Xiaomi 15 Overview: The Compact Flagship That Holds Its Personal

The smartphone market has lengthy been dominated by titans like Apple and Samsung, however Xiaomi continues to carve out its personal area of interest, delivering high-end gadgets with aggressive pricing. The Xiaomi 15, the newest iteration within the model’s compact flagship lineup, goals to refine an already spectacular formulation. With its top-tier {hardware}, improved battery life, and upgraded cameras, it appears poised to problem the likes of the Google Pixel 9 Professional and the Samsung Galaxy S25.

Nevertheless, with a worth improve in comparison with its predecessor and the lingering problem of Xiaomi’s HyperOS, does the Xiaomi 15 actually justify its existence? Let’s dive into the small print.

Design & Construct: A Acquainted Face

Execs:

• Premium construct high quality
• Compact and comfy to carry
• New Liquid Silver end choice

Cons:

• Repetitive design
• Nonetheless no main distinguishing options

In case you had been hoping for a daring design overhaul, you could be dissatisfied. The Xiaomi 15 appears strikingly much like its predecessors, significantly the Xiaomi 14. This isn’t essentially a foul factor—the design is modern, premium, and well-constructed—however it does little to face out in a sea of practically an identical smartphones.

The gadget contains a flat metallic body sandwiched between two glass panels, with rounded corners for a snug grip. Xiaomi has launched its personal model of Corning’s Gorilla Glass, dubbed Xiaomi Protect Glass, claiming it to be 10 occasions extra drop-resistant than the earlier iteration. Whereas real-world sturdiness exams are tough to verify, the telephone held up properly throughout on a regular basis use.

Colour choices embrace basic Black, White, Inexperienced, and a novel Liquid Silver variant with a shimmering heat-bent glass impact. At 152.3 x 71.2 x 8.08mm and 191g, it’s barely heavier than Samsung’s Galaxy S25 however nonetheless compact sufficient to make use of with one hand.

Show & Audio: Sharp, Brilliant, and Punchy

Execs:

• Brilliantly color-accurate AMOLED panel
• LTPO 120Hz refresh fee
• Robust peak brightness (3200 nits)

Cons:

• No main upgrades from the Xiaomi 14

Xiaomi continues to impress with its shows, and the Xiaomi 15 isn’t any exception. The 6.36-inch AMOLED display screen maintains a crisp 2670 x 1200 decision, providing a candy spot between Full HD+ and QHD+. It’s an LTPO panel, that means it dynamically adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz to optimize battery life.

With a peak brightness of 3200 nits, the show is seen even beneath direct daylight, outperforming lots of its opponents. HDR10+ and Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist additional improve the media consumption expertise. Whether or not you’re watching Netflix in HDR or scrolling by means of social media, colours are vibrant with out being oversaturated.

The stereo audio system, whereas loud and clear, nonetheless lack the depth of bass present in Apple’s iPhone and even Samsung’s premium gadgets. However for a compact flagship, audio efficiency is commendable.

Efficiency & Software program: Blazing Quick however Held Again by HyperOS

Execs:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite delivers top-tier efficiency
• 12GB RAM ensures clean multitasking
• Ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is fast and correct

Cons:

• HyperOS stays cluttered and unpolished
• Pointless bloatware

Beneath the hood, the Xiaomi 15 packs Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 8 Elite, making it one of many quickest smartphones in the marketplace. Whether or not you’re gaming, multitasking, or modifying high-resolution movies, efficiency is buttery clean. Benchmark scores place it on par with the Galaxy S25 and OnePlus 13, considerably outperforming the Pixel 9 Professional’s Tensor G4.

Nevertheless, HyperOS 2.0, Xiaomi’s newest Android-based pores and skin, stays a degree of competition. Whereas fluid and customizable, it’s nonetheless overly cluttered, with a complicated break up notification shade and a plethora of pre-installed apps. Google’s Gemini AI is built-in, however Xiaomi’s personal AI instruments really feel underdeveloped in comparison with Samsung’s Galaxy AI options.

Digital camera System: Leica Partnership Continues to Impress

Execs:

• Triple 50MP sensors with Leica tuning
• New 60mm floating telephoto lens
• Wonderful portrait and zoom capabilities

Cons:

• AI picture processing may be inconsistent

Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica continues to raise its digicam efficiency. The Xiaomi 15 retains a triple 50MP rear digicam setup, that includes:

• A 50MP f/1.62 major sensor with OIS
• A 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide lens
• A 50MP f/2.0 telephoto lens with a 60mm focal size

The primary sensor delivers gorgeous element, correct colours, and a powerful dynamic vary. Leica’s two signature modes—Genuine and Vibrant—allow you to toggle between a extra pure look and an attention-grabbing aesthetic.

The telephoto lens, now at 60mm (in comparison with 75mm on the Xiaomi 14), captures detailed photographs as much as 5x hybrid zoom. Whereas the optical zoom takes a small step again, the general picture high quality has improved, with higher dynamic vary and noise discount. Macro capabilities are additionally enhanced, permitting close-up photographs from 10cm away.

For selfies, the 32MP front-facing digicam is dependable, locking onto faces shortly and adjusting framing when needed. Xiaomi’s portrait mode stays among the best within the enterprise, providing varied focal lengths and bokeh types.

Battery Life & Charging: A Powerhouse in a Small Package deal

Execs:

• 5240mAh battery outlasts opponents
• 90W wired and 50W wi-fi charging

Cons:

• No important positive aspects in real-world battery life

Regardless of its compact measurement, the Xiaomi 15 boasts a 5240mAh battery—bigger than the Galaxy S25 Extremely’s 5000mAh cell. Xiaomi claims a 25% enchancment in effectivity, although real-world utilization exhibits a extra modest 9% improve in comparison with the Xiaomi 14.

On a heavy day (4-5 hours screen-on time), the telephone constantly ends with round 40-50% battery left, making it a strong two-day gadget for reasonable customers.

Charging stays one in all Xiaomi’s strengths. The (not included) 90W wired charger juices up the telephone from 0 to 68% in half-hour, whereas 50W wi-fi charging stays industry-leading (although you’ll want Xiaomi’s proprietary charger to attain this pace).

Pricing & Verdict: Definitely worth the Improve?

The Xiaomi 15 begins at £899 (256GB) and £999 (512GB)—a noticeable £50-£100 improve over its predecessor. Regardless of this bump, it nonetheless undercuts rivals just like the Galaxy S25 (£999) and the Pixel 9 Professional (£1,099) whereas providing higher efficiency and charging capabilities.

Nevertheless, the stagnant design and continued software program quirks maintain it again. In case you can tolerate HyperOS, the Xiaomi 15 is without doubt one of the finest compact flagships out there right this moment. But when a clear UI and long-term software program assist matter extra, the Pixel 9 Professional stays a compelling various.