In this contemporary era, the landscape of smartphone photography is dominated by the nuanced wizardry of software enhancements. However, Xiaomi defies this trend with its Ultra series year after year, pushing the boundaries of camera hardware within the confines of a smartphone. Upon grasping the Xiaomi 15 Ultra in my hands, I was immediately struck by its robust camera capabilities. But can this €1,499 flagship truly replace your trusty point-and-shoot camera? That is the question we aim to explore in this detailed review of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Key Specifications
Before delving into the review itself, let us first inspect the comprehensive specifications of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A Letter of Admiration to Camera Aficionados
While I may not be a professional photographer, my interaction with cameras has primarily stemmed from assessing various smartphones over the years. Unsurprisingly, I found myself slightly overwhelmed by the photographic prowess of this smartphone.
This premium flagship boasts a 50MP main camera, complemented by a substantial 1.0-inch sensor. Accompanying this is a 200MP telephoto camera and two additional 50MP lenses. Pairing these elements are a plethora of Leica functionalities, such as the Authentic and Vibrant presets. Notably, users can curate their Pro presets to cater to diverse photography styles, with the option to select a Leica portrait style, alter the shutter sound to mimic a mechanical Leica camera, and personalize the camera button with an image of choice. The level of detail and thought invested by Xiaomi and Leica into the camera app interface is truly remarkable, offering a playground for camera enthusiasts to revel in.
500 Shots with Xiaomi 15 Ultra: A Photographic Sojourn
To truly appreciate the engineering marvel that is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I embarked on a photographic voyage to capture the industrial achievements of yesteryears at Delhi’s National Railway Museum.
Commencing with the main camera, the photographs exude a distinctly contrasted aesthetic. The prowess of the 1.0-inch sensor is laid bare, capturing intricate details with unparalleled finesse. The intricate rust spots adorning the vintage steam engines and their inner workings are vividly immortalized in the photos.
The sizeable sensor contributes to achieving a soft bokeh effect, adding a natural depth akin to dedicated cameras. Xiaomi’s commendable HDR tuning ensures a balanced shot, refraining from overexposing highlights or brightening shadows excessively. Despite the relentless sunlight of a spring Sunday challenging both myself and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the camera adeptly preserves shadows in most scenarios. However, under harsh lighting conditions, the highlights may be slightly overexposed. The ultrawide lens, housing a 50MP sensor, proves adept at capturing scenes comprehensively, with the larger sensor facilitating enhanced details and harmonized color rendition in alignment with the primary lens.
Where the camera truly shines is in its zoom capabilities. Whether zooming in at 3x, 4.3x, 10x, 30x, or even 60x, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra delivers the desired shot without compromising on detail. The AI intervenes at a 30x zoom to rectify imperfections, although users have the liberty to disengage this feature. The 200MP 4.3x lens emerges as the workhorse in the zoom spectrum, consistently delivering detailed results across various zoom levels, even in nocturnal settings. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra emerges as a standout performer in low-light photography, solidifying its position as a premier smartphone for capturing nighttime scenes.
Apart from the hardware prowess, the software aspects of the camera app merit recognition. The swift shutter speed enables capturing challenging shots effortlessly, complemented by a gamut of filters, notably the Leica B&W high contrast filter. However, the 32MP selfie camera stands as the outlier in the camera repertoire, proficient in capturing decent selfies and portraits but falls short in comparison to the rear array.
Transitioning to videos, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra supports recording up to 8K at 30FPS or 4K at 120FPS individually from each lens, eschewing the ability to switch between lenses during recording. Alternatively, users can record at 4K 60FPS, scrolling through lenses to enhance clarity at extended focal lengths. The device is equipped to record in Dolby Vision and LOG formats, catering to professional videographers. Furthermore, the inclusion of ultra-slow-motion recording at 1920FPS in 1080p resolution adds another dimension to the video recording capabilities.
I Truly Admire This Xiaomi 15 Ultra Design
With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Xiaomi and Leica have woven a tapestry of design elements, seamlessly blending Leica motifs into the device’s aesthetics. The silver chrome variant exudes a dual-tone elegance reminiscent of vintage Leica cameras. The lustrous matte silver plastic harmonizes with the vegan leather back panel, accentuated by the circular camera module and aluminum frame. The amalgamation of these design elements renders the Xiaomi 15 Ultra a sight to behold, evoking a sense of admiration.
However, Xiaomi might have overextended its ambitions in the design realm. The weight of the formidable cameras embedded within the smartphone imparts a top-heavy feel to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Weighing in at 229 grams, the device, while adequately balanced at its center, occasionally teeters precariously in handheld use. Furthermore, the circular camera module poses a challenge in finding a stable grip, necessitating constant modifications in finger placement to avoid smudging the lenses. Notwithstanding these minor drawbacks, the overall in-hand experience is gratifying, resonating with the sturdiness expected of a flagship device. Noteworthy design cues include the textured power button and the incorporation of durable materials such as heavy-duty aluminum frame and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for camera protection, alongside IP68 waterproofing and Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 safeguarding the display against scratches and impacts.
A Visual Delight for Content Immersion
Steering the discourse towards the display of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, we encounter a panel of unparalleled sophistication. Boasting a sizeable 6.73-inch micro-quad curved display, the device pampers users with a visual feast, courtesy of its subtle edge curves. This expansive canvas amplifies the viewing experience, whether indulging in movies or TV shows. The WQHD+ resolution elevates the visual integrity, rendering content in exceptional clarity and precision.
As an ardent viewer of Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again, I discovered the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to be the ideal companion for cinematic indulgence. The display’s adept dynamic range ensures that even the darkest scenes resonate with detail and luminance, mirroring the director’s vision. Enhancing the immersive experience are premium features such as a 120Hz refresh rate, LTPO technology, 12-bit color rendering, and Dolby Vision support.
However, the brightness aspect of the display presents a minor setback. Throughout my usage, I perceived a slight inadequacy in brightness levels, particularly discernible when capturing photos in direct sunlight. The limited visibility compelled a reliance on shade to discern the viewfinder content, underscoring the display’s need for enhanced brightness. Conversely, the stereo speakers, featuring a 30-70 split, deliver satisfactory audio performance without leaving a lasting impression. While functional and adequately loud, the speakers may leave audiophiles yearning for a richer audio experience.
Exemplary Performance in Line with Expectations
Per the trajectory of contemporary flagship devices, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts the formidable Snapdragon 8 Elite processor as its cornerstone. Coupled with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the device stands as a powerhouse geared for extensive photography and videography pursuits. Xiaomi’s inclination towards higher storage variants aligns with the device’s photography-centric ethos, ensuring ample space for multimedia content creation.
Transitioning from mundane musings to empirical insights, the benchmark results bear testament to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s top-tier performance, characteristic of a device of its caliber. While falling marginally behind some counterparts featuring similar chipsets, Xiaomi’s strategic moderation of performance conceivably curtails excessive heat buildup. Notably, prolonged camera usage may elicit a slight warmth from the device, emphasizing the stringent demands placed on its hardware.
Diving into the realm of gaming, my experimentation commenced with Call of Duty Mobile, a title that effortlessly ran at Low graphics and 120FPS without a hint of hindrance. I subsequently ventured into the realm of Warzone Mobile, noting a subtle rise in device temperature and occasional performance throttling after prolonged gameplay. Despite these minor fluctuations, the gaming experience remained consistent, with the phone maintaining a steady 30FPS at quality settings.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: HyperOS 2.0 and AI Augmentations
The Snapdragon 8 Elite seamlessly integrates with Xiaomi’s sophisticated HyperOS 2.0, orchestrating a symphony of animations, transitions, and UI interactions that exude a buttery smooth quality on the device. Xiaomi’s meticulous refinement is discernible in the fluidity of every UI element, from icons to notification shades to app transitions, underscoring the synergy between hardware capabilities and software optimization. The refreshing 120Hz refresh rate further enhances the fluidity of interactions, elevating the overall user experience to a realm of sublime sophistication.
Grounded in the foundations of Android 15, HyperOS 2.0 heralds a new era in Xiaomi’s software evolution, embodying a comprehensive iteration that resonates with a sense of completeness absent in previous iterations. While some minor quirks linger, such as hurdles in setting up work accounts or navigating certain settings, the overall user experience is imbued with an air of refinement. Noteworthy, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is slated to receive four major Android updates, ensuring longevity and relevance in the fast-paced realm of smartphone technology.
The pantheon of AI features that embellish the Xiaomi 15 Ultra unfolds a tapestry of possibilities for users to immerse themselves in. While my scrutiny of these features was not exhaustive, standouts included the AI Speech Recognition tool, adept at transcribing thoughts for this review, and the AI Search function, facilitating swift document retrieval based on search queries. However, room for improvement exists, with the potential integration of AI-infused functionalities within the settings interface akin to Samsung’s One UI 7, ensuring streamlined access to critical options.
Delving further into the repertoire of AI capabilities, the AI Writing Tool emerges as a versatile utility, enabling users to summarize articles and rephrase text messages effortlessly. Additionally, AI-powered image editing tools within the gallery app, such as the reflection eraser, offer nuanced editing functions, albeit with scope for refinement to enhance accuracy and efficacy.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Battery Life
Concluding our exploration with the battery life of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I must commend the device on its commendable endurance in regular usage scenarios. A steadfast one-day companion, the device effortlessly navigated tasks such as messaging, calls, and casual gaming activities, concluding the day with a robust 30% charge remaining. Those seeking prolonged battery life can opt to conserve power by toggling the resolution to 1080p, potentially extending the device’s longevity.
Curiously, Xiaomi opted for a 5,410mAh battery capacity in an era dominated by 6,000mAh behemoths, sparking conjecture regarding the rationale behind this strategic decision. Whether driven by cost considerations or spatial constraints imposed by the intricate camera array, Xiaomi’s choice carries a trace of enigma. Mitigating potential concerns, Xiaomi thoughtfully complements the device with a 90-watt wired charger, facilitating a swift recharge cycle clocking in at roughly an hour. Not content with conventional offerings, Xiaomi raises the bar by enabling 80-watt wireless charging, albeit necessitating the use of Xiaomi’s proprietary wireless charger for optimized performance.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review: A Pinnacle of Camera Prowess with a Premium Aura
Emerging as a pinnacle of sophistication, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra commands reverence across design, camera performance, and software finesse. While not revolutionary in comparison to its predecessor, the 14 Ultra, this iteration exudes a refined allure that stems from evolutionary advancements.
Embarking on a picturesque journey with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s camera unravels a tapestry of photography delights unmatched by industry stalwarts such as Pixel, iPhone, or Samsung. For users vested in the realm of smartphone photography, the €1,499 price tag of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra proves a reasonable investment given the unparalleled detail and clarity it bestows upon captured moments. For the discerning clientele seeking a smartphone that transcends conventional limitations, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra stands tall as a beacon of excellence.
In the throes of photographic exploration, my experience with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra was further enriched by Xiaomi’s Photography Kit. This supplementary ensemble of accessories, comprising a case, a grip with an integrated 2,000mAh battery, a thumb grip, and a 67mm mount for ND filters, rendered the smartphone usage akin to that of a traditional point-and-shoot camera, fostering a more organic and intuitive interaction.
In essence, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra embodies a realm of detail and artistry reminiscent of Shakespearean prose, yet underpinned by a contemporary framework that celebrates innovation and refinement. While the device may not resonate with every user archetype, its allure transcends conventional boundaries, appealing to a niche segment that savors the zenith of technological sophistication. For the discerning individual seeking a comprehensive fusion of elegance, functionality, and performance, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra emerges as an emblem of excellence in an ever-evolving landscape of smartphone craftsmanship.
