The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is here, and it’s making waves with its impressive camera setup and cutting-edge features. In this hands-on review, we will dive deep into the phone’s specifications, camera capabilities, and why this device might be the ultimate camera phone. Let’s explore what makes the Xiaomi 15 Ultra stand out in the crowded smartphone market.
A New Era of Smartphone Photography
Xiaomi’s latest flagship, the 15 Ultra, brings with it a host of innovations, particularly in the camera department. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. The Xiaomi 13 Ultra introduced a groundbreaking camera with a wave-like telephoto lens, launched in 2023. Fast forward to 2024, and we’re now looking at a device that builds upon that foundation.
The 15 Ultra is equipped with not one, but three 50MP cameras and a 200MP periscope lens that offers 4.3X optical zoom. When compared to the 14 Ultra, which featured a 50MP quad camera, the 15 Ultra’s camera system is a significant upgrade, both in terms of versatility and raw power.
In this review, I will show you some sample photos to demonstrate the capabilities of these cameras, especially at different zoom levels. Xiaomi has clearly gone all out to make this device one of the best camera phones on the market. You’ll see photos taken at 1X, 5X, 10X, 50X, and even 100X zoom, and the results are stunning.
A Design that Speaks Premium
When it comes to design, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra doesn’t disappoint. The Legend Kit is a standout accessory that comes with a 2000mAh extra battery, a shutter button, and physical buttons that make this phone feel like a digital camera. The customizable shutter button can be swapped out, and there’s even a hand grip that improves the phone’s usability when you’re shooting.
The dual-tone finish on the phone is a nod to its premium nature, with the black and red color scheme looking particularly striking. The camera island is significantly larger than its predecessor, giving the phone an imposing presence. It feels like holding a professional camera, and the attention to detail in the design is something that can’t be ignored.
Xiaomi has also released a special Leica camera module, and this collaboration is one of the key highlights of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The colors and design closely resemble that of Leica’s traditional camera aesthetics. This ensures that your photos will carry the signature Leica quality, known for their sharp contrast and vibrant colors.
Display and Performance
Let’s talk about the display. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts a flagship-level display, which has been heavily customized compared to the 14 Ultra. With a maximum brightness of 25%, the display ensures that you can view everything clearly under direct sunlight. This is a noticeable improvement over typical displays that only go up to 1% brightness.
In terms of specifications, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes in a single configuration with 8GB RAM, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB storage option. Powering the device is a massive 5400mAh battery, with 90W wired charging support, ensuring that you can quickly charge your device.
The ultrasonic fingerprint sensor is another feature that works seamlessly, with no lag or issues while unlocking the phone. The performance is smooth, making this a true flagship experience, especially for those who demand the best from their smartphone.
The Camera Setup
As mentioned earlier, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes with a quad-camera system: a 50MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, a 50MP telephoto sensor, and the standout 200MP periscope camera. The primary sensor and telephoto sensors are made by Sony, while the ultra-wide and periscope sensors come from Samsung.
On the front, you get a 32MP selfie camera, which is a decent upgrade over previous models. But, the question remains: how do these cameras perform in real-world use?
When shooting at 1X, 5X, 10X, 50X, and 100X, the images produced are crisp, clear, and vibrant. The AI and algorithms do a great job of enhancing the colors and reducing noise, even at higher zoom levels. I’ve never seen such sharp and usable photos at 100X zoom before, and this is one area where the 15 Ultra really shines.
Low-Light Performance
What really impressed me was the low-light performance. Even in low light conditions, the photos maintain good detail and minimal noise. The algorithm works its magic, improving the overall image quality, which was often an issue in previous Xiaomi phones. I’ll be doing a more detailed review on this later, but so far, the 15 Ultra has shown incredible potential in this area.
Video Capabilities
When it comes to video, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra doesn’t disappoint. You can record in 4K at 120FPS with the primary sensor and the periscope lens. The 4K 60FPS video is also supported across all sensors. The video quality is stable, with good color grading and high contrast, which you would expect from a device with Leica’s signature.
The phone also supports log video recording in 4K 60FPS, which is perfect for those who want to do professional video work.
Leica Partnership: What’s the Big Deal?
Speaking to Gautam Batra, Xiaomi’s head of product marketing, it becomes clear that the collaboration with Leica is not just a marketing gimmick. It’s a co-engineering partnership. While other brands like Vivo have partnerships with Zeiss, Xiaomi and Leica have come together to merge top-tier hardware with Leica’s expertise in capturing emotions and light.
Leica has been in the business for over a century, and their experience in photography shows in the output from the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The Leica lens delivers vibrant, high-contrast images with great color accuracy, making the 15 Ultra’s camera one of the best in the business.
This partnership goes beyond just hardware. It extends to how the camera processes color tones and the algorithms used to enhance photos. The resulting images are not just technically great but also emotionally resonant, capturing moments in a way that feels natural and artistic.
Why Xiaomi 15 Ultra Matters
In terms of market positioning, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra may not be for everyone. Its high price point places it in the premium segment, competing against other high-end flagships like the iPhone and Galaxy S Ultra series. However, for those who are passionate about photography and video, this phone offers the best camera experience available in a smartphone today.
Xiaomi is clearly making a statement with the 15 Ultra, not just as a flagship but as a demonstration of what they’re capable of when they push the limits of technology.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Camera Phone?
With its incredible camera system, stunning design, and flagship-level performance, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is shaping up to be the ultimate camera phone for 2024. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just someone who appreciates top-tier smartphone performance, the 15 Ultra has something for everyone.
As Xiaomi continues to push the boundaries of mobile technology, it’s clear that the race for the best camera phone is only going to get more competitive. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a bold step in that direction, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
