The company’s new flagship just launched in China with a 200-megapixel periscope camera.
Xiaomi has officially unveiled its highly anticipated 15 Ultra flagship smartphone at a launch event in China, where it’s set to hit shelves starting at 6,499 yuan (approximately $893). This announcement follows the release of the Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro models, which debuted in October 2024. While the 15 Ultra may appear to be an incremental update to last year’s impressive 14 Ultra, one standout feature is making waves — a groundbreaking 200-megapixel periscope camera designed to excel in low-light conditions.
For photography enthusiasts and tech lovers alike, the Xiaomi Ultra series has consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone photography. The 15 Ultra is no exception, continuing the tradition of camera innovation with an emphasis on delivering professional-grade photography in a sleek, portable device. The new Ultra model is scheduled for an international debut on March 2nd at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, though it remains uncertain which markets will officially carry the device — with a US launch looking unlikely, as with previous Xiaomi flagships.
A Camera-Centric Powerhouse
Xiaomi’s Ultra series has always been about photography, arguably more so than even Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra or Apple’s iPhone Pro Max lines. The 15 Ultra carries on this legacy with its signature quad-camera setup, encased in an enormous circular camera module reminiscent of partner Leica’s iconic camera designs. The aesthetic is polished, with a two-tone silver and black finish that gives the phone a premium, professional look. For those who prefer something more understated, Xiaomi also offers simpler black and white variants.
The star of the show is undoubtedly the new 200-megapixel periscope lens, which replaces last year’s 5x zoom lens with a 4.3x zoom. While the zoom distance is slightly shorter, the new periscope features a larger sensor, faster aperture, and higher resolution, which Xiaomi claims dramatically improves light capture and detail. This makes the 15 Ultra a beast for low-light photography, so much so that the phone was internally codenamed “Night God” during development. Xiaomi clearly wants to own the night photography space, competing with rivals like Vivo’s X100 Ultra and Honor’s Magic 7 Pro.
The other three rear cameras each feature a 50-megapixel sensor, similar to last year’s model but with minor improvements. Notably, Xiaomi has dropped the variable aperture of the 14 Ultra’s main camera in favor of a fixed f/1.63 aperture, which is faster and brighter, promising sharper, more vivid shots in diverse lighting conditions.
Enhanced Photography Experience
To complement the camera upgrades, Xiaomi is releasing the third-generation Photography Kit — an optional accessory that turns your phone into a near-professional camera. This kit includes a camera grip, shutter button, video button, zoom lever, and exposure dial, giving users a tactile, DSLR-like experience. The internal battery has been bumped up to 2,000mAh, so it can double as a power bank for the phone, and the grip now features an ergonomic thumb rest for added comfort during extended shooting sessions. The only visual update to the kit is a sleek new red finish, but the controls themselves remain familiar for returning users.
Display, Performance, and Battery Life
Beyond the camera, the 15 Ultra sees fewer dramatic changes — but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in power. The device is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, Qualcomm’s latest and most powerful processor, ensuring lightning-fast performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
The 6.73-inch display is another standout feature, boasting a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate and an increased 3,200 nits peak HDR brightness for stunning visuals, even in harsh sunlight. The phone retains its IP68 rating, making it resistant to dust and water, a must-have for an ultra-premium flagship.
Battery life sees a significant boost, with the 6,000mAh battery providing ample power for a full day (or more) of heavy use. Charging speeds, however, remain unchanged — with 90W wired charging and 80W wireless charging. While it’s slightly surprising that Xiaomi hasn’t adopted Qi2 wireless charging yet, the existing speeds are still among the fastest in the industry.
A High Bar to Clear
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra was widely regarded as the best smartphone camera of 2023, with reviewers calling it a “photography nerd’s dream.” It set an incredibly high standard, and with the 15 Ultra, Xiaomi has made a calculated decision to refine rather than revolutionize. The smaller updates — like the brighter display, larger battery, and faster main camera — build on an already stellar foundation. But it’s the new 200-megapixel periscope lens that could be the true game-changer, redefining what’s possible for zoom photography in low light.
As Xiaomi prepares for the phone’s international rollout, all eyes will be on whether this one big upgrade is enough to solidify the 15 Ultra’s status as the best camera phone of 2024. One thing’s for sure — we can’t wait to get our hands on it and find out.
Stay tuned for our in-depth review once the Xiaomi 15 Ultra lands globally!
Are you excited about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra? Is the 200-megapixel periscope lens enough to make you upgrade? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! 🚀📸
