Xiaomi has unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, showcasing groundbreaking camera capabilities led by a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto camera system.
The new device represents a significant leap forward in mobile photography, featuring a sophisticated quad-camera setup that includes three additional 50-megapixel sensors alongside the headline-making periscope lens. This comprehensive system enables unprecedented zoom capabilities, with lossless quality maintained up to 8.6x magnification.
At the heart of the camera system lies the variable aperture main wide camera (f/1.6 – f/4.0), complemented by a dedicated telephoto lens with 3.2x optical zoom and an ultrawide camera. The front-facing camera boasts a 32-megapixel sensor with f/2.0 aperture, catering to high-quality selfie photography.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s impressive hardware extends beyond its camera capabilities. The device features a 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. Performance is driven by Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, supported by up to 16GB of RAM and storage options reaching 1TB.
Power management is handled by a substantial 5,410mAh battery, supporting 90W wired charging, 80W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging capabilities. The device runs on Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS overlay and includes Google’s Gemini AI integration for enhanced functionality.
The phone’s build quality matches its premium positioning, with IP68 dust and water resistance certification. Available in white, black, and a distinctive silver-chrome mix, the device weighs 229 grams in its heaviest variant, reflecting its robust construction and comprehensive feature set.
Photography enthusiasts can enhance their experience with an optional Photography Kit, which adds a 2,000mAh auxiliary battery and dedicated camera controls. However, even without this accessory, the phone’s substantial camera system contributes to a notably top-heavy design.
Alongside the Ultra model, Xiaomi has introduced the standard Xiaomi 15 to the European market, featuring a triple 50-megapixel camera system, 6.36-inch AMOLED display, and 5,240mAh battery. This model offers a more compact alternative while maintaining flagship-level specifications.
The launch of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra demonstrates the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of mobile photography, though users will need to weigh the benefits of its advanced camera system against its considerable size and weight. The device represents a significant step forward in smartphone imaging capabilities, potentially setting new standards for the industry.
News Source: https://mashable.com/article/xiaomi-15-ultra-hands-on-mwc-2025
