offering one of the best screens in the Xiaomi lineup. The peak brightness has been upgraded from the 14 Ultra’s 3000nits to an impressive 3200nits. Although the difference may not be prominent in everyday usage, it positions Xiaomi ahead of several competitors like the Pixel 9 Pro XL (3000nits) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (2600nits), though it trails behind the Vivo X200 Pro and Find X8 Pro, both rated at 4500nits.
Features a 6.73-inch LTPO display with a 1440×3200 pixels resolution
The display supports an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, scaling down to 1Hz. It encompasses all the expected features of a flagship Android smartphone, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support, as well as Widevine L1 for streaming HDR content on popular platforms.
The 6.73-inch OLED display proves to be excellent for gaming, streaming, and browsing, supported by 1920Hz PWM dimming, DC dimming, and wet touch technology for comfortable use with sweaty hands. TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification ensures the device is well-suited for night reading sessions. Overall, the display on the 15 Ultra is exceptional and fulfills users’ multimedia needs.
The biggest highlight of the display is it supports 3200nits peak brightness
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Cameras: The Pinnacle of Photography
- 50-megapixel primary camera with a 23mm Leica lens (1-inch LYT-900 sensor)
- 200-megapixel ultra Leica telephoto lens with a 100mm equivalent focal length
- 50-megapixel 70mm Leica floating telephoto lens
- 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera with a 115-degree field of view
- 32-megapixel in-display selfie camera
The predecessor, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, was already a stellar camera phone, so I was curious how the 15 Ultra would improve upon it. The addition of a new 200-megapixel telephoto sensor enhances the overall photography features, as no competing devices offer such specifications. The camera app provides 0.6x, 1x, 2x, 3x, and 4.3x zoom options, though it does lack the variable aperture seen on previous models—a detail that doesn’t significantly detract from the overall quality.
Camera performance shines in daylight with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra capturing stunning images with excellent detail, natural colors, and impressive dynamic range. Leica’s optical characteristics are prominent in the results, rendering vivid colors and lifelike skin tones, while maintaining low noise levels in brighter conditions.
The company is selling the Photography Kit Legend Edition separately for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Photographic quality remains intact when switching between 1x and 2x zoom, a notable achievement. Instances with the 2x lens continue to deliver impressive results.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra daylight camera samples (tap images to expand)
Portrait mode remains a standout feature for Xiaomi’s Ultra devices, and the 15 Ultra excels in this regard as well. It produces excellent portraits with precise depth estimation and natural blur.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra portrait camera sample (tap image to expand)
In terms of zoom performance, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra ranks among the best this year. I captured images of a ship far off in the ocean at 0.6x magnification, which were clearly visible thanks to the long-range telephoto capabilities. Competing premium phones like the iPhone struggle at higher zoom, but the 15 Ultra impresses with its reliability. The 3x zoom delivers excellent quality with vibrant colors and rich detail, while the 4.3x telephoto is perfect for portraits.
A ship in the ocean appears as a dot in 0.6x (tap image to expand)
The ship is now visible with the name being readable, showcasing the 15 Ultra’s zooming capabilities
Xiaomi 15 Ultra zoom samples (tap images to expand)
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is adept at close-up photography with its 3x telephoto lens, producing stunning images with ample detail and natural color representation.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra is also a capable smartphone for close-up shots (tap images to expand)
The ultrawide camera, while producing decent results with good dynamic range, could have been improved slightly. Comparatively, the quality doesn’t quite match up to the main sensor.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra ultrawide samples (tap images to expand)
In addition, the device features Leica photographic styles—Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant—to enhance color profiles and appeal to social media users.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra low-light samples (tap images to expand)
The low-light performance of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is notably excellent. It captures intricate details even in darkness, maintaining sharpness while controlling noise effectively during testing. It is capable of capturing fine textures in low-light environments.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra selfie sample (tap image to expand)
However, the selfie camera may leave some enthusiasts wanting more. While it performs adequately during the daytime, it struggles a bit in low light, missing the mark for those seeking top-tier selfies.
The phone supports 4K 60fps video recording across all focal lengths and 4K 120fps cinematic slow-motion recording with both the main and periscope telephoto cameras. The video quality is commendable, although how effectively it fits into a content creator’s routine will depend on their device ecosystem for smooth editing.
In summary, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra represents a significant advancement in camera technology, likely to be a leader in the smartphone photography category in 2025. The previous Xiaomi 14 Ultra had already set the bar high, but the 15 Ultra elevates it further with an expanded telephoto feature set. It stands as an outstanding point-and-shoot smartphone for camera enthusiasts. Additionally, opting for the Photography Kit Legend Edition further enhances its capabilities.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Performance: Exceedingly Reliable
- Equipped with Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
- Available in a single configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage
- Runs on HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15
- Promises four years of software updates and six years of security updates
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is among the limited devices to feature Qualcomm’s high-end Snapdragon 8 Elite platform. Its performance in everyday tasks is exceptional, handling multitasking, video streaming, photo and video editing, and gaming with ease. I tested the device with 32 applications open simultaneously without any performance issues.
In India, Xiaomi offers the device in a single RAM and storage configuration: 16GB of RAM with 512GB of storage. A separate 1TB variant is available in China, which I had the opportunity to review. The device utilizes LPDDR5X and UFS 4.1 storage for speedy access.
The device is available in a single RAM and storage variant in India—16GB + 512GB
Biometric access is facilitated through a fast ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, surpassing the optical sensor of the 14 Ultra. Face unlock is also available but I found the fingerprint scanner more reliable during daily usage. For gamers, a 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop cooling system effectively dissipates heat. During tests, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra did experience some heat buildup during extended Google Maps usage, gaming sessions, and prolonged camera use; however, the device cooled down quickly, making it manageable.
Benchmark tests reflected the device’s powerful performance, evident in impressive scores detailed below.
| Benchmark | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 Single | 2,980 | 3,203 | 3,053 | 1,944 |
| Geekbench 6 Multi | 8,870 | 7,846 | 9,832 | 4,667 |
| AnTuTu v10 | 25,19,481 | 15,87,059 | 21,23,303 | 10,67,971 |
| PCMark Work 3.0 | 18,189 | N/A | 19,266 | 12,922 |
| GFXB T-rex | 120fps | 59fps | 120fps | 120fps |
| GFXB Manhattan 3.1 | 306fps | 59.7fps | 115fps | 105fps |
| GFXB Car Chase | 120fps | 59.4fps | 94fps | 55fps |
| 3DM Slingshot Extreme OpenGL | Maxed Out | N/A | Failed to run | Failed to run |
| 3DM Slingshot | Maxed Out | N/A | Failed to run | Failed to run |
| 3DM Wild Life | Maxed Out | 8,942 | Maxed Out | 8,902 |
| 3DM Wild Life Unlimited | Failed to run | N/A | 23,683 | 9,294 |
The phone offered clear call quality, while I experienced no connectivity issues with 5G networks from Airtel and Jio. The haptic motor provides an excellent typing experience, enhancing the overall user interaction.
Equipped with stereo speakers that support Dolby Atmos, the audio experience is robust, easily filling an average-sized room.
On the software side, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra operates on HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15, with Xiaomi vowing four years of Android updates and six years of security patches. This level of support, while not as extensive as that from competitors like Samsung and Google, is commendable considering the four-year phone usage trend.
The new aerospace-grade glass fiber and PU leather back give the rear design a distinct flair
The HyperOS 2 experience is similar to its predecessor with a variety of enhancements aimed at overall optimization. Users can now access notifications and quick settings distinctly, akin to iOS. The OS offers extensive customization options for home and lock screens.
Among the Google features, Gemini Access and Circle to Search stand out, with the latter streamlining searches. Xiaomi has also added numerous AI functionalities, including AI writing tools and AI speech recognition, providing additional productivity enhancements. While the AI features are promising, they still require refinement for better performance.
The rear design of the 15 Ultra makes it visually appealing
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Battery: Impressive Performance
- Powered by a 5410mAh battery
- 90W HyperCharge capability
- Fully charges in under an hour
The battery performance also sees an improvement with the 15 Ultra’s 5410mAh capacity, surpassing its predecessor’s 5000mAh. In video playback tests, it lasted over 20 hours, making it one of the top performers in 2024-2025.
The included 90W charger can replenish the battery from 0 to 100% in about an hour, although it does cause the device to heat during rapid charging. The default charging mode is standard, which may prolong the charging duration unless switched to “Top Speed” for accelerated charging.
The phone includes 90W fast-charging support, allowing for rapid battery restoration
In practical use, the increased battery capacity gives Xiaomi 15 Ultra an edge over competitors such as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. With extensive usage—including a significant amount of camera work, gaming, calls, and multitasking— the phone managed to last more than a day. I recorded over seven hours of screen-on time, showcasing its impressive endurance under heavy usage.
Ultimately, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has excelled in battery performance, exceeding my expectations.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Verdict
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra stands out as an exceptionally refined camera smartphone and is poised to compete strongly for recognition in the best smartphone camera category for the upcoming year.
Featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite for top-tier performance, an advanced camera system enhanced by Leica, a robust 5410mAh battery with 90W charging, and more, this device justifies its market position. Additionally, offering the Photography Kit Legend Edition separately is a strategic move aimed at camera enthusiasts and Xiaomi fans alike.
The device is also well-suited for gaming and can handle high graphics settings with ease
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is available at a price of Rs. 109,999 through Amazon, Mi.com, and various offline retail partners. Current offers may reduce the price to under a lakh, making it an attractive proposition. Should you opt for the Photography Kit Legend Edition, that would cost an additional Rs. 11,999, totaling around Rs. 1,21,998, subject to any available discounts.
When compared to rivals, this pricing stands below that of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, priced at Rs. 141,999, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, available for as much as Rs. 137,900 on Amazon. Alternatives such as the Vivo X200 Pro and Find X8 Pro are also available at more economical prices of Rs. 94,999 and Rs. 99,999, respectively.
