The Xiaomi 15 is coming – potentially a little earlier than expected. Here’s 15 rock-solid reasons why it might just be your next phone…
As flagships go, the Xiaomi 15 series is shaping up to be quite the update. It’ll be first to deliver truly next-gen performance inside Android, there’s updates across the board, and potentially new pricing structures for the models.
I’m not a huge Xiaomi fanboy, but even I have to admit that the Xiaomi 15 is shaping up to be a brilliant-looking update. Could it surpass the Galaxy S25 series? Here’s 15 of its best new features and rumoured updates.
Xiaomi 15 Features & Updates
| Feature | Xiaomi 15 | Xiaomi 15 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.36-inch OLED, 1.5K resolution | 6.73-inch AMOLED, 2.5K resolution |
| Refresh Rate | 1-120Hz variable | Up to 120Hz |
| Max Brightness | 3,200 nits | 3,200 nits |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| RAM | 12GB | 12GB/16GB |
| Storage | 256GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB |
| Main Camera | 50MP | 50MP with f/1.4 aperture |
| Telephoto Camera | 3x zoom (60mm) | 5x periscope zoom (120mm) |
| Ultrawide Camera | 50MP | 50MP |
| Battery | 5400 mAh | 6100 mAh |
| Charging | 90W wired, 50W wireless | 90W wired, 50W wireless |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP68 |
| Starting Price (China) | 4499 RMB (~$635) | 5299 RMB (~$746) |
Full Comparison: Xiaomi 15 vs Xiaomi Pro
1. Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Powerhouse
Xiaomi is rumored to have secured first rights to Qualcomm’s latest chipset, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This next-generation processor is expected to deliver a significant leap in performance and efficiency. Built on a 3nm process, it could offer desktop-class performance in your pocket, potentially revolutionizing mobile gaming, AI capabilities, and multitasking.
2. Early Bird Advantage
With whispers of an earlier release date, the Xiaomi 15 might hit the market before its competitors. This means you could be holding the future of smartphone technology in your hands while others are still waiting. Early adoption of cutting-edge tech could give Xiaomi a significant edge in the fiercely competitive smartphone market.
3. Camera Revolution
The Xiaomi 15 is set to feature a custom 50MP OmniVision main sensor with an advanced multi-layer anti-reflection coating. This technology promises to reduce glare and ghosting, resulting in clearer, more vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you’re a casual shooter or a mobile photography enthusiast, this camera setup could take your photos to the next level.
4. Zoom Master
Prepare for a leap in zoom capabilities. The Pro model might sport a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, while the Ultra could push boundaries with a 200MP periscope camera boasting 3x to 5x variable zoom. This means capturing distant subjects with unprecedented clarity and flexibility, rivaling the capabilities of dedicated compact cameras.
5. Display Brilliance
The standard Xiaomi 15 is rumored to feature a 120Hz LTPO refresh rate display with a peak brightness of 1400 nits. This combination promises buttery-smooth scrolling, responsive touch interactions, and excellent visibility even under direct sunlight. Whether you’re gaming, browsing, or watching HDR content, the display should offer a premium visual experience.
6. Bezel-Busting Design
The Pro variant is said to push the limits of screen-to-body ratio, with bezels shrinking to a mere 0.6mm. This design choice maximizes screen real estate while maintaining a compact form factor, offering an almost edge-to-edge viewing experience that could make consuming content and navigating the interface more immersive than ever.
7. Ultrasonic Security
A shift to Goodix single-point ultrasonic fingerprint technology marks a significant upgrade in biometric security. This tech offers faster recognition, improved accuracy, and better performance with wet fingers compared to optical sensors. It’s a small change that could make a big difference in your daily interaction with the device.
8. Battery Beast
While specific capacities aren’t known, the Xiaomi 15 series is expected to feature high-density batteries. Coupled with the efficiency gains from the new Snapdragon chip, this could translate to significantly improved battery life, potentially pushing through a full day of heavy use or even stretching to two days for lighter users.
9. Charging Champ
Xiaomi has been at the forefront of fast charging technology, and the 15 series is likely to continue this trend. Expect blazing-fast charging capabilities, potentially up to 120W wired and 80W wireless. This means less time tethered to a charger and more time using your device, with the ability to gain hours of use from just minutes of charging.
10. Software Swagger
The Xiaomi 15 is likely to debut with HyperOS, Xiaomi’s latest skin, atop Android 15. This combination promises a fresh user experience with new levels of customization, AI-enhanced features, and potentially improved performance and battery optimization. It’s an opportunity for Xiaomi to differentiate itself in the crowded Android market.
11. Global Goodies
While the Xiaomi 15 will likely launch first in China, a global release is expected to follow. This means users worldwide (except in the US, unfortunately) will have the chance to experience Xiaomi’s latest and greatest. It’s a testament to Xiaomi’s growing influence in the global smartphone market.
12. Ultra Excitement
The Ultra model of the Xiaomi 15 series is set to be the pinnacle of the company’s smartphone technology. Expect it to push the boundaries in every aspect, from camera capabilities to display technology and processing power. For those who want the absolute best, regardless of price, the Ultra model could be the ultimate smartphone of 2025.
13. AI Acceleration
With the new Snapdragon chipset, expect significant advancements in on-device AI capabilities. This could translate to improved photo processing, more accurate voice recognition, enhanced battery management, and smarter app predictions. The Xiaomi 15 could be a glimpse into a future where our phones understand and anticipate our needs better than ever.
14. Competitive Pricing
Despite potential price increases due to the more expensive chipset, Xiaomi has a history of offering flagship specs at relatively accessible price points.
While it may not be cheap, the Xiaomi 15 series could still offer excellent value for money compared to its competitors, making top-tier technology more accessible to a wider audience.
How Xiaomi manages to pull this off remains to be seen. But we do know it runs some of the slimmest profit margins in the tech space, so it is likely that, compared to Samsung’s Galaxy S25, the Xiaomi 15 could offer slightly more bang for your buck.
15. Future-Proofing
As one of the first phones with next-gen technology, the Xiaomi 15 should remain cutting-edge for years to come. Its advanced chipset, high-end camera system, and premium display ensure that it won’t feel outdated anytime soon. For those who like to keep their phones for several years, the Xiaomi 15 could be a smart investment in future-proof technology.
Now we just need Xiaomi to match Google’s 7-years’ worth of Android updates. As for why you’d avoid it, this would be my main reason: Xiaomi’s Android support just isn’t good enough. Finger’s crossed it sorts this out with the Xiaomi 15 series…
