The Xiaomi 15 Ultra: A Flagship Phone with a Focus on Camera and Performance

Introduction

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the latest flagship smartphone from Xiaomi, designed to appeal to photography enthusiasts and tech lovers alike. Following the success of its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which was lauded for its exceptional camera system, the 15 Ultra aims to build on that legacy while introducing new features to stay competitive in the market. Launched at the MWC 2025 in Barcelona, this phone is set to go on sale in the UK and Europe later this month, priced at £1,299 for the 512GB model and £1,499 for the 1TB variant. Unfortunately, like its predecessors, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will not be available in the US market, but its global appeal remains strong.

Key Features

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a powerhouse of a chip that delivers top-tier performance for both everyday use and demanding tasks like gaming. The phone also comes with a host of AI features, including Google’s Gemini AI and some unique tools developed by Xiaomi. While the camera system hasn’t seen a major overhaul, there are a few tweaks aimed at keeping photographers interested. The phone also boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, IP68 water and dust resistance, and a battery life that should last a full day with moderate use.

The Camera System

The camera system on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one of its standout features, and it’s easy to see why. The main camera uses Sony’s LYT-900 1-inch type image sensor, which was also featured in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. This sensor is significantly larger than those found in most other smartphones, and it shows in the quality of the photos. The images are crisp, with excellent dynamic range and color accuracy, even in challenging lighting conditions. However, I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed that Xiaomi didn’t upgrade the sensor or at least make some significant improvements to the hardware.

One of the changes that did stand out was the move from a variable aperture (f/1.6 to f/4) on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra to a fixed f/1.6 aperture on the 15 Ultra. While the variable aperture was a rare and innovative feature that allowed for beautiful starburst effects in low-light photography, Xiaomi has decided to rely on software optimization to achieve similar results. This decision is a bit puzzling, especially since the starburst effect was one of the standout features of the 14 Ultra. That said, the new aperture does seem to perform well in most lighting conditions, and the images still look fantastic.

The ultrawide camera has also seen a slight downgrade, with its aperture moving from f/1.8 to f/2.2. This could potentially affect low-light performance, but I didn’t notice any major issues during my testing. On the positive side, the telephoto zoom has been improved, offering a higher resolution for better-looking zoomed-in shots. The camera app is also worth mentioning, as it’s both user-friendly and feature-rich, with options like Leica-approved color styles and various AI-powered tools.

Performance and AI Capabilities

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a beast when it comes to performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. This chip not only handles everyday tasks with ease but also excels in more demanding applications like gaming. Titles like Genshin Impact ran smoothly at max settings, which is a testament to the phone’s power. The Snapdragon 8 Elite is also optimized for AI tasks, which is evident in the phone’s AI features.

Xiaomi has included a range of AI tools in the 15 Ultra, including generative text creation, voice transcription, and image enhancement. These tools are not just gimmicks; they actually work well and can be genuinely useful for productivity and creativity. However, it’s worth noting that most of these features require an internet connection, which could be a bit inconvenient for some users.

Battery Life and Display

Battery life on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is solid, though not exceptional. In my testing, it easily lasted a full day with moderate use, which is what most users would expect from a flagship device. The phone also supports fast charging at up to 90W, which means you can top up the battery quickly when you’re in a hurry.

The display on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is another highlight. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen is bright, vibrant, and pin-sharp, making it a joy to use for everything from browsing the web to watching videos. The adaptive refresh rate (1-120Hz) ensures smooth scrolling and transitions, which adds to the overall premium feel of the phone.

Photography Kit and Additional Features

For serious photographers, Xiaomi offers an optional Photography Kit that includes a case, a powered grip with a shutter button, and an attachable ring for using 67mm photography filters. This kit transforms the phone into something that feels more like a compact camera, making it much more comfortable and intuitive to use for photography. The grip is particularly useful, as it not only adds extra battery life but also provides a more ergonomic way to hold the phone. The shutter button and settings wheel are thoughtful touches that will appeal to anyone who enjoys taking photos.

In addition to the Photography Kit, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes with a range of other features that enhance the user experience. The phone is IP68 rated for water and dust resistance, which adds an extra layer of protection against accidental spills or drops. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and the phone supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 for the latest wireless connectivity standards.

Conclusion

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a powerful and feature-rich smartphone that checks many boxes for both casual users and photography enthusiasts. While the camera system hasn’t seen a major upgrade from the 14 Ultra, it still delivers some of the best photos you can get from a smartphone. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor ensures top-notch performance, and the AI features add a layer of versatility that makes the phone more than just a camera and a processor.

That said, the lack of significant camera innovation is a bit disappointing, especially considering the high price point of the phone. Xiaomi’s decision to remove the variable aperture and rely on software for certain effects feels like a step backward, even if the results are still good. Additionally, the limited software support compared to some competitors could be a factor for users who value long-term updates.

Overall, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-performance Android phone with an excellent camera system. While it may not break new ground, it’s a reliable and capable device that should meet the needs of most users. If photography is your primary concern, the optional Photography Kit is definitely worth considering, as it elevates the phone’s camera experience to the next level.