Xiaomi 15 Review - Comprehensive Analysis

Table of Contents

Introduction

Xiaomi has recently launched two new smartphones, the Xiaomi 15 and the Xiaomi 15 Pro, in China back in October. These phones have gained a lot of popularity in the local market. Now, the smaller model, the Xiaomi 15, is ready to hit international shelves. It’s important to note that the Xiaomi 15 Pro may not be available outside China, but fans can look forward to the newly announced Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

Even though it’s the smallest and most budget-friendly in the Xiaomi 15 lineup, the Xiaomi 15 is still packed with modern features. This includes a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and a significant 5,240 mAh battery, which is impressive for a phone of its size.

Key Specifications of Xiaomi 15

Dimensions: 152.3 x 71.2 x 8.1 mm; Weight: 189g; Design: Glass front, aluminum frame; IP68 rating for water and dust resistance (can be submerged in 1.5m of water for 30 minutes).
Display: 6.36-inch LTPO OLED, 1 billion colors, 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 3200 nits peak brightess, and resolution of 1200 x 2670 pixels with 460 ppi.
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm), Octa-core CPU; Adreno 830 GPU.
Storage Options: 256GB + 12GB RAM, 512GB + 12GB RAM, 512GB + 16GB RAM, and 1TB + 16GB RAM; utilizes UFS 4.0 for fast storage.
Operating System: Android 15 with HyperOS 2.
Rear Cameras: Triple camera setup – 50 MP wide, 50 MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and 50 MP ultra-wide.
Front Camera: 32 MP with f/2.0 aperture.
Video Capabilities: 8K and 4K recording options on the rear cameras, 4K video on the front.
Battery: 5,240 mAh capacity; Supports 90W wired charging, 50W wireless charging.
Connectivity: 5G support, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and an infrared port.
Extras: Under-display fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers.

The Xiaomi 15 has a 6.36-inch display, making it a little smaller compared to others on the market today, but it doesn’t compromise on performance. It features a robust Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and an excellent three-camera system. While it lacks the advanced periscope zoom and autofocus on the ultra-wide lens found in the Xiaomi 15 Pro, these are minor drawbacks when you consider its overall capability.

The device employs an LTPO OLED display that refreshes at up to 120Hz, ensuring smooth scrolling and great visuals. The build quality is premium, featuring a sturdy aluminum frame and shatterproof glass, alongside an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, making the Xiaomi 15 both stylish and durable.

Unboxing Experience

The Xiaomi 15 comes packaged in a simple yet sturdy white cardboard box that effectively safeguards the phone during transit.

Inside the box, you’ll find the essentials. The Xiaomi 15 includes a 90W HyperCharge charger, which is equipped with a USB Type-A connection. Although it’s a bit disappointing that it still uses USB Type-A, it’s worth noting that the charger comes with a proprietary 5th pin, making it necessary to keep track of the included USB Type-A to Type-C cable. Note that in some regions, this charger may not be included, so it’s advisable to check with local retailers.

Also included is a durable soft TPU case to protect your new phone from scratches right out of the box, although it may cover some of the phone’s elegant design.