Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra the Best Ultra Phone of 2025?

Xiaomi 15 Ultra Review: The True Ultra Smartphone We Deserve

When you think of an ultra smartphone, what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s the high-end devices from Samsung, Apple, and Google—flagships that command premium prices yet often fall short of true “ultra” expectations. Enter the Xiaomi 15 Ultra—a device that redefines what an ultra phone should be and sets a new benchmark for the competition.

Hi, I’m Ryan, and after spending quality time with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, I’m convinced: this is what an ultra smartphone should look and feel like.

The Ultra Experience, Without Compromise

Let’s cut to the chase—this isn’t just another high-end phone. It’s a true powerhouse packed with specs that go beyond the usual flagship territory. You’re looking at a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chip, up to 16GB of RAM, and a staggering 1TB of UFS 4.1 storage. It’s a device built for speed, power, and future-proofing.

The display? A gorgeous 6.73-inch Quad HD+ 120Hz LTPO AMOLED panel that’s bright, sharp, and buttery smooth. The 5,410mAh battery with 90W wired and 80W wireless charging keeps you going all day, even with heavy use. Add in Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and a premium build, and you’re holding a phone that truly earns the Ultra name.

What’s more impressive? This phone is actually available in the UK and Europe, unlike many other Chinese Ultra phones. It feels like a breath of fresh air compared to the likes of the Galaxy Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and iPhone 16 Pro Max—phones that often play it safe instead of pushing boundaries.

A Photographer’s Dream

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn’t just about raw specs; it’s a camera powerhouse designed for creators. The design alone tells the story—a bold, photography-focused look that’s backed up by serious hardware.

Let’s talk sensors. The 1-inch main sensor is a game-changer, delivering stunning image quality with incredible detail and beautiful background blur, even in challenging lighting. Combined with Leica’s built-in presets, it transforms mobile photography into an art form. It feels like using a Fuji X100—just point, shoot, and capture moments effortlessly.

Then there’s the 4x telephoto lens with a massive 1/1.4-inch sensor—arguably one of the best telephoto cameras ever put in a smartphone. The dreamy background blur, the sharp detail, the reach—it’s all here. Sure, the 100mm focal length might be a bit long for some, but it’s leagues ahead of what Samsung, Apple, and Google offer on their top-tier devices.

You also get a dedicated 3x telephoto and an ultrawide, but these feel like secondary players next to the star cameras. The selfie shooter is fine, but again, it’s the main and 4x telephoto that steal the show.

And it’s not just the hardware—Xiaomi’s camera app is packed with pro-level features. You can shoot in log format, tweak bokeh shapes for creative portraits, and even use Xiaomi’s first-party photography kit. This kit adds a grip, physical controls, filter support, and even options for teleprompters and ND filters—turning your phone into a serious creative tool.

The Full Package

Using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra feels like an experience, not just a task. The phone is incredibly fast, handling everything from gaming to video editing with ease. It’s built to last, too—those high-end specs mean it’ll stay snappy and capable for years.

The design also deserves praise. Despite its large screen and big battery, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra feels surprisingly manageable in hand. Xiaomi’s smart weight distribution and subtle curves make it more comfortable than you’d expect for a phone of this size.

Of course, no device is perfect. The Western version has a slightly smaller battery than the Chinese model, and the price is high—starting around £1,000. Xiaomi’s HyperOS still has room for improvement, especially compared to OxygenOS and NothingOS. And while log shooting is great, Xiaomi really needs to provide an easy-to-find Rec.709 LUT for proper color grading, similar to Apple’s and Samsung’s workflows.

A Bold Statement for the Industry

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra isn’t just a phone—it’s a message. This is what ultra smartphones should aspire to be. No cutting corners, no compromising on hardware. If you’re paying $1,200 for a phone, you deserve the best specs, the best cameras, and the best experience.

Samsung, Apple, and Google could learn a lot from Xiaomi here. Remember when the Galaxy S20 Ultra and Pixel 6 Pro felt bold and exciting? The Xiaomi 15 Ultra brings back that magic—the feeling that you’re holding something truly special, not just another phone.

In a world where flagship phones often feel stale, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a breath of fresh air. It’s bold, it’s powerful, and it reminds you why spending big money on a smartphone should feel like a premium experience.

Let me know in the comments—are you as impressed with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra as I am? Or are cameras not a big deal for you in a smartphone? Either way, thanks for reading, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content like this!