- The Xiaomi 15 is a compact flagship featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, 5,240mAh battery, and 50MP triple cameras. It offers flagship-level performance, strong battery life, and AI-enhanced features, making it a solid competitor to the Samsung Galaxy S25.
Xiaomi 15: A Compact Flagship with Powerful Upgrades
Xiaomi has officially launched the Xiaomi 15 globally, bringing notable upgrades over its predecessor. With a more powerful chipset, an improved battery, and a refined camera setup, this device is set to rival the Samsung Galaxy S25 and other premium compact smartphones.
Design & Build: Premium Yet Minimalistic
Xiaomi maintains a sleek and premium design for the Xiaomi 15, featuring:
- Aerospace-grade fiberglass back – resistant to fingerprints, scratches, and bumps.
- Curved aluminum frame for a comfortable grip.
- IP68 dust and water resistance for added durability.
While the aesthetics remain understated, the build quality is top-notch.
Display: Bright, Smooth, and Adaptive
The Xiaomi 15 sports a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED panel with:
- 120Hz refresh rate (adaptive down to 1Hz for efficiency).
- 550 nits manual brightness, 1500+ nits in auto mode (improved from last year).
- 460 PPI pixel density with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.
- Xiaomi Shield Glass for enhanced drop resistance.
This display ensures vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling, making it one of the best in its class.
Audio & Biometrics
- Stereo speakers deliver very good loudness, though bass performance could be better.
- Ultrasonic fingerprint reader offers faster, more reliable unlocking than optical sensors.
- IR blaster included for controlling appliances.
Performance & Software: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and HyperOS 2
The Xiaomi 15 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Elite), offering significant performance gains over last year’s model.
Benchmark Performance
- Outperforms the Xiaomi 14 and other competitors in CPU and GPU benchmarks.
- Handles gaming and multitasking effortlessly.
- Thermal management is a concern, with noticeable throttling under extended stress tests.
Software & AI Features
Running on HyperOS 2 (Android 15), the Xiaomi 15 introduces:
- Google Gemini Assistant for smart AI-powered assistance.
- Circle to Search for instant contextual searches.
- AI-enhanced tools in Notes, Gallery, and Translation apps.
- Four years of OS updates and six years of security patches.
Xiaomi’s software refinements enhance usability while ensuring long-term software support.
Battery & Charging: Bigger and Faster
Xiaomi has increased battery capacity from 4,610mAh to 5,240mAh, delivering:
- Best-in-class battery life with an active usage score of 16 hours and 28 minutes.
- 90W wired charging (0-83% in 30 minutes, full charge in 45 minutes).
- 50W wireless charging.
While the charger isn’t included, charging speeds remain among the fastest in the industry.
Camera System: Versatile and Flagship-Grade
The Xiaomi 15 features a 50MP triple-camera setup, comprising:
- 50MP Main Camera (Enhanced sensor)
- 50MP Telephoto Camera (New 2.6x zoom sensor)
- 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera (Fixed focus)
Main Camera Performance
- Sharp, detailed daytime shots with accurate colors and wide dynamic range.
- Improved 2x digital zoom, producing crisp, natural-looking images.
- Night mode delivers clean, noise-free shots with excellent shadow detail.
Telephoto Camera
- 2.6x zoom sensor, offering great detail and contrast.
- Supports close focusing (10cm macro shots).
- Performs well at night, though some images appear over-processed.
Ultra-Wide Camera
- Daylight photos lack detail near the corners.
- Low-light performance is subpar, compared to the main and telephoto cameras.
Selfie Camera
- 32MP fixed-focus front camera produces natural skin tones and wide dynamic range.
- Sharpness could be better when zoomed in.
Video Recording
- 4K recording on all cameras.
- 8K video support at 30FPS (upgraded from 24FPS last year).
- Excellent video stabilization and above-average low-light performance.
Despite some minor weaknesses in ultra-wide and low-light telephoto shots, the Xiaomi 15 delivers flagship-level camera performance.
Xiaomi 15 vs. Rivals: How Does It Compare?
| Feature | Xiaomi 15 | Samsung Galaxy S25 | iPhone 16 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.36″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 1500 nits | 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED, 120Hz, 1600 nits | 6.1″ Super Retina XDR, 120Hz, 2000 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Exynos 2500 / Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | A18 Pro |
| Cameras | 50MP (Main) + 50MP (Tele) + 50MP (Ultra-Wide) | 50MP (Main) + 10MP (Tele) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) | 48MP (Main) + 12MP (Tele) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) |
| Battery | 5,240mAh | 4,100mAh | 3,600mAh |
| Charging | 90W wired, 50W wireless | 45W wired, 25W wireless | 27W wired, MagSafe wireless |
| Software Updates | 4 years OS, 6 years security | 4 years OS, 5 years security | 5+ years OS & security |
| AI Features | Google Gemini, AI Editing, Circle to Search | Samsung AI Suite, Bixby | Apple Intelligence, Siri |
The Xiaomi 15 stands out with superior battery life, AI-powered software, and high-speed charging, making it a compelling choice in the compact flagship segment.
Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Compact Flagship
Pros ✅
✔ Bright, high-quality OLED display
✔ Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
✔ Excellent battery life & fast charging
✔ Flagship-grade cameras (Main & Telephoto)
✔ AI-powered software & long-term updates
Cons ❌
✖ Thermal management needs improvement
✖ Ultra-wide camera underperforms
✖ No charger included in the box
The Xiaomi 15 is one of the best compact flagships of 2025, offering a balance of power, battery life, and AI-driven software. If you want a premium, pocket-friendly smartphone with top-tier performance, this is an excellent choice.
Would you consider the Xiaomi 15 over the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16 Pro? Share your thoughts in the comments!