Xiaomi Unveils the Game-Changing 15 Series: Meet the Compact Powerhouse and the Ultimate Camera Beast Ahead of MWC 2025

Xiaomi has officially unveiled its latest 15 series in anticipation of MWC 2025, which begins in Barcelona on Monday. The new lineup includes the compact Xiaomi 15, the successor to the 14, along with the impressive 15 Ultra, deemed the company’s ‘ultimate’ camera smartphone. As anticipated, both models feature cameras fine-tuned by Leica. This collaboration between Xiaomi and Leica for imaging technology has now reached its fourth year, and we look forward to more camera-centric premium smartphones in the future. To date, the partnership has produced 21 products across five regions and 100 countries.

The pricing for India hasn’t been revealed yet; we will have to wait until March 11 for Xiaomi to announce the costs of the 15 series. In Europe, the Xiaomi 15 starts at EUR 999 (approximately Rs. 91,000), while the 15 Ultra is priced at EUR 1,499 (around Rs. 1,36,000). Given that these models are the successors from the 14 series, we expect them to fall within a similar price range.

Xiaomi 15: Compact Design with Snapdragon Elite SoC

The Xiaomi 15 retains the well-known compact design of its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14, which is one of its standout features. The size is optimized for easy one-handed use, and it is remarkably lightweight, weighing under 200 grams and measuring 8.08mm thick. It features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame that encases the Xiaomi 15. The smooth edges fit comfortably in your hand, enhancing the device’s overall tactile experience, and the unibody construction adds to its compact charm. Furthermore, the camera arrangement will remind users of the 14. The weight distribution feels balanced, but I will provide more details after spending additional time with the smartphone.

The 15 is equipped with all the necessary features expected from a high-end flagship, including an IP68 rating. This year, it is available in three understated colors: Black, Green, and White. I have the White variant, which exudes elegance. The 6.36-inch display with ultra-slim bezels maximizes screen space and appeared bright enough during my brief encounter with the 15. It integrates an Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor that felt responsive during initial testing. The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, ensuring it meets flagship performance standards. However, I’ll withhold full judgment on display and performance until the review.

Xiaomi 15 main camera samples (tap to expand)

The camera stands out as a primary feature of the Xiaomi 15, which includes a triple-camera system: a 50-megapixel Light Fusion 900 image sensor with an f/1.62 aperture and OIS, a 50-megapixel telephoto lens with a 60mm focal length, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide camera boasting a 115-degree field of view. The camera app is quite similar to last year’s version but introduces a new Sunset Portrait mode, which appeared intriguing during the keynote. Initial imaging tests produced stunning shots.

For selfies, it includes a 32-megapixel front camera. In terms of power, the most significant enhancement is the increased battery capacity compared to the 14, now featuring a 5240mAh battery that supports 90W HyperCharge. A more detailed analysis of the camera and battery will be provided in the review.

Naturally, in 2025, no product launch event is complete without AI features. The Xiaomi 15 integrates a variety of AI functionalities, which I will elaborate on in my review. The exciting news is that Google Gemini is built into the Xiaomi 15, broadening its capabilities for users. It also runs on Xiaomi HyperOS 2, based on Android 15.

In summary, the Xiaomi 15 presents itself as a significant upgrade over the Xiaomi 14, but a complete assessment will come after the review, so stay tuned.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Professional Photography Powerhouse

Now, let’s shift our focus to the powerhouse device — the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, a smartphone designed with professional photographers in mind. It competes with premium models such as the Vivo X200 Pro. The 14 Ultra was the first Ultra model from Xiaomi to reach a global audience, and now the 15 Ultra proudly takes the lead as its successor. Xiaomi’s objective is clear: to appeal to the ultra-premium market.

It is available in a sole configuration of 16GB RAM with 512GB storage.

Commencing with its design, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra draws inspiration from traditional professional cameras and incorporates materials like aerospace-grade glass fiber. Notable design elements include an Ultra watermark positioned just above the camera cluster. The camera arrangement is seamlessly integrated into the back of the device, creating a sophisticated appearance.

In comparison to the 14 Ultra, the rear camera setup of the 15 Ultra has been enlarged, and the device comes in Silver Chrome, White, and Black hues. I have the Silver Chrome version, which stands out as the most appealing color this year. The phone also features an IP68 rating.

It showcases a 6.73-inch WQHD AMOLED display with remarkable 3200nits peak brightness, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 522PPI pixel density.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra includes a quadruple symmetrical curved glass design for enhanced ergonomics. Weighing in at 229 grams, it is certainly on the heavier side. The device features a 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED screen, achieving peak brightness of 3200nits and supporting a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision. Based on my limited experience with the device, it boasts one of the finest displays I have seen on any Xiaomi smartphone, but I will reserve my full opinion until further tests.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a comprehensive triple camera system.

The smartphone feels solid in hand, and I felt comfortable using it without a protective case. The 15 Ultra will be offered in a single configuration of 16GB RAM and 512GB storage in India. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the 15 Ultra stands among the premier flagship models when it comes to performance. In my preliminary experience, the device handled tasks smoothly and launched applications quickly. Multitasking appeared effortless. Regarding battery life, Xiaomi has incorporated a 5410mAh battery that supports 90W wired and 80W wireless HyperCharge. Again, I’ll hold off on my final opinion for the review.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra main camera samples (tap to expand)

Now, onto the exciting part — the cameras! The device has a four-camera system featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 200-megapixel telephoto sensor, a 50-megapixel floating telephoto sensor, and a 50-megapixel ultra-wide sensor. Naturally, the 15 Ultra comes equipped with a variety of Leica styles that enhance the overall photographic experience. It also boasts a 1-inch sensor with an f/1.63 aperture. Additionally, there’s a 32-megapixel selfie camera. Based on my initial experience, the 15 Ultra appears to be a remarkable upgrade from the 14 Ultra regarding camera capabilities. However, I will provide an extensive breakdown in the review.

It operates on HyperOS 2, built on Android 15. The smartphone is packed with a range of AI features that I will explore and detail in my review, so stay tuned.

Disclosure: Xiaomi India covered the correspondent’s travel and accommodation expenses for the event in Barcelona.