The Xiaomi 15 Extremely is right here to tackle the likes of Samsung and Apple and whereas like many 2025 flagship telephones, it’s an iterative version, there are some key upgrades to concentrate on, in addition to one downgrade.
A giant new digital camera
As you most likely already know, the Xiaomi 15 Extremely is a camera-focused telephone and it’s unsurprising that the agency has stored issues comparatively much like the wonderful 14 Extremely on this division.
You continue to get 4 rear cameras however a brand new 200Mp periscope lens makes its debut, changing the 50Mp of the 14 Extremely.
Though the zoom size has been decreased from 5x to 4.3x, the digital camera has all that additional decision in addition to another spec upgrades which end in 136% extra gentle seize, in response to Xiaomi.
It it value noting briefly on the digital camera entrance that the primary digital camera now not has a variable aperture, which is a disgrace.
Take a look at all the pieces Xiaomi introduced at MWC.
A giant efficiency leap
Whereas it means the 15 Extremely matches many rivals from different telephone makers, the Snapdragon 8 Elite has confirmed to be an enormous step up in cell chipset prowess.
Not solely is the chip much more highly effective than the 8 Gen 3 present in its predecessor, however it’s additionally rather more energy environment friendly too.
In our ordinary benchmarks, the 15 Extremely scored 42% higher in Geekbench 6, which is a large improve and a minimum of 4 hours and 35 minutes longer within the PCMark battery check – that’s 37%!
Chris Martin / Foundry
Greater battery, identical house
One thing Xiaomi has managed to do is improve the battery capability with out rising the dimensions of the telephone itself (although as a facet be aware, the Silver Chrome mannequin is a tiny bit greater than white or black).
This, just like the OnePlus 13, is achieved by utilizing 10% silicone carbide expertise so the battery has gone from 5000- to 5410mAh.
Nevertheless, it’s a disgrace we don’t get the 6000mAh cell discovered within the Chinese language model.
As talked about above, the Snapdragon 8 Elite could be very energy environment friendly, so these two mixed leads to a lot stronger battery life.
A design backstep
This one is extra subjective however the design of the 15 Extremely, whereas related, has taken a step again. The rear cowl now not has a vegan leather-based end which I significantly appreciated. It regarded nice and was actually grippy.
This 12 months, as you’ll be able to see, Xiaomi has modified it to a glass fibre composition and my black pattern is a little bit too glittery for my liking however extra importantly, it’s actually slippery.
I think about the identical is true of the white mannequin, which additionally has an impact to not my style. The slight saving grace right here is the brand new Silver Chrome colourway which does have the vegan leather-based.
Chris Martin / Foundry
Nevertheless, a number of friends testing that mannequin report that the glass fibre part feels plasticky. If you happen to’re getting the Pictures Equipment for the 15 Extremely then this has a vegan leather-based end versus the woven material of the earlier mannequin.
Take a look at all our protection from MWC.