If you’re in the market for a new phone and want something that feels like a leap forward, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra might just be your next daily driver. This phone isn’t just another flagship—it’s a statement. With its Leica-inspired design, jaw-dropping camera system, and premium features, it’s built for those who want the best of both worlds: a powerhouse smartphone and a professional-grade camera. Let’s break it down.
Design and Build: A Leica Camera in Disguise
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a head-turner. Its two-tone design—vegan leather on top and matte plastic below—gives it a classy, sophisticated look. The massive circular camera module screams “photography powerhouse,” and the aluminum frame adds a solid, premium feel. It’s IP68-rated, so it can handle dust and water without breaking a sweat.
One standout feature is the optional camera accessories kit. It includes a case with a detachable grip, a lanyard, and even threaded rings for lens filters. The grip has a shutter button, zoom rocker, and exposure dial, making it feel like you’re holding a real camera. It’s a niche addition, but if you’re into photography, it’s a game-changer.
Display: Bright, Vibrant, and Buttery Smooth
The 6.73-inch LTPO OLED display is a beauty. With a 1440p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, it’s perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows or editing photos. The screen gets insanely bright—up to 1,600 nits in auto mode—so you’ll have no trouble using it outdoors.
Xiaomi’s Shield Glass 2.0 adds extra durability, and the micro quad-curved edges make it feel great in your hand. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram or watching a movie, this display won’t disappoint.
Performance: Fast, but Gets a Little Toasty
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra packs the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is as fast as it gets in 2025. Apps open instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and gaming is smooth as butter. However, like many flagships, it tends to get warm under heavy use, and thermal throttling can kick in during prolonged tasks.
The phone runs on HyperOS 2 (based on Android 15), which feels polished and intuitive. Xiaomi has added a bunch of AI features, like real-time translation, photo editing tools (like AI Sky for changing skies in photos), and text summarization in Notes. It’s a smart system that adapts to your needs.
Battery Life: All-Day Power and Speedy Charging
The global model comes with a 5,410mAh battery, and it’s a beast. In real-world use, it easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage. If you’re in China, you get an even larger 6,000mAh battery.
Charging is super fast with 90W wired charging (0-72% in 30 minutes), though you’ll need to buy the charger separately. Wireless charging is also supported, so you’ve got options.
The Star of the Show: The Camera System
Let’s talk about what makes the Xiaomi 15 Ultra truly special—its camera setup. This phone is a photographer’s dream, and here’s why:
1. The Main Camera (50MP, 1-inch sensor)
The primary camera uses a 1-inch sensor, which is huge for a smartphone. It pulls in an incredible amount of light, resulting in photos that are sharp, detailed, and vibrant. The dynamic range is excellent, and the HDR tuning has improved significantly from last year.
However, the fixed f/1.6 aperture means the focus falls off quickly at close distances. If you’re shooting something up close, just keep your subject a little farther away, and you’ll get stunning results.
2. The Telephoto Cameras (3x and 4.3x zoom)
The 3x telephoto (50MP) is perfect for portraits, while the 4.3x periscope zoom (200MP) is a game-changer for long-distance shots. Even at 10x or 30x zoom, the AI-enhanced details keep your photos looking crisp.
3. The Ultra-Wide Camera (50MP)
The ultra-wide camera is versatile and consistent, delivering great shots in both daylight and low light. It’s perfect for landscapes and group photos.
4. Selfie Camera (32MP)
The selfie camera is decent but not groundbreaking. It lacks autofocus, so sharpness can be hit-or-miss. If selfies are a priority, this might be a slight letdown.
5. Leica Magic
Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica shines here. You get two color profiles:
- Leica Vibrant: Punchy, saturated colors (default).
- Leica Authentic: Emulates Leica cameras with vignetting and a more natural look.
The Pro Mode is a standout feature, allowing you to create custom presets for things like skin tones or film-grade color grading. It’s a playground for photography enthusiasts.
6. Video Capabilities
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a video beast. It supports 8K recording, 4K 120fps slow-motion, and even Dolby Vision HDR. The stabilization is excellent, though it can struggle a bit with walking shots.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Stunning camera system with a 1-inch sensor, versatile zoom, and Leica tuning.
- Beautiful, bright display with excellent color accuracy.
- Premium design that feels like a Leica camera.
- All-day battery life with fast charging.
- AI-powered features for productivity and creativity.
Cons:
- Selfie camera could be better.
- Thermal throttling under heavy use.
- No charger in the box (despite 90W charging support).
- Accessories kit is cool but adds to the cost.
Who Is This Phone For?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is perfect for:
- Photography enthusiasts who want a phone that doubles as a professional camera.
- Power users who need top-tier performance and battery life.
- Content creators who value video capabilities and AI tools.
If you’re looking for a phone that stands out from the crowd and delivers a premium experience, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared to pay a premium for all that innovation.
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn’t just a phone—it’s a creative tool. With its unmatched camera system, stunning display, and premium design, it’s one of the best flagships of 2025. Sure, it has a few quirks, but if you’re after a phone that pushes boundaries, this is it.
So, is it worth it? If you’re all about photography, performance, and premium features, the answer is a resounding yes.