The Xiaomi 15 has been making waves in the smartphone market, and after using it for 21 days, I’m here to share a detailed review of this compact flagship. From its performance and camera capabilities to battery life and software experience, this article covers everything you need to know about the Xiaomi 15. If you’re wondering whether this phone is worth your money or if you should consider buying it, keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown tailored to help you make an informed decision.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Xiaomi 15 comes in a single variant with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, priced at ₹64,999. With bank offers, you can grab it for as low as ₹59,999, which is quite competitive for a flagship phone. Interestingly, its launch price is lower than that of its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14, which was initially priced higher but later dropped to around ₹50,000 during sales. This suggests that the Xiaomi 15 could see similar price reductions in the future. If you’re not in a rush to buy, waiting for festive sales or discounts could make this phone an even better deal.
The value proposition of the Xiaomi 15 is further enhanced by what’s included in the box. You get a 90W fast charging adapter, a USB Type-A to Type-C cable, a pre-applied screen protector, and a high-quality silicone case. These inclusions are a big plus, especially when many brands are cutting down on accessories to reduce costs. For Indian buyers, getting a charger and case in the box is a practical advantage, saving you from additional expenses.
Design and Build Quality
The Xiaomi 15 is a compact phone, making it a refreshing change in a market dominated by large devices. Switching from a bigger phone like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, I immediately noticed how comfortably the Xiaomi 15 fits in the hand. Despite its compact size, it weighs about the same as the S25 Plus, but the weight is well-distributed, and the rounded edges make it easy to hold for long periods.
The phone sports a sleek, matte finish that gives it a classy and minimalistic look—perfect for those who prefer understated elegance over flashy designs. Compared to the Xiaomi 14, the Xiaomi 15 ditches the glossy edges that were fingerprint magnets, and the odd camera bump on the sides is gone, resulting in a cleaner aesthetic. While it doesn’t have the bold design of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, it feels premium and sophisticated in its own right.
The build quality is top-notch, with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, ensuring durability in everyday scenarios. I’ve carried the Xiaomi 15 in my pocket alongside keys, coins, and other phones, and it has remained scratch-free. The pre-applied screen protector does show minor scratches upon close inspection, but the display is safeguarded by Xiaomi Shield Glass. However, I’d recommend using a dedicated screen protector for added peace of mind, as no glass protection is entirely foolproof.
Display and Multimedia Experience
The Xiaomi 15 features a 1.5K LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant colors and smooth animations. The brightness levels are impressive, making the screen easily visible indoors and outdoors, even under direct sunlight. The display supports Dolby Vision, which enhances the viewing experience on apps like Netflix, ensuring crisp and vivid visuals. The multimedia experience was outstanding, with sharp details and accurate colors.
The phone also has Dolby Atmos-supported stereo speakers, which are decently loud but not exceptional. The sound separation is slightly uneven, with a 70:30 balance, which is understandable for a compact device. While the speakers are good for casual use, they don’t match the audio quality of larger flagships. The ultrasonic fingerprint scanner is fast and reliable, even with wet hands—a feature that’s often overlooked but incredibly useful in real-world scenarios.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the Xiaomi 15 is a performance beast. The phone handles day-to-day tasks with ease, and the HyperOS animations make the experience feel fluid and responsive. Whether it’s multitasking, browsing, or switching between apps, I didn’t encounter any lag during my usage.
The RAM management is particularly impressive. For instance, I opened Snapchat in the morning to post a story but forgot to share it. When I checked the app later that evening, the story was still in memory, showcasing excellent app retention. The phone also comes with Xiaomi’s Ice Loop cooling technology, though it’s not as effective as the name suggests. While the phone stays cool during regular use, it does get warm during gaming, benchmarking, or prolonged camera use. However, it never becomes uncomfortably hot, which is reassuring for a compact device.
Gaming performance is generally smooth, but I noticed occasional frame drops when switching between apps and returning to games. This issue was consistent across multiple gaming sessions and didn’t occur on other flagship phones I’ve tested. It’s likely a software bug that Xiaomi should address in a future update.
The Xiaomi 15 runs on HyperOS 2.0, based on Android 15, with a promise of 4 years of OS updates and 6 years of security patches. The software is feature-rich, with fluid animations and useful AI tools like AI writing, Circle to Search, and AI Interpreter. However, there are some downsides, such as pre-installed apps and an optional glass lock screen. While these can be uninstalled or disabled, their presence on a premium flagship feels unnecessary. On the positive side, I didn’t encounter any intrusive ad notifications, which is a welcome improvement over some older Xiaomi devices.
One major drawback I faced was with the alarm system. Despite trying different tones, I missed multiple alarms, which made me late for work on several occasions. Xiaomi could improve this by introducing louder or more attention-grabbing alarm tones, similar to those on iPhones.
Camera Performance
The camera system is one of the Xiaomi 15’s biggest highlights, offering a versatile setup that’s unmatched among compact phones. It features a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, a 50MP telephoto camera, and a 32MP selfie camera. All four cameras support 4K 60fps video recording, and you can seamlessly switch between lenses while recording, which is a fantastic feature for content creators.
The main camera produces well-exposed photos with natural colors and excellent detail. Whether it’s a bright daytime shot or a low-light scene, the camera performs consistently. The telephoto lens delivers crisp images with slightly more dynamic colors, while the ultra-wide lens captures grand perspectives, though it exhibits minor color shifts. I was particularly impressed by the 5x zoom shots, which retained sharpness and detail even at a distance.
Portrait shots are another strong point, with accurate edge detection and vibrant colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. The selfie camera, however, is the weakest link. It performs well in good lighting but struggles in low-light scenarios, producing average results.
Video quality is equally impressive, with sharp and stable footage in both daytime and nighttime conditions. The main camera excels at noise reduction, making it ideal for recording high-quality videos. The AI features, such as photo enhancement tools, add a fun and practical touch, allowing you to transform ordinary shots into creative masterpieces.
Battery Life and Charging
The Xiaomi 15 comes with a larger battery than its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14, and it shows in real-world usage. With medium to heavy use, I consistently got 6 to 7 hours of screen-on time (SOT), which is excellent for a compact phone. This makes it a great choice for users who prioritize battery life but prefer a smaller device.
The included 90W charger can fully charge the phone in just 45 minutes, which is a significant advantage over competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16. Additionally, the phone supports 50W wireless charging, adding to its premium appeal. For Indian users, fast charging is a game-changer, especially for those with busy schedules who need quick top-ups.
Connectivity and Additional Features
The Xiaomi 15 offers robust connectivity options, including dual SIM and eSIM support. I used it with an Airtel 5G connection and experienced no issues with call quality or network reception. Wi-Fi performance was reliable, and the phone supports advanced audio codecs like LHDC and LDAC for high-quality wireless audio. The inclusion of an IR blaster is a handy feature for controlling office or home appliances, and the fast USB Type-C port ensures quick data transfers.
Xiaomi 15 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 1.5K LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB |
| Storage | 512GB |
| Main Camera | 50MP |
| Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP |
| Telephoto Camera | 50MP |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP |
| Video Recording | 4K 60fps (all cameras) |
| Battery | Not specified (larger than Xiaomi 14) |
| Charging | 90W wired, 50W wireless |
| Operating System | HyperOS 2.0 (Android 15) |
| Software Updates | 4 years OS, 6 years security |
| Build | IP68 water and dust resistance, Xiaomi Shield Glass |
| Connectivity | Dual SIM, eSIM, 5G, Wi-Fi, LHDC, LDAC, IR blaster |
Comparison with Competitors
When compared to other compact flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16, the Xiaomi 15 stands out in several areas. Its display is brighter and more vibrant, the charging speeds are significantly faster, and the battery life is better than the S25. The inclusion of a charger and 512GB of storage at a lower price point gives it an edge over both competitors. However, the software experience lags behind Samsung’s One UI and Apple’s iOS in terms of polish and consistency.
Should You Buy the Xiaomi 15?
The Xiaomi 15 is a compelling choice for anyone looking for a compact flagship that doesn’t compromise on performance, cameras, or battery life. Its premium design, vibrant display, and versatile camera system make it a standout in its category. The fast charging and generous storage further sweeten the deal, especially at its price point.
However, there are a few areas where it could improve. The software, while feature-rich, comes with pre-installed apps that may not appeal to everyone. The alarm system needs better tones to ensure reliability, and the occasional gaming frame drops could be a concern for avid gamers. If you can overlook these minor flaws, the Xiaomi 15 offers excellent value, especially if you snag it during a sale.
For Indian buyers, the Xiaomi 15 is a practical and powerful option that balances performance and portability. If you’re in the market for a compact phone that delivers flagship-level features without breaking the bank, the Xiaomi 15 is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi 15 is a well-rounded compact flagship that offers a premium experience at a competitive price. Its powerful performance, excellent cameras, and long-lasting battery make it a strong contender in the premium smartphone segment. While the software and alarm system have room for improvement, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise stellar package. If you’re looking for a compact phone that delivers on all fronts, the Xiaomi 15 is a fantastic choice, especially if you can grab it at a discounted price during sales.
