Xiaomi has finally admitted what we all suspected—their Ultra series isn’t a smartphone; it’s a full-blown camera with a phone app pre-installed. If the Xiaomi 14 Ultra looked like a DSLR with delusions of being a phone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has fully embraced its true calling.
The only thing is. The new Xiaomi 15 Ultra [CH] is not huge and chunky like an actual camera. However, it is huge and chunky as far as smartphones go. This thing is unapologetically heavy and thick, coming in at a hefty 226g-229g and as thick as 9.48 mm. It is significantly thicker than the Oppo Find N5 when folded, and it is just as heavy. I don’t know how Xiaomi is going to get a free pass on those numbers.
This 6.73-inch QHD+ AMOLED display is sharper than your ex’s insults, with a 1-120 Hz variable refresh rate and an eye-searing 3200 nits of brightness—because who needs sunglasses when your phone can double as a flashlight? It’s also wrapped in Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0, which sounds like something out of a superhero movie.
Powering this beast is the Snapdragon 8 Elite, backed by up to 16GB RAM and 1TB UFS 4.1 storage—basically, it can handle anything, including your 200GB of cat videos. But let’s be real: you’re here for the cameras.
The main 50MP LYT-900 sensor is ridiculous enough, but Xiaomi decided that wasn’t enough and threw in a 200MP telephoto lens with a 100mm focal length. Need ultra-wide? Another 50MP sensor. Portraits? Yet another 50MP lens. At this point, it’s more camera than phone. Oh, and the 32MP front cam ensures your selfies are more detailed than in real life.
With a 6000mAh battery supporting 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, this phone laughs in the face of battery anxiety. It’s also wrapped in aerospace-grade glass fiber and faux leather because, well, it’s a symbol of class, isn’t it?
IP68-rated, Dolby Atmos speakers, 5G, and Android 15-based HyperOS? Yeah, it does it all. But let’s be honest—you’re buying this because it’s the closest thing to carrying a professional camera in your pocket. Just don’t be surprised if people ask you to shoot their wedding.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has been launched in China in four colors and four configurations (12+256, 16+512, 16+1 TB, and dual satellite edition) with a starting price of 6,499 yuan [CH] (~892 USD).
Images: Xiaomi [CH].
