Is This the Best Camera Phone Yet?

Xiaomi has officially unveiled the 15 Ultra, its latest flagship smartphone, featuring a sleek design, robust hardware, and feature-rich software. This model builds upon the strengths of previous Ultra devices while introducing key upgrades, including a larger battery, a more powerful chipset, and significant enhancements to its already impressive camera system.

Display and Design

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes in three stylish color options: Black, White, and an exclusive Silver Chrome Edition.

• The White model features an engraved surface.
• The Black model has a textured back for a premium feel.
• The Silver Chrome Edition is crafted with aerospace-grade glass fiber and PU leather, resembling a high-end camera.

While the standard models are 9.35mm thick and weigh 226g, the Silver Chrome Edition is slightly bulkier at 9.48mm and 229g.

For durability, the CNC-crafted aluminum frame offers excellent structural integrity, and Xiaomi’s Shield Glass 2.0 enhances display protection with 16x better drop resistance. The 6.73-inch AMOLED screen delivers 3,200 nits of brightness and supports an adaptive 1Hz–120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals.

Hardware and Performance

At the core of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, offering:

• Up to 52% lower power consumption
• Up to 45% better performance

Users can choose between 12GB or 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. To maintain peak performance during demanding tasks, the phone features an improved cooling system that enhances heat dissipation.

The battery capacity has increased by 17% to 6,000mAh (5,410mAh for the global version), featuring a 10% silicon carbide composition for better efficiency. Fast charging remains the same, with 90W wired and 80W wireless charging support.

AI and Software Advancements

Xiaomi’s HyperAI system enhances productivity with AI-driven features like:

• Automated text generation
• Content refinement tools
• Conference transcript production

For security and performance, HyperAI integrates seamlessly with HyperCore technology, ensuring on-device processing for faster, more secure results without relying on external servers.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra runs on HyperOS 2, based on Android 15, featuring:

• A redesigned lock screen and home screen
• Upgraded system apps
• Seamless optimizations for AI-powered functions

Xiaomi guarantees four generations of Android updates and six years of security patches.

Camera System

The quad-camera system, fine-tuned by Leica, includes:

1. 50MP primary camera (1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, fixed f/1.63 aperture)
2. 50MP mid-zoom camera (1/2.51-inch IMX858 sensor, 70mm f/1.8 lens)
3. 50MP ultrawide lens (1/2.51-inch Samsung JN5 sensor, 14mm f/2.2 aperture)
4. 200MP periscope telephoto lens (1/1.4-inch Samsung HP9 sensor, 100mm f/2.6 aperture)

Notably, Xiaomi claims the new 100mm telephoto lens is 136% more light-sensitive than the previous 120mm version, enhancing the low-light performance.

All four rear cameras can record 4K video at up to 60fps and 8K video at 30fps, while the primary and 100mm telephoto lenses support 4K at 120fps for high-speed recording.

Battery Life and Pricing

With a 6,000mAh battery (5,410mAh globally), the Xiaomi 15 Ultra retains 90W wired and 80W wireless charging support.

Pricing in China:

• 12GB/256GB – CNY 6,499 (€854, £700, PKR 249,500, $895)
• 16GB/512GB – CNY 6,999 (€920, £760, IPKR 268,700, $960)
• 16GB/1TB – CNY 7,799 (€1,025, £850, PKR 299,400, $1,070)

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra launches in China today, with a global release expected on Sunday.

For those looking to enhance their photography experience, Xiaomi also offers a Professional Imaging Kit for CNY 999 (€130, £110, PKR 38,300, $140).

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Specifications