Xiaomi 15 Review: In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, Xiaomi has once again made waves with its latest flagship offering, the Xiaomi 15. Launched on October 29, 2024, this compact dynamo has been creating quite a buzz in the tech community. With its powerful specs, Leica-tuned cameras, and competitive pricing, the Xiaomi 15 is poised to challenge the notion that bigger is always better in the premium smartphone segment.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.36-inch AMOLED, 2670 x 1200 pixels, 120Hz |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 50MP telephoto |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 5240mAh |
| Charging | 90W wired, 50W wireless |
| OS | HyperOS 2 based on Android 15 |
Design and Display: Compact Elegance
The Xiaomi 15 continues the design language of its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14, which is a testament to the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” At just 152.3mm tall and 71.2mm wide, it’s one of the most compact flagships on the market, even smaller than the Google Pixel 9. The phone’s slim 8.08mm profile and weight of 191 grams strike a balance between portability and premium feel.
The device boasts Xiaomi’s proprietary Shield Glass on the front, an aluminum frame, and a glass back, all coming together with IP68 dust and water resistance. The square camera module on the back proudly displays the Leica branding, hinting at the photographic prowess within.
The 6.36-inch AMOLED display is a visual treat, offering a resolution of 2670 x 1200 pixels, a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and an impressive peak brightness of 3200 nits. This makes the screen easily readable even under harsh sunlight, a feature praised by many users.
Performance: Elite-level Power
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 15 packs the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS 4.0 storage. This combination delivers blazing-fast performance, handling everything from everyday tasks to demanding games with ease.
In real-world usage, the phone excels at multitasking and can run graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at maxed-out settings without breaking a sweat. The Xiaomi 15’s performance is on par with, and in some cases even surpasses, larger flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 series.
Camera: Leica Magic in Your Pocket
The camera system on the Xiaomi 15 is where the device truly shines. The triple 50MP rear camera setup, co-engineered with Leica, consists of:
- A 50MP main camera with a LightFusion 900 sensor and OIS
- A 50MP floating telephoto lens with OIS and 2.6x optical zoom
- A 50MP ultrawide camera
The Leica influence is evident in the image output, with users having the choice between Leica Authentic for true-to-life colors or Leica Vibrant for more punchy results. The cameras excel in capturing detailed images with excellent contrast, a hallmark of Leica’s photographic style.
Low-light performance is particularly impressive, with the main sensor pulling in ample light even in challenging conditions. The telephoto lens, while limited to 2.6x optical zoom, produces sharp images up to 5x zoom, after which digital zoom takes over with decent results in good lighting.
Portrait mode is another standout feature, offering four focal lengths (23mm, 35mm, 60mm, and 75mm) to suit different styles. The 35mm focal length, in particular, has been praised for producing some of the best portrait shots in the smartphone market.
Video capabilities are equally impressive, with support for 8K recording and excellent stabilization across all lenses.
Battery and Charging: All-Day Power with Rapid Refills
Despite its compact size, the Xiaomi 15 houses a substantial 5240mAh battery, outclassing even some larger flagships like the Galaxy S25 Ultra (5000mAh). In real-world usage, the phone easily lasts through a full day of heavy use, addressing one of the main concerns with its predecessor.
Charging is equally impressive, with 90W wired fast charging that can juice up the phone from 0 to 100% in about 45-50 minutes. The 50W wireless charging option is also a welcome addition for those who prefer cord-free charging.
Software: HyperOS Debuts
The Xiaomi 15 runs on HyperOS 2, based on Android 15. This new skin from Xiaomi offers a clean, intuitive interface with a host of AI-powered features. From AI-assisted photo editing to smart home controls, HyperOS 2 aims to make the user experience more seamless and intelligent.
Xiaomi has also promised 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security patches, addressing concerns about long-term software support.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Xiaomi 15 is future-proof with 5G support, Wi-Fi 7 compatibility, Bluetooth 5.4, and NFC for contactless payments. The phone also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive audio experience. The under-display fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, complementing the face unlock feature for biometric security.
Pricing and Availability
Launched at a competitive price point of ₹64,999 for the 12GB/512GB variant, the Xiaomi 15 offers excellent value for money in the premium segment. This pricing undercuts competitors like the OnePlus 13, which starts at ₹69,999 for a 12GB/256GB model.
| Variant | Price in India |
|---|---|
| 12GB + 512GB | ₹64,999 |
The phone is available through Xiaomi’s official website, Mi Home stores, and major e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact, premium design | Design similar to predecessor |
| Excellent performance | Ultrawide camera lacks autofocus |
| Impressive Leica cameras | Limited optical zoom range |
| Long-lasting battery | No expandable storage |
| Fast charging (wired and wireless) | |
| Competitive pricing |
People Also Ask
- Is Xiaomi 15 worth buying?
Yes, the Xiaomi 15 offers excellent value for money with its premium features, compact design, and competitive pricing. - How is the camera performance of Xiaomi 15?
The Leica-tuned cameras on the Xiaomi 15 deliver outstanding performance, especially in low light and portrait photography. - Does Xiaomi 15 support 5G in India?
Yes, the Xiaomi 15 supports 5G networks in India. - How long does the battery last on Xiaomi 15?
With its 5240mAh battery, the Xiaomi 15 easily lasts a full day of heavy use for most users.
Expert Opinion
According to Nimish Dubey, a senior tech journalist, “The Xiaomi 15 is a refreshing change in a market dominated by large phones. It proves that good things do come in small packages, offering flagship performance, excellent cameras, and impressive battery life in a compact form factor.”
Customer Reviews
Many users have praised the Xiaomi 15 for its compact size and powerful performance. One user on GSMArena noted, “Yesterday I recorded at 4K 60fps and the quality was not lost on the zoom (5x). The only thing I don’t like is the keyboard, which they changed and put a big black strip at the bottom.”
Another user on DXOMARK commented on the camera performance, saying, “The Xiaomi 15’s camera setup achieved excellent results, delivering a wide dynamic range, low noise levels, and vibrant colors.”
Conclusion: Small in Size, Big on Value
The Xiaomi 15 is a testament to the fact that flagship performance doesn’t always require a large form factor. It successfully addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor while introducing new features that make it a compelling option in the premium smartphone segment.
For those seeking a compact flagship with no compromises on performance, camera quality, or battery life, the Xiaomi 15 is an excellent choice. Its competitive pricing makes it an even more attractive option, offering features that often come with a much higher price tag from other manufacturers.
While it may not have the extensive zoom capabilities of some ultra-premium models or the brand cachet of Apple or Samsung, the Xiaomi 15 holds its own as a well-rounded, powerful device that’s easy to use and carry. It’s a flagship that doesn’t fleece your wallet, making it a smart choice for discerning smartphone users who want the best of technology in a more manageable size.