The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has created a lot of buzz in the Indian smartphone market, and after spending a few days with it, it’s clear why. This flagship device, launched in India on March 11, 2025, is not just a phone but a photography-focused marvel that stands out in a crowded field of premium smartphones. With its Leica-tuned quad-camera system, Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and a stunning AMOLED display, it promises a lot. But is it worth the ₹1,09,999 price tag? In this detailed review, we’ll break down its camera capabilities, performance, design, and more to help you decide if this is the right phone for you. Written from the perspective of an Indian user, this article aims to explain everything in a simple and clear way.
Design and Build: Premium Yet Practical
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra feels like a premium device the moment you hold it. Its design is inspired by classic Leica cameras, featuring a dual-tone look with a vegan leather back in black or silver chrome. The cursive “Ultra” branding on the back adds a touch of elegance. Weighing around 226–229 grams, it’s heavier than some competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but the weight is well-distributed, so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable in hand. The large camera module makes the phone slightly top-heavy, but Xiaomi has done a good job ensuring it doesn’t wobble when placed on a table.
The phone features a micro-quad-curved 6.73-inch AMOLED display, which feels smooth and premium. The subtle curves on all four edges make it easy to hold, and the “wet touch” capability means you can use it even with wet hands—a handy feature during India’s rainy season. The display is protected by Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0, an upgrade from the first version used in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which proved durable in real-world use. Combined with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, the phone is built to last. The portless top frame and aerospace-grade materials like glass fiber and PU leather give it a luxurious yet practical feel.
Display: A Visual Treat
The 6.73-inch AMOLED display on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one of its standout features. With a 2K resolution (3200×1440), a 120Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 3200 nits, it delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Whether you’re streaming Netflix, playing games, or browsing, the display is immersive and easy on the eyes. It supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and flicker-free dimming, making it ideal for media consumption.
The HDR tuning is particularly impressive. When watching shows like Stranger Things on Netflix or HDR content on YouTube, the skin tones look natural, and there’s excellent control over highlights and shadows. Unlike some flagships where colors can appear overly saturated, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers a balanced and accurate display in its Pro Color mode. The stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support are loud and rich, enhancing the overall multimedia experience. Whether you’re a student watching lectures or a professional enjoying movies, this display won’t disappoint.
Camera: A Photographer’s Dream
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s camera system is its biggest selling point, and it lives up to the hype. It features a Leica-tuned quad-camera setup:
- 50MP Primary Camera: Uses a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor with a 23mm Leica Summilux lens (f/1.6). It captures incredible detail, especially in low light.
- 200MP Periscope Telephoto: A Samsung Isocell HP9 sensor with 4.3x optical zoom (100mm equivalent) and up to 200mm with cropping.
- 50MP Telephoto: A 3x optical zoom (70mm) with a Sony IMX858 sensor, great for portraits.
- 50MP Ultra-Wide: A 14mm lens with a Samsung Isocell JN5 sensor for wide-angle shots.
- 32MP Front Camera: Decent for selfies but could use slight improvement.
Primary Camera Performance
The 1-inch sensor is a rarity in 2025 flagships, and it pulls in more detail than most competitors. It’s a “detail monster,” capturing sharp textures even in challenging conditions. The wide f/1.6 aperture creates a natural bokeh effect, though the focus falls off quickly at close distances. Keeping subjects slightly farther away solves this issue. The HDR tuning has improved significantly over the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, offering a wide dynamic range in landscapes and auto mode. Highlights are rarely blown out, and shadows retain detail, though occasional HDR bloom around faces in harsh backlighting can occur.
Leica Color Profiles
Xiaomi’s collaboration with Leica shines through in the camera’s color profiles. The default Leica Vibrant mode produces punchy, eye-catching photos, while the Leica Authentic mode emulates the look of a real Leica camera, complete with a vignette effect (darker corners). This is perfect for street photography enthusiasts, though it may not appeal to everyone. For those who prefer neutral colors, the Pro mode offers extensive manual controls, including ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and focus adjustments. You can even create custom presets, like an orange-and-teal film-grade look, directly in the camera app.
Zoom and Low-Light Capabilities
The 200MP periscope telephoto is a game-changer. Up to 4.3x (100mm), it captures fine textures and details, rivaling professional cameras. Even at 10x, 30x, or 60x, the AI-enhanced zoom recreates details effectively, and you can toggle AI off for more natural results. Surprisingly, the zoom performs well in low light, thanks to the large sensor’s ability to pull in light. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s low-light performance is superior, with better white balance, exposure, and noise reduction.
Portrait and Video
Portrait shots at 1x and 4.3x are crisp, with sharp textures, though skin tones can be inconsistent. Creating a custom preset in Pro mode can fix this. The Master Portrait mode allows shooting at optical zoom levels (1x, 2x, 3x, 4.3x), delivering detailed results. For video, the phone supports 4K 60fps across all lenses, 4K 120fps slow-motion with the primary and periscope, and 8K recording. Stabilization is excellent, and the ACES Log capability offers film-level color grading for creators. The ultra-wide lens maintains color consistency with the primary camera, making it versatile for landscapes and group shots.
Selfie Camera
The 32MP front camera is an improvement over the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, but it’s not the best in its class. Selfies are decent in daylight but could use better low-light performance. For a phone priced at ₹1,09,999, this is a minor letdown.
Photography Kit
The optional Photography Kit Legend Edition (₹11,999) enhances the camera experience. It includes a red metal back cover, an attachable grip with zoom and mode dials, a detachable shutter button, and a 2,000mAh battery for 33% longer usage. The kit transforms the phone into a proper camera, making it easier to shoot one-handed. The Fastshot mode interface, customizable shutter button (you can set it to look like anything, even a soft drink logo), and 67mm filter adapter add to the fun.
Performance: Smooth and Cool
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and UFS 4.1 storage, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a performance beast. It handles everyday tasks like app-switching and multitasking with ease. For gamers, it’s a dream, delivering rock-solid frame rates in heavy titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile. After 30 minutes of gaming, the phone averaged 59 FPS and peaked at 42°C, thanks to the dual-channel IceLoop cooling system. Compared to the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, it runs cooler and more efficiently.
The AnTuTu score of 2,746,580 reflects its raw power, though Xiaomi’s conservative tuning prioritizes battery life and thermal management over benchmark bragging rights. This makes it ideal for long gaming sessions or multitasking without overheating.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5,410mAh battery is slightly smaller than the 6,000mAh unit in the Chinese variant, but it still lasts a full day of heavy use. With 90W wired and 80W wireless charging, you can top up quickly—expect a full charge in under 45 minutes with the wired charger. Reverse wireless charging is also supported. While we haven’t tested battery life extensively, early impressions suggest it’s reliable for students, professionals, or anyone with a busy schedule.
Software: HyperOS 2.0
Running HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers a smooth and customizable experience. Xiaomi promises four years of OS updates and six years of security patches, ensuring longevity. The UI is fluid, with parallel animations and no stutters. Pre-installed apps are minimal and can be uninstalled, giving you a near-clean install.
HyperOS 2.0 includes AI features like AI writing for grammar correction, AI subtitles, and AI editing tools (expansion, eraser). Gemini integration comes with two months of free Gemini Advanced subscription, and Circle to Search is a handy addition. While HyperOS has minor quirks, like occasional Bluetooth issues, it’s a polished experience overall.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.73-inch AMOLED, 2K (3200×1440), 120Hz, 3200 nits, HDR10+, Dolby Vision |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite, 4.32 MHz octa-core |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB UFS 4.1 (256GB/1TB options available) |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (1-inch, f/1.6) + 200MP (4.3x zoom) + 50MP (3x zoom) + 50MP (ultra-wide) |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 |
| Battery | 5,410mAh, 90W wired, 80W wireless, reverse wireless charging |
| OS | HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15), 4 years OS updates, 6 years security updates |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, USB-C, GPS, NavIC, dual SIM |
| Build | 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.35mm, 226–229g, IP68, Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 |
| Colors | Silver Chrome, Black, White, Pine Green, Classic Black and Silver |
Should You Buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
Pros
- Unmatched Camera System: The 1-inch sensor, 200MP telephoto, and Leica tuning make it a photographer’s delight.
- Stunning Display: Vibrant, bright, and well-tuned for media and gaming.
- Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite and efficient cooling handle any task.
- Premium Design: Elegant, durable, and practical with IP68 and Shield Glass 2.0.
- Value for Money: At ₹1,09,999 (or under ₹1 lakh with discounts), it’s competitively priced, especially with the free Photography Kit for pre-orders.
Cons
- Selfie Camera: Decent but not class-leading.
- Weight: At 226–229g, it’s heavier than some rivals.
- HyperOS Quirks: Minor Bluetooth and settings issues.
- No Variable Aperture: A step back from the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Is It Worth It?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a fantastic choice for photography enthusiasts, content creators, and power users who want a premium flagship without breaking the bank. Its camera system is unmatched, delivering DSLR-like results, and the Photography Kit adds a unique, professional touch. The display, performance, and battery life are top-notch, making it versatile for gaming, streaming, and multitasking. At ₹1,09,999, it competes with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max but offers better value, especially with discounts and the bundled kit.
However, if you don’t care about photography or prefer a lighter phone, alternatives like the OnePlus 13 or Vivo X200 Pro might be better. The selfie camera and minor software quirks are small drawbacks but don’t overshadow the phone’s strengths. For students, professionals, or anyone who loves capturing moments in stunning detail, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is worth every rupee.
Final Thoughts
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is more than just a smartphone—it’s a tool for creators and a statement of innovation. Its Leica-backed cameras, premium design, and powerful performance make it a standout in 2025’s flagship lineup. While it’s not perfect, it gets so much right that it’s hard to ignore. If you’re ready to invest in a phone that elevates your photography and delivers a premium experience, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a compelling choice.
