TheΒ Xiaomi 15 UltraΒ andΒ Xiaomi 15Β global models are now officially launched. TheΒ Xiaomi 15 UltraΒ was the star of the show, as we had only seen rumors and leaks before the actual unveiling. It features a stunningΒ 6.73-inch AMOLED displayΒ with aΒ 120Hz refresh rate, reaching up toΒ 3200 nits peak brightnessΒ for stunning visuals. It is powered by theΒ Snapdragon 8 EliteΒ paired with theΒ Adreno 830 GPU, ensuring fluidity and fast response times.
What makes it stand out is the presence of aΒ 1-inch sensorΒ fromΒ renowned camera brand Leica, making it one of the best camera phones on the market. It includes aΒ 200MP periscope telephoto lensΒ paired withΒ Leica’s color science tuning and shifting. It is aΒ photography enthusiast’s dream, producingΒ better resultsΒ compared to theΒ Galaxy S25 UltraΒ andΒ Vivo X200 Pro, based on early comparisons. As it stands, it is the only device featuring aΒ 1-inch sensor, as other brands have abandoned it.
For theΒ third consecutive year, Xiaomi has included aΒ professional camera kitΒ for itsΒ UltraΒ line. This package includes aΒ battery packΒ (which connects via USB-C and doubles as aΒ 2000mAh power bank) and serves as aΒ grip. It features aΒ detachable shutter button,Β thumb support, aΒ customizable dial for adjusting ISO, aΒ zoom lever, and aΒ video recording button.
Xiaomi has also incorporated theΒ latest generation of Silicon Carbon battery technologyΒ in theΒ 15 Ultra, offering aΒ 5410mAh capacity, paired with the efficiency of theΒ Snapdragon 8 Elite. This is complemented by aΒ 90W power adapterΒ forΒ fast charging. Both devices run onΒ Xiaomiβs HyperOS 2, based onΒ Android 15, and are set to receiveΒ Four Years of major OS updates – not the promised 8 from Qualcomm.
Xiaomi also showcased an incredible concept phone based on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, where the camera is a detachable module that connects magnetically to offer DSLR/Mirrorless level camera quality. The company also launched the first buds to use Wi-Fi connection for high fidelity audio.
Here are specifications for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15
| Specification | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | Xiaomi 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | β¬1499/ KES 201000(before shipping and taxes) | β¬891/ KES 120000(before shipping and taxes) |
| Display | 6.73β³ LTPO AMOLED, Dolby Vision, HDR10+,HDR Vivid, 3200 nits peak brightness, 1440 x 3200, 522 PPI, 89.7% screen-to-body ratio | 6.36β³ LTPO AMOLED, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 3200 nits peak brightness, 1200 x 2670, 460 PPI, 90.0% screen-to-body ratio |
| Rear Camera | 50MP wide(OIS), 50MP telephoto with 3x Optical zoom(OIS), 200MP periscope telephoto with 4.3x optical zoom(OIS), 50MP Ultrawide Video: 8k@30fps, 1080p upto 1920fpsDolby Vision HDR 10-bit | 50MP wide(OIS), 50MP telephoto with 2.6x optical zoom(OIS), 50MP Ultrawide Video: 8k@30fps(HDR), 10-bit LOG and a gyro-EIS |
| Front Camera | 32MP, F/2.0 with HDR Video: 4k@60fps with gyro-EIS | 32MP, F/2.0 with HDR Video: 4k@60fps with gyro-EIS and HDR10+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| GPU | Adreno 830 | Adreno 830 |
| RAM & Storage | 12/16GB RAM + 256/512GB/1TB UFS 4.1 | 12/16GB RAM + 256/512GB/1TB UFS 4.0 |
| Expandable Storage | No | No |
| Battery | 5410mAh- Global, 6000mAh- China, Silicon Carbon Battery, 90W wired, 80W wireless, 10W reverse wireless | 5240mAh- Global, 5400mAh- China, Silicon Carbon Battery, 90W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless |
| Operating System | Xiaomi HyperOS | Xiaomi HyperOS 2 |
| Security | Under display Ultrasonic sensor, Facial Recognition | Under display Ultrasonic sensor, Facial Recognition |
| Audio | Stereo speakers, 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res and Hi-Res wireless audio, Qualcomm XPAN 24-bit/94kHz audio | Stereo speakers, 24-bit/192kHz Hi-Res and Hi-Res wireless audio, Qualcomm XPAN 24-bit/94kHz audio |
| Connectivity | GSM/HSPA/LTE/5G, Bluetooth 6.0, GPS, NFC, Infrared port, Wi-Fi 7/6E/6 | GSM/HSPA/LTE/5G, Bluetooth 5.4/6.0, GPS, NFC, Infrared port, Wi-Fi 6 |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| AI Features | AI Dynamic Wallpapers, AI search, AI Writing | AI Dynamic Wallpapers, AI search, AI Writing |
| Build | Glass front, glass-fiber back or silicone polymer back(eco-leather) and an aluminum frame. Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 | Glass front, aluminum frame, Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 |
| Available Colours | Black, White, Silver Chrome, Green | Black, White, Liquid Silver, Green, Lilac |
Both the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Xiaomi 15 aren’t available locally via official channels but you can import them on your own. All in all, this new Ultra offering by Xiaomi, is nothing but an enthusiasts dream. It is a phone that is creating competition among consumers and this is where we benefit as we get the best of cutting edge technology from brands
