Xiaomi is back at it again with its 15T Pro, an iteration that refines the formula rather than revolutionizing it. On paper, the changes seem timid: a slightly larger screen, a more generous battery, a new MediaTek processor, and above all, a 5x telephoto lens that replaces the old 2.6x. However, after several days of intensive use, between photo sessions in the rain and daily endurance tests, this smartphone reveals a more complex identity than it seems. The Leica software processing still works wonders, the battery life jumps by two hours, but this new 5x telephoto lens raises questions about versatility. We spent hours capturing architectures, testing the thermal limits in play, and draining the battery to answer a simple question: does this 15T Pro really deserve its upgrade status? Here is our uncompromising verdict.
Table of Contents
Design: Refinement that hits the mark
Xiaomi has listened to the feedback. The Xiaomi 15T Pro is now 7.96 mm thick compared to 8.39 mm on the 14T Pro, while maintaining a stable weight of 210 grams . This increased thinness does not come at the expense of solidity: the reinforced aluminum frame and the fiberglass back reassure, while the IP68 remains there. The most visible change? The camera block which now blends into the rest of the design, giving a much more premium look. We are finally moving away from this "glued protrusion" aesthetic for something more harmonious.
The Xiaomi 15T Pro's new mocha replaces last year's blue and brings an unexpected touch of elegance. Several testers have pointed out that they've never seen this shade on a Xiaomi smartphone before. An intriguing detail: the camera module displays four circles for three sensors. The fourth? It houses the infrared emitter and a color spectrum sensor, an addition that proves Xiaomi is thinking beyond simple aesthetics.
In the hand, the difference is palpable. The 0.43 mm gain in thinness makes the phone more comfortable during long shooting sessions. The dual stereo speakers, buttons, and ports retain their familiar placements, which eases the transition for former T-series users. The overall feeling? It's getting dangerously close to a classic smartphone, to the point where it's difficult to distinguish this 15T Pro from a Xiaomi 14 or 15 at first glance.
Screen: Bigger, better protected, but less bright?
The Xiaomi 15T Pro's screen goes from 6.67 inches to 6.83 inches , a welcome evolution that transforms the multimedia experience. Still a 144 Hz AMOLED with a density of 447 PPI , TÜV Rheinland and Dolby Vision certifications included. The 1.5 mm frame a flat screen, a pragmatic choice that avoids false manipulations and facilitates the application of screen protectors.
However, one point deserves attention: the Xiaomi 14T Pro promised 4000 nits in full sunlight, while the 15T Pro announces 3200 nits on 25% of its surface . This difference probably hides a marketing reality: the 4000 nits of the predecessor undoubtedly applied to a much smaller surface than 25%. In fact, several testers confirm that outdoor visibility remains excellent , even under blazing sun during daytime photo sessions. So no worries, even if the raw figures can be misleading.
Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protection , which replaces the 14T Pro's Gorilla Glass 5. This new generation offers better resistance to drops and scratches , a crucial point when you use your smartphone intensively for content creation. One tester even submerged the phone in a pool (thanks to the IP68 certification) to check its waterproofing: it seems to work perfectly.
For streaming and gaming, this display works wonders. The generous size means you can go tablet-free while traveling, and the smooth 144Hz display transforms the gaming experience. No technical breakthrough here, but a smart consolidation of the 14T Pro's achievements with some targeted improvements to durability.
Performance: MediaTek hits hard, but runs a little hot
A must-have when renewing a range: the new processor. Xiaomi opts for the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus , replacing the 9300 Plus, engraved in 3 nm against 4 nm previously. On paper, it's impressive: +45% performance on AnTuTu and +20% on Geekbench . In reality, are these gains really felt?
For everyday tasks, it's remarkably smooth . We used the phone for a full day of intensive shooting, GPS navigation, 4K photos and videos, and the HyperOS 2.0 interface never showed the slightest slowdown. It's lively, it's responsive, it's exactly what you'd expect from an €800 smartphone.
Gaming? This is where it gets a little more complicated. During stress tests on 3DMark (20-minute benchmark), the smartphone achieves around 60% thermal stability . This isn't catastrophic, but it's not exceptional either. In real-world use on Delta Force in HD at 90 FPS, the experience remains fluid without excessive heating. At 120 FPS, a few quality drop alerts appear, but nothing prohibitive for extended gaming sessions.
The memory configuration remains solid: LPDDR 5X RAM UFS 4.1 storage available in 256 GB, 512 GB or 1 TB. No compromises here, Xiaomi is playing in the big league. The phone currently runs HyperOS 2.0 . Xiaomi promises 5 years of Android updates and 6 years of security updates, we're getting close to Samsung's 7 years, but we're not quite there yet.
On the AI side, we find the now classic features: text writing, dynamic wallpapers, interpreter, real-time subtitling. Nothing new compared to the 14T Pro, the real novelties of the Xiaomi 15T pro will probably arrive with HyperOS 3.0.
Autonomy: Finally a battery that lasts
This is probably the most tangible and appreciable improvement of the Xiaomi 15T Pro. The battery goes from 5000 mAh to 5500 mAh , and it is immediately felt. PCMark tests (from 100% to 20%) give 16h30 of active screen time against 14h36 on the 14T Pro. That's almost two hours of gain , which is not negligible.
In real-world intensive use, and we really mean intensive here, with all-day photo taking, 4K video recording, GPS navigation, and streaming, we started our day at 100% and finished at 35% after 12 hours of continuous use . That's solid. For more moderate use, lasting two full days is no problem. Finally, a smartphone that doesn't let you down mid-afternoon.
The downside? Charging speed. Xiaomi downgrades from 120W to 90W , and that translates to a full charge time of 36 minutes (0 to 100%) compared to just 20 minutes on the 14T Pro. It's a deliberate tradeoff: better battery life for a slightly slower charging speed. Honestly, 36 minutes is still plenty for most uses, especially when you gain two hours of battery life in return.
50W wireless charging remains on the program, which is quite rare in this price range. A good point for those who prioritize everyday practicality.
The battery life verdict is clear: it's a real improvement, and it more than compensates for the loss in charging speed. For heavy users, this is probably the most convincing argument in favor of the upgrade.
Audio: Room-filling stereo
No revolution here, but a confirmation: the stereo speaker system is excellent. One speaker at ear level, another at the bottom of the phone, and the result is frankly impressive for this price range .
The audio quality is distinguished by well-preserved treble, clear voices, and above-average sound . During our tests, the phone accompanied a stay at the seaside: the radio broadcast from its speakers filled the room with clear and powerful sound, without the slightest trace of distortion. For streaming music, podcasts, or watching series, the experience is truly satisfactory.
It may not be a selling point for a smartphone, but it's the kind of detail that significantly improves the daily experience. When you use your smartphone as a media center, having decent sound without having to constantly plug in headphones is a nice touch.
Photo: An excellent main sensor, but this x5 telephoto lens…
This is where the Xiaomi 15T Pro divides opinion. Let's start with the facts: the main 50-megapixel Light Fusion 900 sensor remains unchanged. It's the same as on the 14T Pro, but also on the Xiaomi 14 and 15. Yes, you read that right: Xiaomi has been using this sensor on its smartphones for at least two years . And for good reason: it's excellent.
The photos produced by this main sensor are magnificent in terms of detail, handling of dark and light areas, and color reproduction . The partnership with Leica continues to bear fruit, particularly with the Leica Vibrant mode which offers more saturated and more flattering colors for most users. At x2 digital zoom (crop in the 50MP sensor), the quality remains excellent thanks to the high resolution.
The 12-megapixel ultra-wide also looks identical to the 14T Pro. While decent but not exceptional, it's the sensor that will be the most underpowered in the overall photo setup. But then again, the ultra-wide is generally the least used sensor for most photographers.
The 5x telephoto lens debate
And then there's that 50-megapixel 5x telephoto lens . On paper, going from 2.6x to 5x seems like an obvious improvement. In practice, it's more nuanced. Photos at 5x are splendid, with remarkable sharpness even at 10x zoom . We were amazed by the quality, especially in night photography where this telephoto lens impresses with its ability to capture architectural details at a distance with striking clarity.
The problem? The lack of optical zoom between x2 and x5. In practice, we go from x1 to x2 digital (crop in the main sensor), then directly to x5 optical. In many situations, x5 is simply too close to what we want to photograph. We often found ourselves having to step back to frame correctly, the x5 zoom being simply too tight in many situations.
For portraits, it's particularly frustrating. The x3 (around 85mm) is the preferred focal length for highlighting a face with a nice separation from the background. The x5 (115mm) is already too long for many portrait situations, requiring a considerable distance from the subject. So we go from a 15mm (ultra wide-angle) to 23mm (primary), then 56mm (x2 digital) and directly 115mm (x5 optical). The gap between 56mm and 115mm is enormous.
So yes, the 5x photos are beautiful. Yes, for capturing buildings, distant architectural details, or far-off street scenes, it's fantastic. But for everyday versatility, the 14T Pro's 2.6x was probably more practical . It's a matter of usage preference, but let's be honest: it's not a universal improvement.
Video: 4K 120 FPS, finally
It's on the field that the Xiaomi 15T Pro truly reveals its progress in video. For the first time in the T series, you can film in 4K at 120 frames per second with the main sensor. A long-awaited advance. The other sensors, ultra-wide-angle and 5x telephoto, also benefit from a power increase and now film in 4K 60 FPS. On paper, it's a leap forward. In practice, it's a rediscovery.
During one of our tests, we spent an entire day filming with the Xiaomi 15T Pro in extreme conditions: pouring rain, gusts of wind, reflections on shiny car bodies, and street scenes lit by neon lights at dusk. The stabilization blew us away. Even when walking without a stabilizer, the sequences maintain an almost cinematic fluidity. Subject tracking is remarkably precise, capturing silhouettes even as they slip through crowds.
In terms of colorimetry, Xiaomi has finally found a true balance. In full sunlight, there are no overexposed areas. Under gray skies, the tones remain natural. And at night, neon lights and streetlights are well managed without color shift. The smartphone obviously doesn't rival a professional camera, but for high-end web content or vlogging, it's stunningly consistent.
The 32MP selfie sensor films in 4K 30 FPS. Here again, the stabilization is surprising. During one of our shoots, we walked for several minutes in vlog mode, smartphone at arm's length, and the result remained perfectly usable without a stabilizer. For stories or YouTube content in motion, it's more than adequate, even if the dynamic range remains behind compared to the rear sensors. Xiaomi ticks the 4K selfie box, a welcome first for this range, even if the rendering could have done with a little extra polish.
After several hours of continuous recording, the Xiaomi 15T Pro showed no signs of overheating. No warnings, no performance drops, no sudden shutdowns. Even in tropical heat that was far from mild, it held its own. For creators filming while traveling, in the field, or at events, this stability makes all the difference.
As for the 100x zoom, there's no point beating around the bush: it's more of a gimmick than a feat. Beyond 20x, the image becomes unusable. On the other hand, the 10x remains surprisingly clean, ideal for capturing architectural details from a distance without losing legibility.
The Xiaomi 15T Pro takes video to the next level. Those who want to film smoothly in 4K 120 FPS, without worrying about heat or stabilization, will find it a reliable and versatile ally. Whether it's a vlog, a light report, or a travel project, it's a filmmaking companion that clearly makes you forget its price.
✔ Significantly increased battery life: Easily lasts two days (+2 hours of screen time).
✔ Refined and premium design: Thinner, better finished, new elegant mocha color.
✔ Exceptional main sensor: Identical to Xiaomi flagships, excellent quality.
✔ Generous and fluid screen: 6.83 inches at 144 Hz, perfect for multimedia.
✔ Solid performance: The Dimensity 9400 Plus delivers in all circumstances.
✔ Impressive x5 telephoto lens: Remarkable sharpness, excellent for night photography.
✔ 4K 120 FPS Video: A real evolution for content creators.
✔ Quality stereo sound: Loud enough to fill a room.
✔ Value for money: Becomes a bargain with launch promotions.
✔ 5 years of Android updates: A serious long-term commitment.
✖ Slow charge: Change from 120W to 90W (from 20 to 36 min for a full charge).
✖ Not very versatile x5 telephoto lens: The gap between x2 and x5 is too large for everyday use.
✖ Reduced screen brightness (on paper): 3200 nits vs 4000 nits of the previous model.
✖ Recessed selfie sensor: 32MP decent but not at the level of the rear sensors.
✖ Medium Ultra Wide: The least convincing sensor of the set.
✖ Average thermal stability: Slight heating during intensive gaming.
✖ High base price: €800 before promotions (same as early-year flagships).
✖ Few new AI features: Real developments are expected with HyperOS 3.0.
✖ Overall slow evolution: Many similarities with the 14T Pro.
Verdict: Who is this Xiaomi 15T Pro for?
Let's be blunt: the Xiaomi 15T Pro isn't a revolution. It's a measured evolution that refines an already solid formula. The improvements are there— battery life, design, performance, video— but they're incremental rather than dramatic. The main sensor remains the same, the screen changes little, and that 5x telephoto lens is more a matter of preference than a universal improvement.
That said, taken in absolute terms, it's an excellent smartphone . We're getting dangerously close to the flagship experience for a lower price, especially with the launch promotions that bring the price down well below the official €800 . The Light Fusion 900 is the same as that of the Xiaomi 14 and 15, the screen is generous, the performance is there , and the autonomy finally keeps its promises .
Recommended if you:
- competent photo/video smartphone without breaking the bank
- Enjoy long focal length telephoto lenses for architecture and distant details
- Need excellent battery life (two days easy)
- Want a large, smooth screen for multimedia and casual gaming
- Take advantage of launch promotions (crucial for value for money)
- Coming from a smartphone older than the 14T Pro
Avoid if you:
- Already own a Xiaomi 14T Pro (the upgrades are too timid)
- Prioritize photo versatility with a true x3 lens
- Demand the fastest possible charge (the 14T Pro's 120W is more impressive)
- Look for advanced AI innovations (wait for HyperOS 3.0 on other models)
- Can find a Xiaomi 14 or 15 at the same final price (check stocks)
The final verdict? A very good smartphone that ticks a lot of boxes, but whose appeal depends massively on the actual price paid . At €800 full price, it goes head-to-head with early-year smartphones that are now on sale. With Xiaomi's usual launch promotions, it once again becomes a solid value proposition . It's a device that won't disappoint, but will only amaze those coming from older generations or who take advantage of a good deal. For 14T Pro owners: pass. For everyone else: go for it if the price is right .
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