Table of Contents
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review: Flagship Smartphone That Raises the Bar in 2025
Introduction
When Xiaomi unveiled the Xiaomi 15 Ultra on February 27, 2025, the tech community was buzzing. I’ve been using the phone since launch week, and after putting it through real-world tests — from gaming marathons to an accidental drop in water — I can confidently say this device sits among the very best smartphones available today.
In this review, I’ll cover everything: specs, design, user experience, pricing, how it compares to other flagships like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, and whether the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is waterproof enough to survive daily mishaps. I’ll also answer one of the most common questions from the community: what’s the difference between the Xiaomi 15 and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
This post is a recap of Xioami 15 Ultra. Just in case you are interested in the newest releases, take a look at the Xiaomi 16 specifications – rumors and leaks.
Release Date and Availability
Xiaomi officially released the 15 Ultra on February 27, 2025, with global sales following in early March. At launch, the 512GB variant was priced around €1,499 ($1,630 USD), while the 1TB model came in at €1,699. In markets like China, entry-level configurations started as low as $897 for the 12GB/256GB version.
Since then, prices have stabilized, with some online stores offering discounts. For example, in May 2025, the 512GB version could be found for €1,149 in Europe. You can check current pricing on Kimovil or Xiaomi’s official global product page.
Design, Build Quality, and Water Resistance
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra feels like a device crafted for those who appreciate premium hardware. It combines aluminum alloy, ceramics, and titanium in its build. At around 226–229 grams, it isn’t the lightest phone, but the materials give it durability and a high-end feel.
One of the standout aspects is its IP68 and IP69K certification. This rating means the phone is protected against dust, immersion in water, and even high-pressure water jets. To test it, I actually dropped the phone in a sink full of water for about 40 seconds — surprisingly, it came out working flawlessly. The speakers dried quickly, and the touch display responded normally within minutes.
So, to answer the big question: Yes, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is waterproof enough for real-life accidents. I wouldn’t go scuba diving with it, but everyday spills and drops into water aren’t an issue.
Display Experience
The phone features a 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display with a 3200-nit peak brightness and 120Hz refresh rate. For context, this brightness triples that of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Outdoor visibility is stellar — even under harsh sunlight, the screen stays crisp and vibrant.
Scrolling feels silky smooth, whether I’m browsing Reddit threads about Xiaomi phones or playing graphically intense games. Watching HDR10+ content on Netflix and YouTube is equally satisfying, thanks to deep blacks and accurate colors.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm process), paired with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra handles everything I’ve thrown at it.
- Multitasking: Switching between Slack, Chrome, and heavy apps like Lightroom was instant.
- Productivity: Running Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2, I found task automation smoother, especially with Xiaomi’s integrated AI translation tools and real-time transcription features.
- Fingerprint Unlock: The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is noticeably faster and more reliable than optical scanners on many competing phones.
From a productivity standpoint, this device has genuinely improved my workflow. The 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6E support also make remote work seamless, with lag-free video calls and cloud syncs.
Camera System: Leica Partnership at Its Peak
Xiaomi continues its strong collaboration with Leica, and the quad-camera setup on the 15 Ultra is the most versatile I’ve used on any smartphone in 2025:
- 200MP Periscope (4.3x zoom)
- 50MP Telephoto
- 50MP 1-inch Main Sensor
- 50MP Ultra-wide
- 32MP Front Camera
I carried the phone on a trip and was stunned by its low-light performance. Night shots produced sharp details without excessive noise. The 200MP periscope zoom is not just marketing fluff — it captured distant objects with clarity rivaling dedicated cameras.
GSMArena highlighted the build quality and camera excellence, while The Verge praised the imaging but criticized the bulky design, calling it an “Ugly Phone, Beautiful Camera.” I agree: the camera module is huge, but performance justifies the bulk.
Gaming Performance: Real-World Test
As someone who spends hours gaming on mobile, I pushed the Xiaomi 15 Ultra with Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty Mobile. At max settings, the phone maintained stable frame rates, with the IceLoop vapor cooling system keeping temperatures manageable.
After a 2-hour Genshin session, the phone did warm up, but performance stayed smooth. I’ve used Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra, and while both phones deliver near-identical gaming frame rates, I noticed Xiaomi’s thermal management to be slightly better. Samsung does have an advantage in stylus support for productivity, but for pure gaming, I’d lean Xiaomi.
Battery Life and Charging
The 5410 mAh battery lasted me a full day of heavy use — navigation, gaming, video streaming, and plenty of photos. Charging is equally impressive:
- 90W wired charging fills the battery in under 35 minutes.
- 80W wireless charging is among the fastest I’ve tested.
This meant I never really had to worry about running out of charge, even on travel days.
Xiaomi 15 vs Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Key Differences
Many readers ask me about the difference between the standard Xiaomi 15 and the 15 Ultra. Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Feature | Xiaomi 15 | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.36″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.73″ WQHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 3200 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Camera | 50MP triple setup | 200MP periscope + 3x 50MP + 32MP selfie |
| Battery | 4,800 mAh | 5,410 mAh |
| Charging | 67W wired, 50W wireless | 90W wired, 80W wireless |
| Build | Glass/aluminum | Ceramic/titanium |
| Price at Launch | from ~$850 | from ~$1,128 |
The Ultra is the photography-focused powerhouse, while the standard 15 is aimed at those who want top performance in a more compact design at a lower price.
Expert Opinions
- TechRadar called it “The Beast from the East”, praising gaming performance but noting its bulky design.
- Expert Reviews UK emphasized the premium experience but pointed out that Xiaomi still needs to refine software polish.
- The Verge reinforced what many of us feel: awkward design, but breathtaking camera.
Is Xiaomi 15 Ultra Worth Buying?
The question many smartphone fans are asking in 2025 is simple: is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra worth buying? After weeks of using it as my daily driver, I’d say yes — if you value premium hardware, camera performance, and fast charging.
The Leica-powered quad camera system is one of the strongest reasons to buy. The 200MP periscope lens, combined with a 50MP 1-inch main sensor, produces results that rival dedicated cameras. If mobile photography is important to you, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra easily outshines most competitors, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in low-light scenarios.
Battery life and charging speed are another selling point. The 5410 mAh battery lasts through a full day of heavy use, and the 90W wired / 80W wireless charging means you can top up in less than 40 minutes. For busy professionals and gamers, this removes the constant stress of battery management.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 16GB RAM keeps everything fluid, whether you’re multitasking, editing photos, or playing demanding titles like Genshin Impact at max settings. Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 on Android 15 adds customization and productivity features that genuinely help in daily use.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The large camera module makes the phone bulky, and the price — starting around $1,128 globally — puts it firmly in flagship territory. But considering its durability (IP68/IP69K water resistance), unmatched charging speeds, and imaging capabilities, the value is strong compared to rivals.
Verdict: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is worth buying for those who want a flagship smartphone with class-leading cameras, fast charging, and gaming performance. If you’re upgrading from the Xiaomi 14 Ultra or deciding between this and a Samsung flagship, the Ultra delivers more value in photography and charging speed, though Samsung still wins on ecosystem and stylus support.
Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra Available in the Philippines?
Many readers in Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines, have been asking whether the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is officially available in local stores. As of September 2025, the answer is mixed.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is not part of Xiaomi Philippines’ official lineup, meaning you won’t find it in authorized Xiaomi stores with full local warranty coverage. According to community discussions on Reddit, staff at Xiaomi branches have confirmed that the Ultra model is unlikely to see an official release in the country.
That said, the phone can still be purchased in the Philippines through third-party retailers and importers. Sites like MobGadgets and Mobile92 currently list the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for around ₱49,950 to ₱50,730, depending on the configuration. While this makes the device accessible, it comes with trade-offs: buyers should check whether the unit has an official global ROM and be aware that after-sales support or warranty coverage may be limited.
In short, yes, you can buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra in the Philippines, but it will likely be through parallel import channels rather than Xiaomi’s official stores. If warranty and service are priorities, this is worth considering before making the purchase.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Price in the Philippines
Although the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is not officially sold through Xiaomi Philippines, importers and third-party retailers have listed it at competitive prices. Below is a comparison of estimated launch prices (converted to PHP) and current third-party prices in the country:
| Variant | Global Launch Price (USD) | Approx. Launch Price (PHP) | Current Third-Party Price in PH (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12GB + 256GB (China base model) | $897 | ~₱51,000 | Not commonly stocked |
| 16GB + 512GB | $1,128 | ~₱64,000 | ₱49,950 – ₱51,500 |
| 16GB + 1TB | $1,416 | ~₱80,000 | ₱50,730 – ₱52,500 |
Notes:
- Prices vary depending on the retailer, configuration, and whether the unit is an import or global ROM model.
- Official after-sales support and warranty coverage may not apply to imported units.
- Some sellers offer bundles (case, charger, or tempered glass) to sweeten the deal, but always check authenticity.
For the latest local listings, you can check platforms like MobGadgets or Mobile92.
My Buying Decision: Xiaomi vs Samsung
I went back and forth between the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Samsung tempted me with its stylus, slightly sleeker design, and ecosystem perks. But I chose Xiaomi because:
- The Leica camera partnership produced results that outperformed Samsung in low-light tests.
- Faster charging and better cooling mattered more to me than stylus productivity.
- Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 feels lighter and more customizable than Samsung’s OneUI.
Do I miss Samsung Notes? Sure. But every time I zoom into a 200MP photo and see the detail, I know I made the right choice.
Productivity and Lifestyle Benefits
Owning the Xiaomi 15 Ultra hasn’t just been about gaming or photography. It’s genuinely enhanced my day-to-day work:
- Remote meetings are smoother thanks to strong connectivity and the high-quality front camera.
- Long flights became easier to handle with offline Netflix shows on the bright AMOLED screen.
- Fast charging means I spend less time tethered to outlets.
It’s a device that blends entertainment, work, and creativity into one reliable package.
Looking Ahead: The Successor
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra broke sales records, outselling the 14 Ultra by more than double in China. Based on rumors, the successor (likely Xiaomi 16 Ultra) could launch late 2025 or early 2026 with further upgrades in processing power, camera hardware, and software polish.
If Xiaomi maintains this trajectory, the next Ultra is likely to surpass the 15 Ultra’s strong sales.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the difference between Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra? | The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has a larger 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display (vs. 6.36-inch on the Xiaomi 15), a 200MP periscope zoom camera with Leica partnership, a bigger 5410mAh battery, and faster 90W wired / 80W wireless charging. The standard Xiaomi 15 is smaller, lighter, and more affordable. |
| Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra waterproof? | Yes. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra carries an IP68/IP69K rating, meaning it is resistant to dust, immersion in water, and high-pressure water jets. It can survive accidental drops into water and everyday spills. |
| How long does it take to charge Xiaomi 15 Ultra? | With the 90W wired charger, the 5410mAh battery charges fully in about 35 minutes. Using 80W wireless charging, it takes roughly 40–45 minutes for a complete charge. |
| Does Xiaomi 15 Ultra have wireless charging? | Yes, the device supports 80W fast wireless charging, one of the fastest available in 2025. |
| Does Xiaomi 15 Ultra have Google Play Store? | Yes, global versions of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra come with the Google Play Store pre-installed, allowing access to all Android apps. |
| Does Xiaomi 15 Ultra support 5G? | Absolutely. The phone supports 5G connectivity, along with Wi-Fi 6E, NFC, and Bluetooth, ensuring top-tier network performance. |
Conclusion: Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a flagship that lives up to its reputation: top-tier performance, camera dominance, waterproof durability, and an outstanding gaming experience. While the bulky design may not suit everyone, the device is a serious contender against Samsung and Apple in 2025.
For those who value camera quality, battery life, and fast charging, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is an investment that pays off daily.
In case you are interested we have another deep dive review on Sony’s new release Xperia 10 VII.
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