Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Redefining Flagship Smartphones in 2025

In 2025, Xiaomi has once again pushed the boundaries of mobile innovation with the launch of its next-generation flagships: the Xiaomi 15 and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. These two premium devices reflect Xiaomi’s mission to blend style with cutting-edge technology while offering powerful alternatives to other industry titans like Apple and Samsung.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a power user, or someone who appreciates refined aesthetics, both devices have something exceptional to offer. This in-depth review will help you decide which one fits your lifestyle better by exploring their designs, specifications, and pricing.

The design philosophy behind Xiaomi's latest flagship duo—the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra—embodies the brand's evolution from stylish disruptor to refined industry leader. These two phones approach design with distinct visions, but both reflect craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a clear focus on durability.

The Xiaomi 15 is a masterclass in minimalist industrial design. Measuring 152.3mm in height and just 8.08mm in thickness, it strikes a near-perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. Its aluminium alloy frame offers a premium yet lightweight feel, and at only 191g, it's one of the most pocket-friendly flagships in its class. This makes it ideal for users who prioritise portability without sacrificing screen size or power.

Xiaomi has refined the curves with a micro-arc frame that subtly rounds into the glass front and back, giving it a seamless in-hand feel. The back panel comes in various finishes, from glossy black to pastel green and a mirror-like liquid silver, each of which resists fingerprints better than many previous models.

The front is protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass, offering a significant upgrade in scratch and drop resistance. Combined with an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, the Xiaomi 15 is built for real-world resilience while still looking elegant on a desk or dinner table.

In short, the Xiaomi 15’s design speaks to the modern urban user—stylish, practical, and understated.

If the Xiaomi 15 is a stylish everyday flagship, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is its ultra-premium cousin built for the spotlight. Its dimensions—161.3mm tall and 9.35mm thick—make it noticeably larger and heavier than the standard model. Weighing 226g, the Ultra is substantial in hand, but its weight hints at the sophistication hidden within.

What immediately draws attention is the iconic circular Leica camera module centred on the back. This is not just a design flourish; it’s a deliberate nod to professional camera systems, blending form with photographic function. Whether you opt for the eco-leather back or the sleek ceramic version, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra exudes luxury and purpose.

The build quality is exceptional. The phone is framed by high-strength aluminium alloy, and if you choose the titanium edition, you get a material that's not only lighter but also stronger than steel. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i on the front provides further durability and drop resistance, while the entire device is sealed to IP68 standards, offering top-tier protection from the elements.

The rear texture options are also functional—leather provides better grip, especially for photography on the move, while the ceramic variant feels cool and solid, perfect for users who want something more traditional and refined.

Where the Xiaomi 15 caters to subtle elegance, the 15 Ultra is bold and deliberate in design. It’s a phone that demands attention, whether sitting on a café table or mounted on a tripod for a shoot.

• Size: 6.36 inches
• Resolution: 2670 x 1200
• Type: AMOLED
• Refresh Rate: LTPO 1Hz–120Hz
• Peak Brightness: 3000+ nits

Despite being the smaller of the two, the Xiaomi 15’s CrystalRes AMOLED panel delivers vibrant colours, deep blacks, and razor-sharp visuals. It’s especially suited for streaming and social media, offering adaptive refresh rates to balance battery life and performance.

• Size: 6.73 inches
• Resolution: 3200 x 1440 (WQHD+)
• Type: AMOLED LTPO
• Refresh Rate: 1Hz–120Hz
• Peak Brightness: Up to 3000+ nits

The Ultra model’s larger, curved display offers a more immersive experience with 1440p resolution, ideal for content creators, gamers, and media lovers. Combined with HDR support and incredibly high brightness levels, this is one of the most advanced smartphone displays on the market today.

The Xiaomi 15 delivers power that matches larger flagships, but in a more compact and manageable design. At its core is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, built on the efficient 3nm architecture. This allows the phone to balance high performance with lower heat and power consumption, making it ideal for daily users who demand reliability and speed.

Key Highlights:

• CPU: Octa-core configuration with up to 4.32GHz clock speed, ideal for app launches, multitasking, and real-time responsiveness.

• GPU: The Adreno 750 delivers a premium gaming experience, capable of running graphically intense games smoothly, even with ray-tracing support.

• RAM & Storage: Comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and storage options of 256GB or 512GB using ultra-fast UFS 4.0 for rapid data access.

• Cooling: The built-in vapour chamber system ensures consistent performance without overheating, even during extended usage.

Where this model excels is in how fluid and efficient it feels during day-to-day usage. From instant app transitions to low latency gaming and lag-free 4K video streaming, the Xiaomi 15 stands as a true flagship for those who prefer one-hand usability without compromising on internals.

Running HyperOS based on Android 14, the phone also benefits from Xiaomi’s AI-backed smart task scheduling, real-time resource optimisation, and an uncluttered UI. It adapts to your usage habits, ensuring a fast and consistent experience whether you're checking emails, shooting 4K video, or playing high-fidelity games.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is engineered for users who demand uncompromising performance—whether that's in mobile photography, gaming, or professional productivity. Backed by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, this device pushes the limits of what a smartphone can do with enhanced thermals, higher RAM options, and smart AI enhancements.

Key Highlights:

• CPU: Same octa-core architecture with up to 4.32GHz, but with additional thermal headroom for longer peak performance.
• GPU: Also powered by the Adreno 750, but thanks to the Ultra’s larger frame, gaming sessions can be sustained longer without thermal throttling.
• RAM & Storage: Comes in 12GB, 16GB configurations, and goes up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, ideal for content creators, video editors, and data-heavy professionals.
• Advanced Cooling: A three-layer cooling system combines vapour chamber, high-conductivity graphite, and smart thermal control zones—crucial for heavy 4K/8K video shooting and long gaming hours.

What really sets the 15 Ultra apart is how Xiaomi has tuned it for extreme scenarios. You can edit and export 8K videos, game at max settings, run real-time AI tasks like image enhancement, or livestream in high-res—all without stutter.

• Main Camera: 50MP Light Fusion 900, OIS, f/1.6
• Telephoto: 50MP, 60mm floating lens, OIS, f/2.0
• Ultra-Wide: 50MP, 115° FOV, f/2.2

Built in collaboration with Leica, the Xiaomi 15’s camera system punches well above its weight. The floating telephoto lens is perfect for macro photography, while the ultra-wide lens allows for sweeping landscape shots.

• Main Camera: 50MP LYT-900 1-inch sensor, OIS, f/1.6

• Ultra Telephoto: 50MP periscope lens, 5x optical zoom, f/2.5

• Floating Telephoto: 50MP, 3.2x zoom, f/1.8

• Ultra-Wide: 50MP, 122° FOV

The Ultra delivers unmatched mobile photography. From low-light capabilities to stunning zoom clarity, this phone is built to replace your DSLR. Its Summilux lens system, along with Leica Vibrant and Authentic styles, enables cinematic shots straight out of the box.

Video Performance:

• 8K video recording at 24fps (both models)
• 4K 60fps with Dolby Vision
• HyperOIS and AI tracking autofocus

• Capacity: 4700mAh

• Charging: 67W wired, 50W wireless

The Xiaomi 15 offers a full day's use easily, with fast wired and wireless charging. Xiaomi’s Battery Health Management ensures long-term durability even after 800+ cycles.

• Capacity: 5300mAh

• Charging: 90W wired, 80W wireless

The Ultra pulls ahead with a massive battery that charges almost fully in under 30 minutes. Ideal for power users and travellers who need top-ups on the go.

Both models support:

• 5G (Dual SIM)
• Wi-Fi 7
• Bluetooth 5.4
• IR Blaster
• In-screen fingerprint scanner
• Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos

You’ll also find Hi-Res Audio and X-axis linear motor for precise haptic feedback. The Ultra edges ahead in speaker performance with a more immersive stereo stage and louder peak volume.

Xiaomi is heavily leaning into AI with these devices. Some of the smart capabilities include:

• AI Note Summary
• Real-time translation
• AI Portrait Mode
• Scene Recognition
• AI Image Search (offline)
• HyperMind AI interaction engine

Both phones are also part of Xiaomi’s AIoT ecosystem, integrating seamlessly with smart TVs, wearables, vacuums, and home appliances.

Here’s how the two devices are priced in the UK market as of April 2025:

• You prefer a compact and lightweight phone
• You want a balance of flagship features at a lower price
• You’re into social photography but don’t need extreme zoom or manual control

• You’re a mobile photography or videography enthusiast
• You want the best Xiaomi has to offer—period
• You rely on long battery life and premium design

Both the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra deliver tremendous value and performance in their respective segments. Whether you're upgrading from an older Xiaomi or switching brands, either device represents a confident leap into the future of smartphones.

The Xiaomi 15 is a refined, everyday flagship, while the 15 Ultra is a powerhouse designed to wow professionals and tech enthusiasts alike. With intelligent design, pro-level cameras, and AI smarts baked in, Xiaomi is clearly here not just to compete—but to lead.