The Xiaomi 15 has been creating a lot of buzz, with fans eagerly requesting reviews. After testing the phone for 20 days, I can confidently say it’s a special device with some unique strengths, but it also comes with its fair share of flaws. If you’re wondering whether the Xiaomi 15 is worth your money, this detailed review will break down its design, display, performance, battery, camera, software, and more to help you decide. Let’s dive in!
Design and Build: Compact and Premium
The Xiaomi 15 stands out with its compact and intelligent design. Xiaomi has crafted a phone that feels comfortable to hold, even without a case. The back panel and frame are flat, giving it a premium look and feel. The contoured corners, with slight curves, make it easy to grip, reducing the chances of accidental drops. In my 20 days of usage without a case, the phone didn’t slip from my hands even once, which is impressive for a compact device.
The build quality is solid. After 20 days, I noticed only one minor scratch on the top side of the frame and a few micro-scratches on the display, which is expected without a case. The back panel remained scratch-free, showcasing its durability. However, I’d recommend using a case for added protection, as scratches on the display can still occur.
Compared to other compact flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25, the Xiaomi 15 feels more comfortable due to its ergonomic design. The flat frame and back panel add a touch of premiumness, making it one of the few phones you can confidently use without a case—though at your own risk.
The phone also offers excellent haptics, which feel precise and satisfying. The stereo speakers are loud enough for watching content or listening to podcasts, delivering a more-than-adequate audio experience. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, unlocking the phone effortlessly.
Network and Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, I used an Airtel SIM in New Delhi and faced no network issues. The Xiaomi 15 supports strong network reception, ensuring smooth calls and data connectivity even in busy urban areas.
Display: Compact Yet Capable
The Xiaomi 15 sports a 6.36-inch display, which may feel small for users accustomed to larger screens. If you’re switching from a bigger phone, it might take a few days to adjust to the compact size. Initially, I found the screen size limiting for content consumption, but over time, I got used to it.
The display shines when it comes to quality. I watched multiple episodes of Better Call Saul on Netflix, and the HDR tuning impressed me. Bright and dark scenes are well-balanced, delivering vibrant yet natural visuals. The outdoor brightness is decent but not exceptional. In direct sunlight, the display remains visible but doesn’t match the brightness levels of competitors like the iPhone 16 or Samsung Galaxy S25. For most users, though, the display will suffice for outdoor use and indoor content consumption.
The compact size caters to a niche audience that prefers smaller phones. If you value portability and one-handed usability, the Xiaomi 15’s display will appeal to you. However, if you prioritize immersive media experiences, you might find the screen size restrictive.
Battery Life: Average with Fast Charging
The Xiaomi 15 houses a 5,240mAh battery, which is impressive for a compact phone. However, the battery life is average, offering around 6 to 6.25 hours of screen-on time (SoT). While this is enough for a full day of moderate usage, it didn’t inspire complete confidence during my testing.
On days when I used the phone heavily—such as taking photos at events or going out after work—I felt the need to recharge before the day ended. Compared to larger phones with 6,000mAh batteries that easily last a full day, the Xiaomi 15 falls slightly short. If you’re a power user, you might need to carry a charger or power bank.
Thankfully, the phone supports 90W fast charging, which is a lifesaver. It charges fully in about 40 minutes with the included 90W charger. Even with a laptop charger, it reached 100% in around an hour, making it convenient for quick top-ups. The phone also supports wireless charging, adding versatility to its charging options.
Software: HyperOS with Some Hiccups
The Xiaomi 15 runs on HyperOS, Xiaomi’s latest software, which offers a smooth and visually appealing experience. The animations are fluid, and the haptics are well-integrated across the UI, rivaling the likes of OnePlus. The lock screen customization options are a highlight, with features like depth effects and customizable clock styles adding a personal touch.
However, setting up the phone for the first time can feel overwhelming. There are numerous settings to tweak, such as disabling app drawer categories, turning off notifications for pre-installed apps, and customizing the UI to your liking. While these adjustments lead to a tailored experience, they require time and effort.
On the downside, I encountered minor bugs during my 20 days of usage. For example, swiping between apps sometimes took me to the home screen instead of the intended app. Occasionally, apps crashed on the launch screen, requiring a restart. These issues were random and not deal-breakers, but they affected the overall stability.
Another annoyance is the refresh rate management. Some apps, like Gmail, default to 60Hz even when forced to run at 120Hz, resulting in a less smooth experience. Xiaomi needs to address these small software quirks to deliver a truly premium experience. Despite these flaws, HyperOS has a lot of potential, and with future updates, it could become a standout feature of the Xiaomi 15.
AI Features
The Xiaomi 15 comes with AI features like image expansion, AI eraser, and Gemini-powered tools such as Circle to Search, which work well. A new “AI Search” feature allows natural language searches within the phone or online. However, in my testing, this feature underperformed and didn’t deliver reliable results. While the AI capabilities are promising, they need refinement to be truly useful.
Performance: Flagship Power with Heating Issues
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the Xiaomi 15 delivers top-tier performance. Whether it’s multitasking, gaming, or running heavy apps, the phone handles everything with ease. There’s no noticeable lag, and the performance is on par with the best flagships in the market.
However, the phone has a heating issue, which is a common drawback of compact devices. In Delhi’s hot climate, the phone warmed up noticeably during tasks like watching Instagram Reels or using the Uber app, even indoors with air conditioning. Other apps, including heavy ones, didn’t cause heating issues, so the problem seems specific to certain applications. If you live in a hot region, this could be a concern during prolonged usage.
For gaming, the Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures smooth performance, and the phone can handle graphically intensive titles without throttling. If gaming is a priority, the Xiaomi 15 won’t disappoint, but be mindful of potential heating during extended sessions.
Camera: A Standout Feature
The Xiaomi 15’s camera system is its biggest selling point, making it a “special” phone. It features a triple 50MP camera setup, including a main, ultra-wide, and telephoto lens, all tuned with Leica’s expertise. The collaboration with Leica results in two color profiles: Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant. I preferred the Authentic profile, which produces natural photos with a slight boost to bright colors and a subtle vignette effect.
The camera excels in capturing detailed photos without zoom, and the HDR processing is unique. Unlike other phones that aggressively control highlights or brighten shadows, the Xiaomi 15 maintains a balanced approach, preserving the natural look of scenes. This “Leica look” has garnered a dedicated fanbase, and after using the phone for 20 days, I developed a taste for its artistic output.
The black-and-white filter with high contrast is a standout, but other filters like Scarlet, Tell Miss, and Gold Wipe also add creative flair. These filters enhance the photography experience, especially in portrait mode, where the right filter can produce stunning results. Even casual users can capture artistic photos, making the camera accessible yet powerful.
The 32MP front camera performs well in good lighting but struggles in complex lighting conditions, introducing noise in photos. Video recording is decent but could benefit from better dynamic range processing.
One downside is that the phone heated up significantly while taking photos in Delhi’s heat, especially during a session at Qutub Minar. Despite this, the camera’s output remained exceptional, with photos that stood out for their unique style.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.36-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR support |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM/Storage | 12GB RAM + 512GB Storage |
| Rear Cameras | 50MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 50MP telephoto (Leica-tuned) |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 5,240mAh, 90W fast charging, wireless charging support |
| Software | HyperOS based on Android |
| Build | Flat frame and back panel, contoured corners |
| Connectivity | 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ultrasonic fingerprint scanner |
| Audio | Stereo speakers |
Should You Buy the Xiaomi 15?
The Xiaomi 15 is a compelling choice for those who value compact phones with exceptional cameras. Its Leica-tuned camera system delivers unique, artistic photos that stand out, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. The compact design, premium build, and flagship performance further add to its appeal. The 90W fast charging ensures you’re never out of power for long, and HyperOS offers a smooth, customizable experience.
However, the phone isn’t perfect. The average battery life, occasional software bugs, and heating issues in specific apps or hot climates are notable drawbacks. If you prioritize all-day battery life or live in a warm region, these issues might bother you. The display, while capable, may feel small for media consumption, and the software needs polish to match the premium hardware.
Who Should Buy It?
- Photography lovers: If you appreciate Leica’s processing and want creative, standout photos, the Xiaomi 15 is a great pick.
- Compact phone fans: Those who prefer smaller, ergonomic phones will love its design and usability.
- Performance seekers: The Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures top-notch performance for gaming and multitasking.
Who Should Skip It?
- Heavy users: If you need all-day battery life or use power-intensive apps, the battery may disappoint.
- Large-screen enthusiasts: The 6.36-inch display might feel restrictive for media consumption.
- Hot climate residents: Heating issues could be a concern in warm regions.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 15 is a special phone, primarily due to its outstanding camera system and compact design. It caters to a niche audience that values portability, photography, and premium performance. However, its average battery life, minor software bugs, and heating issues prevent it from being a flawless flagship. If you’re willing to overlook these flaws for the sake of its unique camera and compact form factor, the Xiaomi 15 is worth considering. For others, it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a purchase.
If you’re using the Xiaomi 15, share your experience in the comments below—it could help others make an informed decision. Happy tech shopping!
