Discover the Xiaomi 15 Ultra: The Ultimate Smartphone for Photography Lovers, Powered by Leica Technology!

Xiaomi has just launched its new 15 Series smartphones, including the Xiaomi 15 and the 15 Ultra. These devices aim to deliver top-notch mobile photography and videography, claiming to be the “ultimate professional imagery flagship.”

The announcement was backed by Leica’s CEO, Matthias Harsch, coinciding with Leica’s 100-year anniversary. After a global launch of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in 2024 (with North America left out), the partnership with Leica appears to be getting stronger with these new models.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Features

The Xiaomi 15 series keeps most features from the earlier 14 series, particularly in the Ultra. It has the same impressive 50-megapixel Type 1 LYT-900 sensor and Summilux lens with an f/1.63 aperture. Xiaomi claims this setup can capture twice the light compared to the 14 Ultra, improving low-light photos. It also offers three focal lengths: 23mm, 28mm, and 35mm, with the latter two achieved through cropping.

The variable aperture found in the previous model is gone. Xiaomi hasn’t clarified why this change occurred. The Ultra’s telephoto lens is a 50-megapixel variant with a 70mm focal length at 3x optical zoom. Additionally, it includes a 200-megapixel periscope with a long reach of 4.3x optical zoom. Despite a smaller f/2.6 aperture, Xiaomi reports a significant light-gathering improvement.

This telephoto lens can also function as a macro camera, focusing as close as 10cm. The 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera now has a reduced field of view of 115 degrees compared to its predecessor, though this change was minimally discussed during the event.

The camera module features a 24-layer ultra-low reflection glass to minimize glare. This should reduce reflections while using all the cameras. Glare has affected previous models, but other issues may still limit dynamic range.

When it comes to video, you can enjoy Dolby Vision support on all rear cameras, plus 4K at 120fps. It also has 10-bit Log recording, along with optical and electronic image stabilization for better footage.

Design and Build

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes in three colors: black, white, and silver chrome. The silver version makes the phone resemble a classic point-and-shoot camera, especially when held sideways. Xiaomi claims this is the toughest smartphone they’ve designed, featuring IP68 water and dust resistance along with advanced drop protection using Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 and Gorilla Glass 7i.

On the front, the 6.7-inch AMOLED screen boasts peak brightness of 3,200 nits. Despite the added durability, the screen retains much of the same tech as the 14 Ultra. A welcome update is the new ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which responds more quickly than the previous version. The battery capacity has slightly grown to 5410mAh from 5000mAh, but it remains less than the 6000mAh option available in a China-only variant. It supports impressive 80W wireless charging, making it one of the quickest options if you have a compatible wireless charger.

The device runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, available with options of 12 or 16GB of RAM, and storage options of 256, 512GB, or 1TB. It also boasts built-in Snapdragon Sound for enhanced audio playback from compatible sources.

Smart Features and Software

Xiaomi is placing a strong emphasis on AI within its software, using HyperOS 2. This includes advanced editing features in the Gallery app that require a Xiaomi account. As Google Gemini becomes more integrated, it will enhance selected apps significantly.

Xiaomi’s HyperConnect aims to connect various devices, including iOS and Macs. This feature echoes similar moves made by other brands. One interesting feature is the Cross-device Camera, allowing users to utilize another device’s camera while keeping the processing power of the 15 Series. In addition, Combined Cameras lets users merge video feeds from multiple devices.

Xiaomi 15 Overview

The Xiaomi 15, while smaller and less expensive, shares many features with the Ultra model. It still has Summilux lenses that include the same anti-reflective coating, and it supports Dolby Vision and 4K at 60fps for video. However, it lacks the periscope telephoto and goes for a 60mm equivalent for its regular telephoto lens.

Its dual Portrait mode mixes Leica’s and Xiaomi’s Master Portrait features. The company is adding a “Sunset Portrait” feature for stunning captures during golden hour. The same HyperAI tools and Gemini integrations apply here as well, so the Xiaomi 15 is not behind in that area.

Featuring a 6.3-inch AMOLED display, the Xiaomi 15 is regarded as compact by today’s standards, making it easy to use with one hand. It will be available in black, white, green, and a new liquid silver option released later in 2025.

Pricing and Availability

Xiaomi is launching a special photography kit for the 15 Ultra, which has a modern and modular design. It features a built-in 2000mAh battery that can extend the phone’s battery life significantly for longer shooting sessions. The kit includes a 67mm filters adapter and has manual controls for zoom, exposure, and video recording.

These phones won’t be available at retail stores in Canada or the U.S. However, you can find them online from various international sellers who will ship them globally. Xiaomi offers four years of Android updates and six years of security updates, which is less than what competitors like Samsung and Google provide for their flagship models.

The Xiaomi 15 is priced at 999 Euros (about $1,030), while the 15 Ultra is set at 1,499 Euros (approximately $1,550). As before, Xiaomi will offer one free out-of-warranty repair and one screen replacement within the first year of purchase.