After a tantalizing amount of time and much discussion, Xiaomi has finally come forward with an official launch date for their latest device, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The name of this device has been buzzing around tech circles for some time now, owing to the fact that its camera is a sight to behold. The launch of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be taking place in China, on the 27th of February, 2025. This event will take place at 7:00 PM local time (4:30 PM IST) and will showcase other devices such as the Xiaomi SU7 Electric Vehicle, the RedmiBook 16 Pro 2025, and the Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro earbuds. The brand is currently taking pre-orders for the handheld through the Mi Mall in China.
Having discussed the specification previously here, we know that the device is set to feature an Octa-core variant of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Also available will be a 16GB+512GB storage configuration, with a 2K display and an ultrasonic fingerprint system. In terms of battery, however, the global version of the device is reportedly to come equipped with a 5,240 mAh battery instead of 5,400 mAh.
Also, it has not been made clear if the charging speeds of the global variant will remain the same as the Chinese variant, which has 50W wireless and 90W wired charging. The handheld is also likely to feature IP68 + IP69 standards. All these however are currently speculative, but in any case, the device will feature specs that are, if not exactly, similar. With these segments out of the way, the main highlight of the device can be addressed: the camera system.
Equipped with a quad rear camera, this device is seriously packing a heavy camera unit. The info comes from Yogesh Brar(@heyithyogeshe) on X(formerly Twitter) who detailed that the camera system would include a 50 MP primary 1-inch type Sony LYT-900 sensor, a 50 MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 ultra wide-angle camera, a 50 MP Sony IMX858 telephoto sensor with 3x capabilities, and a 200 MP periscope Samsung ISOCELL HP9 sensor with 4.3x optical zoom.
Much info also comes from Lu Weibing, Partner and President of Xiaomi group, who claims that the 15 Ultra will solve the shortcomings of mobile phones during night shooting and bring an end-to-end “ultra-pure optical system.”
He went on to summarize the device’s capability as a “one emperor and one queen” system. One Emperor here refers to the 1-inch primary camera, which is utilized to achieve top-level image performance. This, however, has updated the imaging flagship to a peak imaging technology flagship, and with it has brought an increase in price.
Xiaomi had held fast its position when it came to cost-effective phones, but as of late the price of the devices are getting higher and higher. Granted this comes with a remarkable improvement on the performance and usability side of things, but a note has to be taken of the price, which of the 15 Ultra may exceed 6,000 Yuan (around 71,000 INR).
Judging from the various promotional materials of the device, the rear has a black and white contrast design, and when placed horizontally is very similar to a camera. Other variants include a Black variant and a White variant, which meet various aesthetic choices of users. Also noticed in the promotional material is the prominent bulge of the camera unit, which could be rather difficult to accept.
Spotted on the internet are leaked renders of the device, provided by leaker Sudhanshu Ambhore (@Sudhanshu1414) on X, having a camera kit called “Photography Kit Legend Edition.” Compared to kits that were provided previously, this render shows it having extra buttons, although the function of these has not been made clear as of yet. Also paired with the device was the Xiaomi Watch S4.
Xiaomi has certainly made an effort to create a device that is capable of high-tier photography, but its capabilities are currently up for debate on-paper. Once the device is launched we shall know for certain how it will perform, and if the camera of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is all that it stands to be.
