The launch of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra marked a new chapter in the evolution of mobile photography, solidifying Xiaomi’s strategic partnership with Leica. Unveiled globally at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, the smartphone combines a quad-camera system, led by a 200-megapixel periscope lens, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a 6.73-inch AMOLED display boasting up to 3,200 nits of brightness. Designed for photography enthusiasts and content creators, the device offers advanced features like 8K video recording and an optional Photography Kit Legend Edition, transforming the phone into a near-professional tool. Available in colors such as black, white, and chrome silver, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra hit the Brazilian market with prices starting at R$ 99,999, positioning it as a direct competitor to flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. The blend of premium design, cutting-edge technology, and integrated artificial intelligence (AI) promises to redefine smartphone photography standards.
The main camera, equipped with a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor and an f/1.63 aperture, ensures sharp captures even in low-light conditions, while the 200 MP periscope lens offers up to 4.3x optical zoom, ideal for long-distance shots. The device also includes a 50 MP telephoto lens and a 50 MP ultrawide lens, covering focal lengths from 14 to 200 mm.
Beyond photography, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra impresses with its performance, featuring up to 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage. The 5,410 mAh battery in the global version, though smaller than the 6,000 mAh Chinese variant, supports 90W fast charging, achieving a full charge in under 40 minutes.
Specifications of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one of the most advanced smartphones of 2025, designed to deliver exceptional performance in photography, video, and multitasking.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, built on a 3 nm process, the device offers 45% more power and 52% greater energy efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. The 6.73-inch WQHD+ AMOLED display, with a resolution of 3,200 x 1,440 pixels, supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp details.
The HyperOS 2 operating system, based on Android 15, introduces AI features like speech recognition, real-time translation, and AI-assisted image editing. IP68 certification ensures water and dust resistance, while the design, with finishes in eco-leather and fiberglass, exudes sophistication.
- Key specifications:
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm).
- Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED, WQHD+, 3,200 nits.
- Rear cameras: 50 MP (main), 50 MP (telephoto), 200 MP (periscope), 50 MP (ultrawide).
- Front camera: 32 MP.
- Battery: 5,410 mAh, 90W fast charging.
- System: HyperOS 2 with advanced AI.
Leica camera system
The partnership with Leica elevates the Xiaomi 15 Ultra to a unique position in the smartphone market. The quad-camera system is designed for versatility across various scenarios, from portraits to wide landscapes.
The 50 MP main sensor, with a Summilux f/1.63 lens, uses a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, capturing 136% more light than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, ensuring sharp photos in dark environments. The 50 MP telephoto lens, with a 70 mm focal length, is ideal for portraits and macro photography, while the 50 MP ultrawide lens covers a 115-degree angle, perfect for landscapes and group shots.
The standout feature is the 200 MP periscope lens, offering 4.3x optical zoom and up to 200 mm with digital zoom. Combined with optical (OIS) and electronic (EIS) stabilization, this sensor enables detailed captures of distant objects, such as sports events or concerts, without quality loss.
Tests in urban and natural settings show that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra maintains clarity and natural colors, outperforming competitors in specific scenarios like macro and night portraits. Video recording reaches up to 8K at 30 fps, with Dolby Vision support in 4K at 60 fps, delivering cinematic quality.
????When your phone's got more moves than you. #Xiaomi15Ultra pic.twitter.com/j3rAUpfuON
— Xiaomi (@Xiaomi) April 13, 2025
Photography Kit Legend Edition
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra Photography Kit Legend Edition is an optional accessory that elevates the photography experience to a professional level. Priced at around R$ 1,200, the kit includes a grip with physical buttons for shutter control, zoom, and video recording, plus an additional 2,000 mAh battery.
Inspired by classic Leica camera designs, the kit enhances ergonomics, enabling one-handed captures with greater precision. It also includes a Fastshot mode, optimizing the interface for street photography, and supports manual adjustments for exposure, ISO, and white balance.
In Brazil, the kit was offered as a pre-order bonus, though some consumers faced delivery delays, which Xiaomi resolved. The IP54 certification ensures resistance to dust and splashes when the kit is attached to the smartphone.
Performance and technology
The Snapdragon 8 Elite, clocked at up to 4.32 GHz, positions the Xiaomi 15 Ultra as one of the most powerful smartphones on the market. Paired with up to 16 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage, it ensures seamless multitasking, even in demanding apps like games and video editors.
The IceLoop cooling system, optimized for extended use, minimizes overheating, though some users report excessive heat during prolonged photography sessions. 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0 ensure ultra-fast data transfers and compatibility with modern networks.
The integrated AI, dubbed HyperAI, enhances the user experience with features like real-time image editing, object removal, and simultaneous translation. These tools are particularly valuable for content creators, enabling photo and video edits directly on the device.
- Performance features:
- Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 45% more power.
- Up to 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage.
- IceLoop cooling system for prolonged use.
- 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity.
- HyperAI for image editing and productivity.
Battery and charging
The 5,410 mAh battery in the global version of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers up to two days of moderate use. In tests, the device lasted around 8 hours of intensive use, including gaming, streaming, and photography, without needing a recharge.
The 90W fast charging fully recharges the battery in under 40 minutes, while 80W wireless charging is among the fastest available. The inclusion of 10W reverse charging allows the smartphone to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds.
Despite its smaller capacity compared to the 6,000 mAh Chinese version, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s battery outperforms many competitors, like the iPhone 16 Pro Max with 4,685 mAh. The Snapdragon 8 Elite’s energy efficiency also contributes to its long battery life.
Premium design
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s design blends sophistication and functionality, featuring eco-leather, fiberglass, and high-strength aluminum finishes. Available in black, white, and chrome silver, the device has a textured back that reduces fingerprints and improves grip.
Corning Gorilla Glass 7i protects the camera module, and IP68 certification ensures durability against scratches, drops, and submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. Weighing between 226 and 229 grams, depending on the finish, and measuring 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.48 mm, it offers ergonomic handling.
The camera module, redesigned to accommodate the 200 MP periscope lens, is slightly off-center, echoing classic Leica camera aesthetics. The All Around Liquid Display, with 1.38 mm bezels, provides an immersive visual experience.
Photography experience
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s photography experience is one of its biggest strengths. The Leica partnership ensures not only top-tier hardware but also optimized software, with exclusive filters and shooting modes that mimic professional cameras.
The Master Portrait mode allows continuous focal length adjustments from 23 to 135 mm, ideal for portraits with natural bokeh. Recording in 4K at 120 fps with cinematic slow motion is perfect for creative videos, while 10-bit Log support offers greater control in post-production.
The 32 MP front camera, with an f/2.0 aperture, delivers detailed selfies and natural skin tones, especially with AI-enhanced portrait mode. The four-microphone system ensures high-quality audio in videos, even in noisy environments.
Camera tests
Tests by experts highlight the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s performance across various scenarios. In favorable lighting, the main sensor captures images with vibrant colors and high dynamic range. In low-light conditions, the 200 MP periscope lens retains details, though some critics note slight sharpness loss at extreme zooms.
Autofocus is fast and accurate, particularly for portraits and street photography, while OIS and EIS stabilization reduces shake in videos. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra excels in macro and portrait photography but lags in color consistency in videos with varying light.
A DxOMark camera score of 153 places the device among the best, though behind the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra (163 points) and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (158 points). The versatility of the lenses and Leica’s software quality offset minor limitations, such as instabilities in videos with abrupt light changes.
Launch and pricing
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra was launched in China on February 27, 2025, and globally on March 2 during MWC 2025. In Brazil, it arrived on March 19, with pre-orders including the Photography Kit as a bonus.
Prices in Brazil start at R$ 99,999 for the 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage version, with promotional discounts on platforms like Amazon and Mi.com. The 1 TB variant costs around R$ 109,999. The photography kit, sold separately, has a suggested price of R$ 1,200.
The lack of an official launch in Brazil forces consumers to import the device, with taxes potentially increasing the final cost. Still, its competitive pricing compared to rivals like the Galaxy S25 Ultra makes it an attractive option.
- Launch timeline:
- February 27: Launch in China.
- March 2: Global unveiling at MWC 2025.
- March 19: Pre-orders begin in Brazil.
- March to April: Availability in physical and online stores.
Comparison with competitors
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra faces stiff competition in the flagship segment. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, it shines with its 200 MP periscope lens and photography kit but falls short in ecosystem integration, such as S Pen support.
Against the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers greater photographic versatility and faster charging but lags in software optimization and resale value. The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, the DxOMark leader, outperforms in color consistency but is less accessible globally.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is ideal for those prioritizing photography and raw performance, while competitors may appeal to users focused on closed ecosystems or long-term support.
Observed limitations
Despite its strengths, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has some limitations. Overheating during extended photography or gaming sessions is a recurring issue, even with the IceLoop cooling system. The HyperOS 2 software, while smooth, includes bloatware requiring manual removal.
In videos, the device struggles with instabilities during light transitions, particularly in scenes with abrupt changes. The absence of a variable aperture in the main camera, present in the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, reduces creative control in some scenarios.
The 5,410 mAh battery in the global version, while robust, disappoints compared to the 6,000 mAh Chinese variant, especially for users relying on long photography or video sessions.
Market impact
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra strengthens Xiaomi’s position as a leader in smartphone innovation. The Leica partnership, started in 2022, has elevated the brand to a premium tier, attracting consumers who previously chose Apple or Samsung.
In Brazil, the device’s competitive pricing and aggressive promotions, like the Photography Kit bonus, sparked significant interest despite import challenges. The demand for smartphones with advanced cameras, driven by social media and content creation, favors the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
Long-term success will depend on consistent software updates and efficient after-sales support, areas where Xiaomi still faces criticism compared to established competitors.
- Advantages of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra:
- Leica camera system with 200 MP periscope lens.
- Exceptional performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite.
- High-quality AMOLED display with 3,200 nits.
- 90W fast charging and 80W wireless charging.
- Photography Kit for professional photography.
- Competitive pricing in the premium segment.
