
Xiaomi 15 Review: A Compact Powerhouse with Leica-Grade Photography
The Xiaomi 15 is the latest flagship smartphone from Xiaomi, offering a perfect blend of premium design, cutting-edge performance, and professional-grade photography—all in a compact form factor. Priced at S$1,049 (12GB+256GB) and S$1,149 (12GB+512GB) in Singapore, it competes with the likes of the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 while delivering exceptional value.
Here’s why the Xiaomi 15 stands out as one of the best compact flagships of 2025.
Design & Build: Sleek, Lightweight, and Durable
The Xiaomi 15 features a refined, compact design with a 6.36-inch display and ultra-thin 1.38mm bezels, achieving a 94% screen-to-body ratio7.
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Weight & Dimensions: Just 191g and 8.08mm thick, making it one of the most pocket-friendly flagships.
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Premium Materials:
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Micro-curved aluminum frame (33% stronger than previous models).
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Xiaomi Shield Glass (10x more drop-resistant than standard glass).
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IP68 dust/water resistance (1.5m submersion for 30 mins).
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Color Options:
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Black, White, Green (matte finish).
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Liquid Silver (heat-bent glass with shimmering curves).
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The ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor ensures fast, secure unlocking even with wet fingers.
Display: A Vibrant, Eye-Friendly AMOLED Panel
The 6.36-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display is a visual treat:
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2670×1200 resolution (460 PPI) for sharp, detailed visuals.
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3200 nits peak brightness (25% APL coverage) for excellent outdoor visibility.
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1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate for smooth scrolling and power efficiency.
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TÜV Rheinland certified (Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free, Circadian Friendly).
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DC dimming reduces eye strain during prolonged use.
This display is one of the best in its class, rivaling even pricier competitors like the iPhone 16 Pro.
Performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite & HyperOS 2
Powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform, the Xiaomi 15 delivers flagship-tier performance:
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CPU: 45% faster, 52% more power-efficient vs. previous gen.
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GPU: 44% faster, 46% more efficient.
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RAM & Storage:
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12GB LPDDR5X RAM (8533Mbps).
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256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 storage (no microSD slot).
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Cooling: Xiaomi IceLoop system prevents overheating during gaming or 8K recording.
Xiaomi HyperOS 2: AI & Ecosystem Integration
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AI Features:
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AI Writing, Speech Recognition, Interpreter.
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AI Creativity Assistant (image enhancement, eraser, reflection removal).
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Google Gemini integration for AI-powered assistance.
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HyperConnect: Seamless multi-device pairing (tablets, laptops).
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4 years of OS updates, 6 years of security patches.
Camera: Leica Triple-Lens System for Pro-Grade Shots
The Xiaomi 15’s triple 50MP Leica Summilux camera system is a photography powerhouse:
Main Camera (50MP, f/1.62, OIS, Light Fusion 900 sensor)
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1/1.31″ sensor (13.5 EV dynamic range, 2.4µm 4-in-1 Super Pixel).
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23mm, 28mm, 35mm focal lengths for versatile framing.
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8K/30fps, 4K/60fps Dolby Vision® video recording.
60mm Floating Telephoto (50MP, f/2.0, OIS)
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2.6x optical zoom + 10cm macro photography.
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Ideal for portraits & close-up details.
14mm Ultra-Wide (50MP, f/2.2, 115° FOV)
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Great for landscapes, group shots, and creative perspectives.
AI & Computational Photography
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Fastshot Mode: 0.6s ultra-fast street photography.
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Xiaomi AISP 2.0: AI-enhanced HDR, tone mapping, and portrait optimization.
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Master Videography: 4-mic array for immersive audio in videos.
Battery & Charging: All-Day Power with Rapid Refills
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5,240mAh battery (25+ hours of video playback).
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90W HyperCharge (0-100% in ~30 mins).
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50W wireless charging (compatible with Qi chargers).
Pricing & Availability in Singapore
| Model | Storage | Price (Pre-order) | RRP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi 15 | 12GB+256GB | S$1,049 | S$1,099 |
| Xiaomi 15 | 12GB+512GB | S$1,149 | S$1,199 |
Where to Buy:
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Xiaomi Official Store (mi.com/sg)
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Lazada, Shopee, Authorized Retailers
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Xiaomi 15?
Pros:
✅ Compact, premium design with IP68 protection.
✅ Stunning 6.36″ AMOLED display (3200 nits, 120Hz).
✅ Leica triple-camera system (pro-grade photography).
✅ Snapdragon 8 Elite performance (45% faster CPU).
✅ 90W fast charging & 5,240mAh battery.
Cons:
❌ No periscope zoom (unlike Xiaomi 15 Ultra).
❌ No Qi2 wireless charging (still 50W supported).
Rating: 9/10 ★★★★★
The Xiaomi 15 is one of the best compact flagships of 2025, offering Leica photography, top-tier performance, and a gorgeous display at a competitive price. If you prefer a smaller phone without sacrificing power, this is an excellent choice.
