The smartphone market is buzzing with excitement as Xiaomi unveils its latest flagship device, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which is being hailed as potentially the best smartphone from the company and possibly the greatest camera system in a smartphone to date. With a collaboration featuring the renowned Leica brand, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is set to reshape mobile photography.
Over the past month, a reviewer tested the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, putting its camera capabilities through rigorous trials. The results were impressive, showcasing the phone's versatility across various photography scenarios, from street photography to macro shots.
At the heart of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's camera system is a 50MP main camera that utilizes the Sony LYT-900 1-inch type sensor. This sensor, one of the largest available in smartphones today, is paired with a fixed f/1.63 aperture lens, optical image stabilization, and a 23mm equivalent focal length. According to the reviewer, this combination captures light beautifully, delivering images rich in detail and natural depth.
Another standout feature is the phone's periscope telephoto camera, which boasts a staggering 200MP 1/1.4-inch sensor with an f/2.6 aperture. This camera provides a 100mm equivalent focal length at 4.3x optical zoom, a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the 14 Ultra. Xiaomi's lab tests reveal that this new telephoto lens pulls in 136% more light than before, resulting in enhanced image quality, particularly for distant subjects.
Completing the camera setup are two additional 50MP lenses: an ultrawide lens offering a 14mm equivalent view at 115° with an f/2.2 aperture and a portrait lens that sits between the main and telephoto cameras at a 70mm equivalent, f/1.8. This portrait lens allows for perfect 3x zoom, capturing beautiful close-ups while maintaining color consistency across all lenses.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra also features two distinct Leica-tuned color profiles: Authentic and Vibrant. The Authentic profile reproduces colors with remarkable accuracy, while the Vibrant profile enhances color saturation, although it can sometimes oversaturate images. Street photography enthusiasts will also appreciate the high-contrast black-and-white mode, which evokes the classic Leica film photography aesthetic.
As night falls, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra continues to impress. The main camera, equipped with a 23mm Leica Summilux lens and a massive 1-inch sensor, delivers stunning night snapshot performance. The phone effectively balances warm white tones and manages noise reduction, preserving both shadow and highlight details.
For those spontaneous street moments, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's quick-draw camera access proves invaluable. An optional Photography Kit adds a physical shutter button and settings wheel, transforming the phone into a more traditional camera experience. This kit enhances usability, allowing for one-handed shooting and faster reactions to fleeting photo opportunities. However, this accessory does come at an additional cost beyond the base price of ₹1,09,999.
When it comes to portrait photography, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra excels with its Master Portrait mode, offering stepless focal length adjustments from 23mm to 135mm. The camera maintains lifelike skin tones and proper exposure across various lighting conditions. Despite some minor exposure inconsistencies, the camera performs admirably, capturing natural moments even in challenging situations.
Moreover, the macro capabilities of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra are noteworthy. With a 10cm macro capability enabled by Leica's 70mm floating telephoto lens, the phone captures incredible detail in close-up shots. The system automatically selects the optimal lens for macro photography, ensuring the best results without manual adjustments.
In terms of ergonomics, the Photography Kit Legend Edition enhances the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's usability. This ₹11,999 accessory includes a professional camera grip, physical controls, and a 2,000mAh backup battery, extending shooting time by 33%. The kit also features 67mm filter adapter rings, allowing serious photographers to utilize standard photo filters.
Overall, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra positions itself as a game-changer in smartphone photography. Its combination of a 1-inch main sensor and a revolutionary 200MP telephoto camera delivers stunning results across various photography styles. While some depth mapping issues and exposure inconsistencies may arise, the phone is perfect for photographers who prioritize versatility and image quality over computational perfection.
As the reviewer concluded, anyone who frequently shoots across a full focal range from 14mm to 200mm will find exceptional value in the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. With its premium features and Leica partnership, the question remains: are these capabilities worth the investment? Only time will tell if the Xiaomi 15 Ultra can maintain its position as a leader in smartphone photography.
