Look back at Xiaomi 14 Ultra released last year: it’s not much fun, and technically, it’s not that different from the 13 Ultra. But the latest Xiaomi 15 Ultra is truly upgraded. The camera system has been updated dramatically, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite in this phone is further powerful than its predecessor. Every aspect from the look to internal upgrades makes me genuinely excited. Before it officially goes on sale, let’s get to know this beast, starting with the unboxing and hands-on experience.
Unboxing
The front side of the box is no different than before. But on the back, there is a brand-new Ultra logo, in the same font as the SU7 Ultra supercar.
When you open the box, the accessories inside are still the same: card pin, manual, and a transparent-PC case. In the botton, there is the USB A to C cable and the 90W charger. That’s all the accessories.
Design
Without a doubt, for the design alone, especially the camera island, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra deserves a thumbs-down. The erratic camera layout looks like something my second-grade nephew would draw.
I’m sure someone will tell me in the comments section: This arrangement is inevitable, to cram those large sensors in it. In architectural speak, it’s called: “Form follows function”. I totally understand all these points, but it is undeniable that it is not following aesthetic rules at all. When we spend close to a thousand dollars on a phone like this, it’s reasonable to expect more, at least on the look.
I won’t feel any sympathy for Xiaomi’s designers who confirmed the sensors’ location at that moment, just as my friend won’t sympathize with the fact that I can spend so much money to put up with such a disorganization.
Strangely though, after spending just a few hours with it, I found it growing on me. I guess that’s the power of “habit”. It could also be the result of the designers realizing this: they seem to be working harder to show ‘the power of design’ in the details of the back except for the camera island. So we can see similar elegant mirrorless-camera-like colors and material splits here, moreover, with a well-designed ‘Ultra’ logo to call back with their latest super EV – SU7 Ultra sold start from $72,700.
So aside from the camera layout, I kind of like other aspects of it. Like the standard version, the 15 Ultra frame extends to the back panel as well. It’s still very comfortable to not feel the seams on your fingers. Though I’ve always been critical of vegan leather materials, I must admit I’m genuinely fond of the two vegan leather editions this time around. They look like some old cameras, old school, but premium, and I’ll probably pick one of them for our review.
The white and black versions each have their own features as well. The white has curved stripes (Granite-like texture) on the back cover, while the black has a red ring around the island. All the colors look great, which is rare in the history of Xiaomi phones.
The weight has also been optimized and balanced by Xiaomi, so the top part is not overly heavy. While not as ergonomic as standard or Pro models, it’s surprisingly comfortable for an Ultra-class device.
Camera specs
But what camera specs can justify this visual chaos? Well, a One-inch main camera sensor. And, the telephoto camera sensor is a 200 MP S5KHP9 from Samsung. And it’s still the 70mm lens. The lenses are also coated with all sorts of new technology that reduces all sorts of glares. Each camera is capable of recording 8K video. This really makes it the most powerful camera system available.
But there are three downgrades you need to be aware of here: One, the variable aperture of the main camera has been removed. Two, the ultra-wide-angle camera sensor has gotten weaker. Third, the 100mm telephoto doesn’t support macro photography. How do these compromises affect real-world performance? Stay tuned for our full review, and I promise you, you won’t need to wait long.
Others
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra rightfully uses a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, with a couple of chips in there for signal boosting and satellite communications. The display is the same as the 15 Pro, a 2K 120Hz quad-curved screen that’s nothing special. The battery is 6,000mAh, which isn’t particularly large, but it’s a significant increase over the previous gen. It’s the charging that hasn’t changed at all, so those hoping for faster charging may be disappointed.
Photography kit
The new photography kit has a major update this time as well. Two color options, a metal thumb grip, a replaceable shutter button, a bigger built-in battery, and IP54 waterproofing are all very appealing for photography enthusiasts. To make the Xiaomi 15 Ultra complete, we have of course pre-ordered this new photography kit. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel and I’ll let you know if it’s worth buying or not in the full review.
Price
Since the hardware has been upgraded, surely the price will be as well, right? But surprisingly, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra starts at about $892 in China, which is the same as the 14 Ultra. Still pricey, but now packed with more value.
(12+256GB: $892, 16+512GB: $961, 16+1TB: $1071, 16+1TB Dual satellite version: $1098)
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