The Xiaomi 15 Ultra embodies the new vision of the high-end camera phone in 2025. Designed in close partnership with Leica, it pushes the photographic approach initiated with the 14 Ultra even further. Four very high-quality photo sensors, a one-inch main sensor and accessories worthy of a real camera make it one of the most ambitious smartphones of the moment. Priced from €1,099, it is clearly aimed at users looking for an uncompromising photo experience, both for enthusiasts and demanding creators.
After the already convincing Xiaomi 14 Ultra, this new generation focuses on continuity and mastery. The collaboration with Leica intensifies , photo processing becomes more natural, and the telephoto part becomes one of its main assets. The manufacturer does not forget the rest: cutting-edge AMOLED screen, high-level performance and impeccable finishes. We spent several weeks with the 15 Ultra to see if it really keeps all its promises.
Table of Contents
A design that fully embraces its photographic ambitions
Right out of the box, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra leaves no doubt about its intentions. The circular camera module occupies nearly a third of the back of the device. It's massive, it's striking, it's deliberate. Xiaomi isn't aiming for discretion here; on the contrary, they want you to immediately understand that you're holding a camera phone in your hands.
The two-tone finish is immediately striking. On one side, a horizontal metal band runs across the back. On the other, vegan faux leather with a grainy texture that's particularly pleasant to the touch. When you hold the phone horizontally, the resemblance to a Leica or Lumix compact is no coincidence. Xiaomi clearly wanted to evoke large expert compacts, and the Leica logo on the camera module reinforces this connection.
To the touch, the leatherette provides a comfortable grip and a premium feel that's a change from the smooth glass backs we see everywhere. It's old-school premium, in a good way. You feel like you're holding a crafted object in your hands, not just an anonymous rectangle of glass.
An AMOLED screen that really makes it easy to handle
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's 6.73-inch is generous, but Xiaomi has cleverly opted for a curvature on all four edges . Yes, curved screens are always divisive, but here the effect is subtle and well-measured. This curvature genuinely makes it easier to grip and makes the phone appear thinner than it actually is.
The Quad HD AMOLED panel with LTPO technology delivers what you'd expect from a 2025 flagship. The refresh rate intelligently adapts between 1 Hz and 120 Hz depending on the content displayed. The result: exemplary fluidity in all uses, whether scrolling on social networks or playing demanding games, while preserving battery life when the screen displays static content.
The ultrasonic fingerprint reader integrated under the screen responds quickly and reliably, even with slightly damp fingers. It's a small detail, but it's the kind of thing you appreciate in everyday use.
Inside the box, you'll find a transparent case with reinforced lens protection. It's serious business: the lenses are perfectly protected. At this price, it's the bare minimum, but Xiaomi truly delivers a quality accessory.
HyperOS 2: an interface with character
Under Android 15, HyperOS 2 stands out as an interface with a real personality. For those coming from a Samsung or Pixel smartphone, the change of scenery will certainly be a real change of scenery. Xiaomi offers a different approach, with a plethora of customization options that will delight tinkerers but may put others off.
Navigation is exemplary fluidity , which is hardly surprising with the Snapdragon 8 Elite and its 16 GB of RAM under the hood. Apps open instantly, multitasking is a breeze, and even the most demanding games run without the slightest slowdown. In the benchmarks, the scores are impressive: it is quite simply the most powerful chip from Qualcomm at the start of 2025.
A few clever touches add to the user experience, such as the sideways swipe gesture to go back , which eliminates the need to tap the arrow at the top of the screen. It's simple, but it's practical for everyday use.
AI is present via Xiaomi HyperXiao AI and AI App Boost : text generation, wallpaper creation, personalized emojis, interpreter with automatic subtitles, Google Lens to identify its environment… All the arsenal that we now find on flagships. It's there, it's functional, but it's frankly not what makes this smartphone most interesting.
Xiaomi advertises 4 years of major Android updates and 6 years of security patches . That's less than Samsung's 7 years, but more than enough for the vast majority of users.
The only annoying thing about this price point is the presence of third-party applications pre-installed on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra . While you can uninstall them, at over 1000 euros, you'd expect a perfectly clean system right out of the box.
Autonomy and recharging: very solid
With its 5410 mAh , the Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone has a particularly generous battery for its category. With intensive use, lasting a full day is no problem. With more moderate use, you can easily reach a day and a half, or even two days for light users.
But it's especially on the charging side that Xiaomi really hits the mark. With 90W wired charging , you can go from 0 to 100% in less than an hour. And the 80W wireless charging (with a compatible Xiaomi charger) is simply amazing. We're almost approaching the wired charging speeds of a few years ago. It's impressive to see the percentage climb so quickly without a single cable.
Dolby Atmos-certified stereo speakers complete the picture with clear sound that's powerful enough to comfortably watch videos or play games without headphones.
The photo: the real heart of the camera phone
Now let's talk about the main topic. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra exists primarily for this reason: photography. Everything else, no matter how successful, is just context. What really matters is whether Xiaomi has succeeded in its challenge of creating a camera phone capable of rivaling a real camera.
An arsenal of four sensors designed for versatility
The circular module on the back houses four photo sensors :
- 50-megapixel main sensor with a 1-inch sensor (huge for a smartphone, allowing much more light to be captured)
- 50-megapixel ultra-wide angle (16mm equivalent)
- First 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom (even though Xiaomi just marks the phone as 3x)
- Second 200-megapixel telephoto lens with 4.3x optical zoom
- And for those who are curious: a digital zoom that can go up to x120
On paper, it's impressive. In practice, this configuration offers exceptional versatility not found on most competing smartphones.
The Leica partnership: more than just a marketing logo
Leica isn't just a sticker on the back of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. We're talking about a real technical partnership where Leica supplied and designed the lenses that equip the lenses. This is quality optical equipment, not marketing.
In the Camera app, a Leica button in the top right corner allows you to switch between two color modes:
Authentic Mode : More natural colors, often with a pronounced vignetting effect and lots of contrast. This is a very distinct Leica signature, an almost cinematic look with deep shadows. Not everyone will appreciate this sharp rendering, but it really has character.
Vibrant Mode : More saturated and punchy colors, with a more even balance between shadows and highlights. It's more consensual, more contemporary, and probably better suited to everyday use and social media.
Vibrant mode seems more versatile for everyday use, but having the choice between these two visual signatures is really nice. This isn't just marketing: there's a real Leica visual identity.
Image quality: impressive results
After hundreds of photos captured with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra in all conditions, the conclusion is clear: the overall quality is truly impressive . We are clearly at the top of the market. The sharpness is there, the details are preserved even when zooming in the image, and the colorimetric processing is accomplished.
The 1-inch sensor really makes a difference, especially in low light. Whether in broad daylight or at the end of the day when the light starts to fade, the phone captures an impressive amount of light. Details in shadows remain preserved, and digital noise is well controlled. For a smartphone, this is truly top-notch.
A few small remarks all the same. On the ultra wide-angle facing the sun , we can observe an lens flare . This is not systematic or prohibitive, but it is good to know. And on certain backlit portraits , the software processing tends to push the contrast a little too much, particularly at the level of the hair or the beard, sometimes giving a slightly forced rendering.
Telephoto lenses: true photographic versatility
Having two telephoto lenses is a luxury that truly changes the photographic experience. You can go from wide angle (23 mm) to the equivalent of 70 mm, then 100 mm, and up to about 135 mm optically, while maintaining excellent image quality.
The digital zoom remains usable up to high values. At x120 , obviously, we are no longer in professional quality. The image is pixelated, the details are lost. But for holiday souvenir photos where you want to immortalize a detail in the distance, it is more than enough. And frankly, it is impressive to be able to capture something from so far away with a smartphone.
By getting as close as possible with the main sensor (pseudo-macro), the level of detail is remarkable . In photos of textures, close-up vegetation, everyday objects photographed up close, we discover by zooming into the image small elements that we had not even noticed when taking the shot.
Quick Photo Mode: The Feature That Changes Everything
This is probably the most striking feature of this Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Xiaomi calls it the Quick Photo Mode, a kind of street photo mode designed for photographers who want to capture the moment.
In less than a second, really less than a second, you can wake your phone from sleep mode and take a photo. A double-click on the volume button (without the grip) or a press of the grip's shutter button, and off you go. It's practically instantaneous.
For capturing spontaneous scenes, fast-moving moments, and street photography, it's simply brilliant. No need to unlock your phone, search for the app, or wait for it to launch. It's instant.
But what makes this mode truly exceptional is the ability to switch between predefined fixed focal lengths :
- 28 mm
- 35 mm
- 50 mm
- 70 mm
- 90 mm
- 135 mm
We see the frame of the chosen focal length integrate into the wider frame of the sensor. For those accustomed to working with fixed focal lengths, this is a real pleasure. It really feels like having several lenses in your bag, instantly available.
Another crucial detail: the 3:2 format . Finally, a smartphone that allows you to shoot in the same format as hybrids and reflexes. Framing in 3:2 rather than 4:3 or 16:9 really changes the way you approach a scene. We find our natural photographic composition habits.
The only limitation of this quick photo mode, and it's frustrating for purists: there's no RAW format available. Images are saved only in JPEG. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's JPEGs are frankly very good, well processed, with well-managed Leica colors. But for a professional who likes to edit their images, not having RAW in quick photo mode is a shame. You then have to switch to Pro mode, but you lose simplicity and speed. It's a compromise to be made according to your needs.
Pro mode: for demanding photographers
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's Pro mode isn't just a gimmick. It's a true professional tool with full access to all manual settings:
- White balance
- Manual focus
- ISO
- Shutter speed
- Exposure
- And many other parameters
Finally: RAW recording for advanced post-production work. Xiaomi is clearly positioning itself as a competitor to real cameras, not just a smartphone that takes pretty automatic photos.
It's the kind of Pro mode you'll find on the Samsung S25 Ultra or the Google Pixel 9 Pro, but with the Quick Photo mode and its fixed focal lengths, Xiaomi is taking its photographic approach even further.
The Pro Photo Pack: The Accessory That Transforms the Experience
The Pro Photo Pack includes a camera grip that attaches to the side of your phone via the USB-C port. And it really makes a difference.
A grip that transforms your smartphone into an expert compact
Once the grip is attached, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra literally transforms into a compact camera. The grip incorporates:
- A battery to recharge the smartphone during photo sessions
- An additional USB-C port to continue charging the set
- Multiple physical buttons : photo shutter, video record button, zoom wheel
- An adjustable thumb rest to improve ergonomics
Without the grip, the phone can feel a bit heavy for long photo sessions. With the grip, you get the feel of an expert compact: a physical shutter release under the index finger , a stable and comfortable grip, and the ability to frame and adjust with one hand.
Combined with the four lenses, it's like having an entire photography arsenal in your pocket: ultra-wide angle, 35mm for street photography, 50mm for portraits, telephoto lenses for distant details. And all this without ever changing physical lenses. It's instant.
The interchangeable ring and filter system
The grip features a system of interchangeable rings that screw onto the camera module. Filters can be attached to it just like on a conventional camera:
- ND (neutral density) filters to manage light in broad daylight
- Polarizing filters to remove reflections
- Other creative filters as needed
Please note: Xiaomi does not supply the filters themselves, only the adapters. Filters with a diameter of at least 67 mm for compatibility. But for those who already have filters, this is a real plus.
The downside : the handle makes the whole thing more cumbersome. Either keep the phone with the handle attached (more space in the bag), or carry the handle separately (you have to remember to bring it and attach it). The handle is quick and easy to install/remove, but it's not as convenient as a dedicated compact that's always ready. That's the trade-off.
Everyday use: where it makes perfect sense
After several weeks of daily use, it is really in everyday situations that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra reveals its full potential.
For family photos and spontaneous moments
The versatility of the four sensors is a real game-changer. Where you'd normally take a heavier camera with a single focal length, here you can shoot action with the telephoto lens, take portraits with the 50mm, and capture general scenes with the wide-angle lens. No more missing moments for lack of the right lens.
Quick Photo mode lets you capture moments you might have missed with other smartphones. Because with Quick Photo, you always have a quality camera at hand, without having to adjust anything for five minutes.
For street photography: more discreet than a camera
A smartphone attracts much less attention than a large camera. It's more discreet; people don't realize you're taking their picture. A phone is much less visually threatening; you're less likely to be stopped for street photography.
With the quick photo mode that lets you shoot in less than a second and its predefined fixed focal lengths, you really get back to the working habits of a photographer. You're always ready to capture what you want, when you want, where you want.
Limits: let's stay clear-headed
As good as it is, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is still a smartphone . And that's important to keep in mind.
Physical constraints of the sensor
The 1-inch sensor is large for a phone, but it doesn't compete with a full-frame, or even an APS-C or Micro 4/3 in truly demanding conditions.
The depth of field is naturally much greater on these small sensors. To achieve a beautiful, natural background blur, you won't get the same result as with a wide-aperture lens on a DSLR or mirrorless camera. Xiaomi compensates with a portrait mode and artificial blur, but it's different from true optical bokeh.
Dynamic range is also more limited. In scenes with very high contrast, to recover a lot of detail simultaneously in highlights and shadows, a real high-end camera will do better. These are physical limitations related to the size of the sensor.
A great addition, not necessarily a total replacement
For the vast majority of everyday situations, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's photo quality is exceptional. It's the best you can find on a smartphone today.
It should be seen as:
- A great companion device for a professional who always wants to have a quality photo tool in their pocket
- A truly capable main unit for someone without a high-profile professional focus
- A tool that makes you want to take pictures every day thanks to its permanent accessibility
The video: is not left out
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra also knows how to film. In 4K at 30 frames per second in automatic mode, the quality is satisfactory for everyday use or vlogging. The stabilization works well, and changes in light are handled smoothly.
The smartphone can edit in 8K for specific projects. And for demanding videographers, LOG recording allows you to recover a maximum of information for post-production.
The 32-megapixel selfie camera (the same as on the 14 Ultra) does a great job for selfies and video calls. The quality is there, even if it obviously doesn't reach that of the rear sensors.
The price of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra: an investment worth considering
Now let's talk about the sore point. The smartphone starts at €1,099 the total to around €1,300 in the worst-case scenario.
It's not cheap, but it's still below the highest-end Samsung or Apple flagships. For a photographer, it's a significant budget, but it can be justified depending on the intended use.
How to justify the investment?
You really need to think about the intended use:
This makes sense if you consider the 15 Ultra your main phone AND your everyday camera all rolled into one. You save yourself the expense of buying a separate expert compact.
This is more questionable if you already have a recent smartphone and are considering the 15 Ultra solely for photography. At this price, a photographer can afford an excellent entry-level mirrorless camera.
It remains reasonable compared to the prices charged by Samsung ( S25 Ultra ) or Apple (iPhone 16 Pro Max) on their ultra-premium models.
The good news: Xiaomi smartphones tend to drop in price a few months after their release. There are often sales right from the launch. For those who can wait, patience can be rewarded.
a bold bet that was generally successful
After several weeks of intensive testing, the findings are nuanced but overall very positive. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra succeeds in its challenge of creating a smartphone truly specialized in photography.
Who is this smartphone for?
Recommended for:
- Photography enthusiasts who want a smartphone that can replace a camera in most situations
- Photographers amateur ) looking for an excellent complementary device that is always available
- Those who want a smartphone AND a camera in one (primary use for both)
- Street photography enthusiasts who appreciate the discretion of a smartphone with the quality of a good sensor
- Fans of fixed focal lengths and manual control who will rediscover their photographic habits
Not recommended for:
- Those who already have a recent smartphone and are only looking to improve the photo (too big an investment)
- Professional photographers with very specific needs in dynamics and depth of field (physical limits exist)
- Those looking for discretion (with the module and especially the handle, it doesn't go unnoticed)
- Users in the Apple ecosystem (better to stay consistent)
- Those who are not interested in photography (what's the point of paying more than €1000 for unused capacity?)
✔ Overall photo quality: Currently the best camera phone on the market.
✔ Quick photo mode: Revelation thanks to its fixed focal lengths and 3:2 format.
✔ Photo Grip: Really transforms the user experience, bringing it closer to a dedicated camera.
✔ Leica Partnership: Goes beyond marketing, contributing greatly to image quality.
✔ Versatility: Offered by the presence of four sensors.
✔ Peak performance: Thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
✔ Ultra-fast charging: 90W wired and 80W wireless.
✖ High price: From €1099 (potentially €1300 with the handle).
✖ No RAW in Quick Photo mode: Frustrating for purists wanting maximum post-processing.
✖ Bulky with the handle: A compromise to be made for those looking for discretion.
✖ Pre-installed third-party applications: A less “clean” system than expected for this price level.
✖ Physical limitations of the sensor: Cannot compete with a real professional camera.
Conclusion of the test
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn't just any smartphone. It's a camera that calls as much as it is a phone that takes pictures. Xiaomi has made a bold gamble: creating an ultra-specialized for photography enthusiasts and professionals, even if it doesn't appeal to everyone.
And overall, the bet is successful . The photo quality is top-notch , the quick photo mode is a real innovation, the handle transforms the experience, and the whole thing really makes you want to take pictures every day. Yes, starting at 1099 euros (potentially 1300 € with the handle after July 2025), it's not cheap. Yes, it's imposing. Yes, there are limits. But for anyone looking for the best camera phone of 2025 , it's hard to do better.
There's no going back after using the fast photo mode with its fixed focal lengths . There's no going back after having a camera of this quality in your pocket all the time. It's the kind of tool that takes an unexpected in your daily life.
Xiaomi proves they know how to play in the big leagues . The 15 Ultra may not be their most affordable smartphone, but it's probably their greatest technical achievement . A smartphone that truly manages to bridge the gap between phone and camera , and delivers images that live up to the highest expectations.
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