Xiaomi has taken center stage at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 with the unveiling of its latest flagship devices, the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Packed with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, Leica-powered cameras, and premium hardware, the new series aims to redefine the high-end smartphone market.
AI Meets Premium Smartphone Innovation
The Xiaomi 15 series is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2, built on Android 15. The company has emphasized AI as a major highlight, integrating features for writing assistance, speech recognition, image enhancement, and advanced video recording.
Xiaomi has also deepened its collaboration with Google, bringing Gemini AI to its ecosystem. This integration enables smarter functionalities in everyday applications like Notes, Calendar, and Clock, offering users AI-powered recommendations and automation.
Leica Cameras Push Mobile Photography Further
Xiaomi continues its partnership with Leica, further advancing its camera technology. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a photography powerhouse, featuring a Leica-backed quad-camera setup:
- 50MP 1-inch main sensor for superior image quality.
- 200MP periscope lens with extended optical zoom capabilities.
- Floating telephoto lens for capturing distant subjects with clarity.
- Ultra-wide camera to expand framing possibilities.
The device supports 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second (fps) and Dolby Vision at 60fps, making it a strong contender in the mobile videography segment.
Meanwhile, the standard Xiaomi 15 offers a more compact camera system with a 50MP Leica main camera, accompanied by an ultra-wide and telephoto sensor. Despite fewer lenses, it retains Leica’s color science and computational photography improvements.
Display and Hardware Enhancements
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts a 6.73-inch AMOLED display with 3,200 nits peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility. It also includes an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, offering faster and more secure biometric authentication.
The Xiaomi 15 comes with a slightly smaller 6.36-inch AMOLED display, catering to users who prefer a more compact form factor. Both models promise high refresh rates, ensuring smooth animations and an improved gaming experience.
Global Pricing and Availability
Xiaomi has positioned the 15 series as a premium offering with pricing that reflects its flagship status:
- Xiaomi 15: Priced at €999 (approximately ₹90,000).
- Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Starting at €1,499 (approximately ₹1,36,000).
While European pricing has been confirmed, Xiaomi has stated that details regarding the Indian launch will be revealed on March 11.
MWC 2025: A Competitive Stage for AI Smartphones
MWC 2025 has seen multiple brands focusing on AI-driven enhancements, and Xiaomi is no exception. The inclusion of Google’s Gemini AI further positions Xiaomi’s devices as intelligent daily companions, offering automated suggestions, seamless multitasking, and enhanced user experience.
With AI taking center stage, the Xiaomi 15 series is expected to compete directly with upcoming flagship devices from Apple, Samsung, and other industry leaders.