The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has arrived to challenge Samsung and Apple, and while it may seem like yet another expected upgrade in the ongoing flagship phone lineup, there are notable enhancements to discuss – plus, one major disappointment.
A Powerful New Camera
True to Xiaomi’s passion for camera technology, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra closely follows the impressive design established by the 14 Ultra.
It still features four rear cameras, but now the 50MP periscope lens from last year has been upgraded to a 200MP version. Quite impressive.
Though the zoom range has been reduced from 5x to 4.3x, Xiaomi claims it captures 136% more light – which, if accurate, should enhance low-light photography.
However, before you get carried away, it’s worth noting that the main camera has unfortunately lost its variable aperture. Thanks for that, Xiaomi.
Explore everything Xiaomi revealed at MWC.
A Major Performance Boost
On the inside, the Snapdragon 8 Elite is powering this device, and trust me, this chip is impressive.
In comparison to the previous Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it’s an extraordinary performer – excelling not only in sheer speed but also in efficiency.
In our standard tests, the 15 Ultra achieved a remarkable 42% higher score in Geekbench 6 – which is astounding – and lasted an incredible 37% longer in the PCMark battery test, providing an extra four hours and 35 minutes. That’s exactly what I want to see.
Larger Battery, No Extra Weight
Here’s a nice enhancement – Xiaomi has managed to fit a larger battery into the same-sized body. Magic? No, just innovation.
The battery has increased from 5000mAh to 5410mAh, thanks to some impressive silicone carbide technology. But before you get too thrilled, the Chinese variant boasts a massive 6000mAh, while we’re stuck with the lesser capacity. Par for the course.
That said, when combined with the efficiency of the Snapdragon 8 Elite, battery life appears significantly improved this year.
A Design Step Backwards
Now, let’s address the downgrade – and it’s one I’m not particularly pleased with.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has replaced the appealing vegan leather finish with some glass fiber material. The outcome? A phone that feels more slippery than a wet fish.
The black variant I tested has a sparkly finish that I find somewhat gaudy, and I suspect the white option isn’t any better. Your safest choice is the new Silver Chrome model, which does retain the vegan leather back – but even that features a peculiar plastic section that some reviewers are not fond of.
If you’re considering purchasing the Photography Kit for the 15 Ultra, at least that features a vegan leather finish, unlike last year’s woven fabric cover.
Check out all our MWC coverage.
Conclusion: A Powerhouse With One Letdown
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is an impressive device boasting substantial power – fantastic cameras, a top-tier chipset, and significant battery improvements. Yet that slippery design change? Quite ridiculous. If you’re searching for one of the top phones this year, this is a strong option… just remember to grab a case, alright?
