Xiaomi 15 Review | Mini But Marvellous?

Summary

In this in-depth review of the Xiaomi 15, the reviewer shares their experience with the compact Android smartphone, highlighting its sleek design, solid performance, and impressive camera features. Despite some occasional software bugs and minor annoyances with Xiaomi’s HyperOS, the phone's fast Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, sharp AMOLED display, and solid battery life stand out. The camera setup delivers excellent shots in various lighting conditions, including vibrant HDR and night mode. While the Xiaomi 15 may not have the ultra-premium features of its larger siblings, it offers strong performance and value for those seeking a smaller, well-rounded flagship in 2025.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Xiaomi 15 is one of the last mini Android phones in 2025, priced at €999 (about 900 GBP).
• 😀 It features a compact 6.36-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1200p and HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.
• 😀 The design of the Xiaomi 15 is similar to its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14, with a sleek, compact form and IP68 water and dust resistance.
• 😀 The phone has a built-in ultrasonic fingerprint sensor and Face Unlock, both of which work well even in less-than-ideal conditions.
• 😀 Xiaomi's HyperOS 2.0 has its strengths with features like extensive customization and gaming modes but suffers from occasional bugs and unwanted bloatware.
• 😀 The 256GB or 512GB storage options are available, with strong performance backed by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite and 16GB of RAM.
• 😀 The display is highly responsive even when wet, which is ideal for those in damp environments like the UK.
• 😀 The Xiaomi 15 features Dolby Atmos support and high-res audio streaming, offering excellent Bluetooth connectivity without interference.
• 😀 It boasts a 5,240mAh battery, which lasts a full day with heavy use, and supports 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
• 😀 The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor, 50MP telephoto lens, and 50MP ultra-wide, with strong low-light performance and good HDR results.
• 😀 The Xiaomi 15 excels at video capture with up to 8K resolution and solid audio pickup, but video quality can be inconsistent in certain lighting conditions.

Q & A

What makes the Xiaomi 15 different from other flagship smartphones in 2025?

The Xiaomi 15 stands out due to its compact design, weighing under 200g, and its smaller 6.36-inch AMOLED display. Unlike many larger, heavier flagships, it provides a more comfortable, one-handed usage experience while maintaining solid performance.

How does the Xiaomi 15's build quality compare to other smartphones?

The Xiaomi 15 features a smooth matte aluminum frame and a smooth glass back, which helps prevent grime buildup. However, the lack of grip can be a concern, though its compact size makes it easy to hold firmly.

What display features does the Xiaomi 15 offer?

The Xiaomi 15 offers a 6.36-inch AMOLED display with a 1200p resolution and 460 PPI. It supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, has a 1-120Hz refresh rate, and offers DC dimming for smoother visuals. Additionally, it is highly responsive, even when wet.

Does the Xiaomi 15 have any issues with its software?

Yes, the Xiaomi 15 runs on HyperOS, which has some software quirks, including bugs and UI inconsistencies. There have been instances where notifications failed to register or were difficult to read due to poor visibility with light-colored backgrounds.

How well does the Xiaomi 15 perform in gaming?

The Xiaomi 15 performs excellently in gaming, handling titles like 'We and Waves' with smooth 60 fps gameplay. Despite a small amount of heat buildup during extended gaming sessions, its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset delivers solid gaming performance.

What are the battery life and charging capabilities like on the Xiaomi 15?

The Xiaomi 15 features a 5,240mAh battery, which can last a full day of heavy use. It supports 90W wired charging, allowing quick battery recharge in about 10 minutes, and 50W wireless charging for convenience.

What is the camera performance like on the Xiaomi 15?

The Xiaomi 15 features a quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor. It performs well in low-light situations, with accurate colors and excellent HDR shots. The telephoto camera offers decent zoom, and the ultra-wide camera provides great detail. Video capabilities include 8K resolution and 4K at up to 60fps.

How does the Xiaomi 15 handle video recording?

The Xiaomi 15 excels in video recording, with the ability to shoot 8K video and 4K at up to 60fps. It offers the Master Cinema mode for enhanced color accuracy in challenging scenes, though it lacks the smooth zoom feature found in some rivals like Samsung.

How effective is the Xiaomi 15's AI-based photo editing?

The AI-based photo editing on the Xiaomi 15 is effective, especially with the automatic 'erase people' feature, which allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos with minimal effort. This feature works well, taking only 15-20 seconds to process the images.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Xiaomi 15 based on the review?

The strengths of the Xiaomi 15 include its compact size, excellent display, strong camera performance, and great gaming capabilities. Weaknesses include occasional software bugs, a lack of grip due to the smooth glass back, and the absence of certain high-end features found in the Ultra model, like the dual zoom setup.