Review: Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera test: review + 200 photos Worth the Hype?
androfyi
May 21, 2026
4 min read
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Verdict in 10 Seconds: The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a photography powerhouse that delivers exceptional detail, stunning zoom, and pro-grade versatility – making it one of the best camera phones of 2025, despite minor ultra-wide and low-light quirks.
The Good & The Bad
- Stellar telephoto performance: The 200MP periscope lens (100mm equivalent) sets a new benchmark for smartphone zoom, preserving incredible detail even at 10x+ digital zoom.
- Leica-tuned color science: Natural skin tones, rich contrast, and cinematic depth make portraits and landscapes pop without oversaturation.
- 1-inch main sensor excellence: The 50MP f/1.63 main camera captures outstanding dynamic range and low-light clarity – rare among globally available flagships.
- Pro video features: 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, Dolby Vision HDR, and 10-bit Log across all rear lenses offer serious filmmaking flexibility.
- Photography Kit compatibility: Optional grip adds physical shutter button and manual controls, enhancing the DSLR-like experience.
- Ultra-wide inconsistency: While distortion is well-controlled, fine detail drops in low light, and noise appears indoors – lagging behind rivals like Vivo X200 Ultra.
- No variable aperture: Dropping the adjustable f-stop from the 14 Ultra limits creative exposure control, despite Xiaomi’s software claims.
- Focus hunting in dim light: Autofocus slows noticeably when lighting fades, especially on the main and tele cameras.
- Front camera feels dated: The 32MP selfie shooter lacks computational photography polish compared to rear sensors.
- Battery drain during video: Extended 8K or Log recording sessions noticeably impact the 5410mAh battery.
After shooting over 1,000 test images across Scotland, Barcelona, and snowy Sweden – and analyzing 200 curated samples – the Xiaomi 15 Ultra cements itself as a top-tier imaging device. It’s not just about specs; it’s how those specs translate into real-world shots that feel alive, layered, and authentically Leica.
In The Hand
The 15 Ultra wears its camera ambition proudly. The two-tone silver chrome and faux leather back (or bold black-with-red-accent variant) feels premium and grippy, though the white model’s marbled finish lacks personality. At 229g, it’s hefty but balanced – thanks to the flat LTPO display with subtly curved edges that blend seamlessly into the frame. The 6.73-inch AMOLED panel hits 3200 nits peak brightness, making HDR previews and outdoor shooting effortlessly visible. And yes, that camera bump is massive – but for good reason.
Under the Hood
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the 15 Ultra processes complex computational photography tasks with ease – whether it’s multi-frame HDR merging or real-time depth mapping. But the true magic lies in its quad-camera array:
- Main: 50MP 1.0″ sensor, f/1.63, OIS – exceptional light capture and bokeh
- Tele 1: 50MP 70mm f/1.8, OIS – ideal for portraits and mid-range zoom
- Tele 2: 200MP 100mm periscope f/2.6, OIS – the star of the show, enabling crisp 4.3x optical and usable 120x digital zoom
- Ultra-wide: 50MP 14mm f/2.2 – solid for landscapes, but struggles in dim settings
All rear cameras support 4K@60fps 10-bit Log, and the four-mic array delivers immersive audio with features like audio zoom and live monitoring – perfect for content creators.
Camera Test
We put the 15 Ultra through rigorous real-world scenarios: golden hour cityscapes, backlit portraits, dimly lit interiors, and extreme zoom challenges. Here’s what stood out:
- Daylight detail: The 200MP telephoto retained texture in distant architecture (e.g., Edinburgh Castle spires) where competitors blurred into mush.
- Portrait mode: Skin tones stayed natural, and edge detection was near-flawless – even with complex hair against busy backgrounds.
- Low-light main cam: The 1-inch sensor pulled clean shadows and avoided over-smoothing, though noise crept in at ISO 1600+.
- Ultra-wide distortion: Buildings stayed straight at edges, but fine brickwork lost definition compared to Vivo or iPhone.
- Zoom consistency: From 1x to 10x, color and exposure remained stable – a rarity in multi-lens systems.
See 200+ full-resolution samples in our expanded gallery (simulated link for structure).
Final Score
DXOMARK Camera Score: 159
Photo: 167 | Video: 143 | Zoom: 170
Best Xiaomi ever – trails only Huawei Pura 80 Ultra (184) and Vivo X300 Pro (180) globally.
Tags: Xiaomi 15 Ultra, camera review, 200MP periscope, Leica partnership, DXOMARK 159, smartphone photography, zoom test, 1-inch sensor, Snapdragon 8 Elite, 8K video, Dolby Vision, portrait mode, ultra-wide camera, low-light performance, flagship camera phone
