Xiaomi 15 Ultra: The Ultimate Flagship Camera Phone?

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is here, and it’s making waves in the smartphone world with its high-end design, powerhouse specs, and, most importantly, its groundbreaking camera system. A product of Xiaomi’s ongoing collaboration with Leica, this phone is being hailed as the ultimate mobile photography tool. But with a premium price tag of ₹1.1 lakh in India, the burning question remains: Is it worth it?

Having spent a week with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I’ve had the chance to explore its features, push its camera to the limit, and get a feel for its overall performance. While a full review will dive deeper into its specs and capabilities, here’s an early look at what this ultra-premium device has to offer.

A Design That Pays Tribute to Classic Cameras

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is available in three colors, but the standout is undoubtedly the black and silver chrome variant, inspired by vintage Leica cameras. Xiaomi has gone the extra mile to pay homage to Leica, even using the same font style for the “Ultra” branding as Leica’s classic logo.

At the back, the massive camera island dominates, housing four different sensors, each with its own focal length. It’s not just a design choice; it’s a statement that this phone is built for serious photography enthusiasts.

Camera System: A Game-Changer in Smartphone Photography

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts an advanced quad-camera setup:

50MP primary camera with a massive 1-inch sensor for outstanding low-light performance.
50MP 3x telephoto lens for crisp mid-range zoom.
50MP ultra-wide camera that captures expansive landscapes with impressive detail.
200MP periscope telephoto lens offering up to 4.3x optical zoom, with clear and usable shots even at 30x.

The Xiaomi-Leica partnership isn’t just branding—both companies have fine-tuned the color science to offer two distinct photography modes:

Leica Vibrant – Delivers punchy, high-contrast images with vivid colors.
Leica Authentic – A more natural and subdued color profile for realistic tones.

The periscope zoom lens is where this phone truly shines. At 10x zoom, shots remain sharp and detailed, and even at 30x, images are surprisingly usable—something that most smartphones struggle with. In low-light conditions, the large sensor ensures great performance, producing bright and detailed night shots.

Flagship-Level Hardware Beyond the Camera

While the camera is the highlight, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn’t lacking in other areas. It packs:

6.73-inch 120Hz OLED display with stunning colors and smooth visuals.
Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite processor with 16GB RAM, ensuring top-tier performance.
5,410mAh battery with 90W fast charging for all-day power.

The phone also features an optional Photography Kit, which adds a physical grip, extra battery, and a dedicated shutter button—further enhancing its camera-centric appeal.

First Impressions: A True Camera Powerhouse

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra delivers on its promise of exceptional mobile photography while packing premium hardware. It feels like a Leica camera in smartphone form, with an impressive zoom lens, top-tier low-light performance, and a design that photography lovers will appreciate. However, at ₹1.1 lakh, it’s a serious investment, making it a phone best suited for those who truly value high-end photography on the go.

What Undercode Says:

The Leica Collaboration Is More Than Just Branding
Many smartphone brands slap a famous name onto their cameras for marketing purposes, but Xiaomi and Leica’s partnership runs deeper. The finely tuned color profiles and imaging algorithms create a distinct photography experience that sets the 15 Ultra apart from other flagships.

2. The Periscope Lens Is a Game-Changer

The 200MP periscope lens is a massive leap in smartphone photography. While competitors offer telephoto capabilities, Xiaomi has pushed optical zoom clarity beyond what most phones achieve. The level of detail retained even at 10x zoom makes it a serious contender for best smartphone zoom camera.

Is the 1-inch Sensor Still the King of Low-Light?
A 1-inch sensor is typically considered the gold standard for smartphone photography, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra continues that trend. It captures impressive low-light shots, proving that sensor size still plays a crucial role in mobile imaging. However, computational photography is catching up, and Google, Apple, and Samsung are using AI to enhance night photography in ways that might challenge Xiaomi’s approach.
The Photography Kit Is a Niche But Valuable Add-On
For serious photographers, the Photography Kit is a brilliant addition. The physical grip and extra battery transform the phone into a compact camera, making it more comfortable to shoot with. However, casual users may not see the need for this accessory.

5. Performance and Display – No Compromises Here

Despite being marketed as a camera-first phone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra doesn’t compromise on raw performance. With Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite, 16GB RAM, and a stunning 120Hz OLED display, it’s right up there with the best flagships of 2025.

Price vs. Value – Who Is This Phone For?
At ₹1.1 lakh, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is positioned against the likes of the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. While it excels in photography, Xiaomi still faces an uphill battle convincing users to switch from more established premium brands. For photography enthusiasts, this phone is a dream. But for casual users, a more balanced flagship might make better sense.

Fact Checker Results:

Xiaomi and Leica’s collaboration is deeper than just branding – Confirmed. The camera tuning and color science prove a real partnership.
The 200MP periscope lens delivers superior zoom capabilities – Mostly true. While impressive, real-world results at extreme zoom levels may vary.
Low-light photography is among the best in class – Confirmed. The 1-inch sensor captures exceptional night shots, though competitors are closing the gap with advanced AI processing.

References:

Reported By: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/mobiles-tabs/hands-on-with-xiaomi-15-ultra/articleshow/119606241.cms
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