The craziest periscope camera ever, a bigger battery, and improved software – but is it enough to compete with the best?
When Xiaomi releases Ultra model, it is known that it will be a serious photography phone. Last year 14 Ultra may have been the best mobile camera of 2024, but in this year's Xiaomi 15 Ultra the Chinese brand claims they've taken things even higher. The biggest change is 200 MP periscope camera, which with 100 mm focal length and 136 % higher light sensitivity compared to its predecessor, it promises the best zoom photos we've seen on a smartphone. Let's add a new 6,000 mAh battery (although global versions will likely remain at 5,410 mAh), improved HyperOS 2, more powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite and a casing protected by a new Shield Glass 2.0, which should be just 16 times more resistant to drops.
Distinctive design with Leica aesthetics
In terms of design, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra does not bring a revolution, but rather refines its already established design. The rear part still dominates huge round camera module, which visually resembles professional Leica cameras, with which Xiaomi collaborates in the development of its cameras. The device is available in classic black with textured back, elegant white with a matte surface and special Silver Chrome Edition, which combines fiberglass and PU leather, to further mimic classic cameras. The latter version is slightly heavier and thicker, weighing 229 grams and measuring 9.48 mm in thickness, while the other two versions are slightly lighter and thinner at 226 grams and 9.35 mm. The body is made of aluminum, while the new Shield Glass 2.0 provides exceptional resistance to drops and scratches.
A screen that blocks the sun
The front of the phone is adorned with 6.73-inch AMOLED LTPO display with resolution 3200 x 1440 pixels, which supports 1-120 Hz adaptive refresh rateWhat really stands out, however, is the brightness – Xiaomi claims to achieve incredible 3,200 threads, which makes it one of the brightest displays on the market and ensures excellent visibility even under direct sunlight.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite and larger battery
As befits an Ultra model, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite, which compared to the previous generation brings up to 45 % higher capacity and up to 52 % better energy efficiencyVersions are available with 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB UFS 4.1 storageThe battery has undergone a noticeable upgrade and now stands at 6,000 mAh, although global models are unlikely to exceed 5,410mAhCharging remains as fast as last year, with 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, but surprisingly there is still no support for Qi2.
Cameras: The largest periscope lens ever
Photography remains the main trump card of the Ultra series, with Xiaomi betting on it this year 200 MP periscope camera, which brings the most noticeable upgrade over the previous model. This new periscope lens has 100 mm focal length and uses Samsung HP9 sensor, which is significantly larger than that of last year's model. As a result, Xiaomi claims to capture 136 % more light, which should greatly improve low-light photos.
The main camera remains 50MP Sony LYT-900 with 1-inch sensor, but this year it no longer has a variable aperture – instead Xiaomi uses a fixed one f/1.63, meaning it doesn't allow for depth of field adjustments like last year's model. The medium-telephoto camera uses 50MP Sony IMX858 sensor with 70 mm focal length, which is a minor change from last year's 75mm. The ultra-wide-angle lens also has 50MP Samsung JN5 sensor, but its focal length is now 14mm f/2.2, which means it is less light-sensitive than last year's 12mm f/1.8.
All four rear cameras support 8K recording at 30 fps and 4K at 60fps, with the main and periscope cameras even allowing 4K at 120fpsThe front camera remains 32 MP with 21mm f/2.0 lens, which means there are no major changes here.
HyperOS 2: Smarter, Faster, More Connected
Xiaomi also upgraded the software and introduced HyperOS 2, which is based on Android 15The new system brings HyperCore, which optimizes performance and graphics, and HyperAI, which enables artificially intelligent writing, translation, meeting summarization, and photo enhancement. Xiaomi promises 4 years of Android updates and 6 years of security patches, which is in line with industry standards for premium phones.
Price and availability
Xiaomi 15 Ultra is already available in China, and the global launch will be March 2ndPrice varies depending on storage and RAM:
- 12/256GB – (€854, $895)
- 16/512GB – (€920, $960)
- 16GB/1TB – (€1,025, $1,070)
Also available for professional photographers Professional Imaging Kit for (€130, $140), which includes physical recording controls and an extra battery.
Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra the best photo phone of the year?
With improved periscope camera, larger battery, brighter screen and more powerful the software, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra sets a new standard in mobile photography. However, the lack of a variable aperture, a less light-sensitive ultra-wide-angle lens, and the lack of Qi2 charging mean it's not perfect. Whether this is the best camera phone in the world, time will tell - but one thing is for sure: Xiaomi has set the bar very high for the competition.
