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Photo walk: Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Photo walk: Xiaomi 15 Ultra
June 13, 2025
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has a quad camera system from Leica; a 1-inch sensor does the job behind the main camera
Featuring a Leica camera and lens modules, Xiaomi and Leica’s latest joint smartphone, the 15 Ultra, is dazzling. The main camera has a 1-inch sensor, a 35mm equivalent focal length of 23 mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.63. It supports variable focal lengths of 23, 28 and 35 mm. Overall, the quad camera system offers a range of 14 to 200mm KB, with an optical zoom in periscope design, integrated into the slim casing.
The ultra-wide-angle camera captures an impressive field of view and offers an aperture of f/2.2. The 100mm, ultra-telephoto camera achieves a focal length of up to 200 mm, with a maximum aperture of f/2.6 and a 1/1.4-inch sensor serving as image converter. The body of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a high-strength, CNC-machined aluminium frame, is IP68-rated for protection against dust and moisture, and the camera unit is fitted with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.
This latest model also has a Photography Kit with a separate shutter release and thumb support. Furthermore, it features a 67mm filter adapter ring and an additional 2000mAh battery. The AMOLED display measures 6.73 inches, has a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels and offers a maximum brightness of 3200 nits. The smartphone’s 5410mAh battery provides plenty of reserve power for extended photo shoots and can be charged via USB-C or wirelessly at up to 80 watts.
In practise, with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, you can go about your business with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you have a light-sensitive, 1-inch image sensor behind the main camera, which delivers great results even when the light fades. Compared directly to the previous model, the 14 Ultra, it is noticeable that you no longer have direct access to the aperture. Whereas, with the 14 Ultra this could be closed manually to achieve a longer exposure time and capture light or motion trails, the 15 performs a rapid succession of individual shots that are added together to ensure the right exposure. Therefore, movements, like those we photographed at the Hamburger Dom, only work with the right amount of light, as the long exposure function is only possible to a limited extent on the new model.
The 15 Ultra masters harsh contrasts and a large variance between light and shadow with ease. Xiaomi speaks of a dynamic range of 14 exposure values (EV); our images confirmed this assessment. The clarity of the pictures also ensures richness of detail in both the lighter and the darker areas. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is ready to use and remains nimbly on the motif, even when it is moving speedily towards the camera. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra does not replace a system camera, but it is a perfect addition to one, and can easily be on hand. It performs effectively as both a position locator, as well as an alternative to a small compact camera.
Tobias Habura-SternThe ultra-wide-angle camera captures an impressive field of view and offers an aperture of f/2.2. The 100mm, ultra-telephoto camera achieves a focal length of up to 200 mm, with a maximum aperture of f/2.6 and a 1/1.4-inch sensor serving as image converter. The body of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a high-strength, CNC-machined aluminium frame, is IP68-rated for protection against dust and moisture, and the camera unit is fitted with Corning Gorilla Glass 7i.
This latest model also has a Photography Kit with a separate shutter release and thumb support. Furthermore, it features a 67mm filter adapter ring and an additional 2000mAh battery. The AMOLED display measures 6.73 inches, has a resolution of 3200 x 1440 pixels and offers a maximum brightness of 3200 nits. The smartphone’s 5410mAh battery provides plenty of reserve power for extended photo shoots and can be charged via USB-C or wirelessly at up to 80 watts.
In practise, with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, you can go about your business with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you have a light-sensitive, 1-inch image sensor behind the main camera, which delivers great results even when the light fades. Compared directly to the previous model, the 14 Ultra, it is noticeable that you no longer have direct access to the aperture. Whereas, with the 14 Ultra this could be closed manually to achieve a longer exposure time and capture light or motion trails, the 15 performs a rapid succession of individual shots that are added together to ensure the right exposure. Therefore, movements, like those we photographed at the Hamburger Dom, only work with the right amount of light, as the long exposure function is only possible to a limited extent on the new model.
The 15 Ultra masters harsh contrasts and a large variance between light and shadow with ease. Xiaomi speaks of a dynamic range of 14 exposure values (EV); our images confirmed this assessment. The clarity of the pictures also ensures richness of detail in both the lighter and the darker areas. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is ready to use and remains nimbly on the motif, even when it is moving speedily towards the camera. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra does not replace a system camera, but it is a perfect addition to one, and can easily be on hand. It performs effectively as both a position locator, as well as an alternative to a small compact camera.
Text and photos: Tobias F. Habura-Stern
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has a quad camera system from Leica; a 1-inch sensor does the job behind the main camera
The camera remains steady on the passenger plane moving directly along its flight path towards the photographer at Hamburg Airport
The camera captures the rich details of the structure of a facade
The blue hour has a particular appeal for photographers, which they can indulge in with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The camera delivers clean results, even as darkness falls
Even longer exposure times that capture movement, present no problems
The glare of the sunlight beyond the opening leaves minimal colour fringing on the contrasting edges, and the camera module captures the texture of the asphalt in the foreground perfectly
Some motifs are stumbled across by chance; the Xiaomi 15 Ultra smartphone’s camera offers good service, reveals fine structures and reproduces the contrast range very well