The Xiaomi 14 Ultra made a significant splash in 2024, primarily due to its exceptional camera system. The phone’s standout feature was its 1-inch type image sensor, significantly larger than those found in most smartphones. This larger sensor, combined with a variable aperture, allowed for superior light capture, resulting in stunning image quality. Beyond its camera prowess, the 14 Ultra boasted a high-performance processor, a vibrant display, and all-day battery life, solidifying its position as a top-tier Android flagship for photography enthusiasts. However, the rapid pace of technological advancement means a successor is always on the horizon, leading to growing anticipation for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
While Xiaomi has remained tight-lipped about the 15 Ultra’s official launch date, previous release patterns offer some clues. The 14 Ultra’s unveiling in China in February, followed by its Western debut at Mobile World Congress and subsequent availability in March, suggests a similar timeline for the 15 Ultra. Xiaomi has already launched the base Xiaomi 15 and 15 Pro models in China, mirroring the release schedule of their predecessors. Pricing is also expected to remain consistent with the 14 Ultra, which launched at £1,299 in the UK (approximately $1,640).
Cameras are undoubtedly the focal point of the Xiaomi Ultra series, and the 15 Ultra is expected to continue this tradition. Leaks and rumors point towards even more impressive camera technology. One prominent leak suggests a massive 200-megapixel sensor for the periscope telephoto camera, a substantial upgrade from the 14 Ultra’s 50-megapixel sensor. This increase in resolution might come at a slight cost, with the optical zoom potentially decreasing from 5x to 4.4x. However, the higher resolution should enable greater digital zoom capabilities without significant image degradation. Leaked renders seem to corroborate this change, showcasing an off-center camera bump likely accommodating the larger periscope unit.
The leaked renders also indicate a continued partnership with Leica, hinting at high-quality lens optics and signature Leica color presets. Details about other camera components, including the main sensor, remain scarce. However, expectations are high for Xiaomi to maintain, or even surpass, the 1-inch sensor size and variable aperture of the 14 Ultra, which contributed significantly to its impressive low-light performance and creative possibilities.
As for the internal specifications, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, succeeding the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 found in the 14 Ultra. This upgrade promises significant performance improvements, particularly in web browsing and AI-powered tasks. Qualcomm has showcased the 8 Elite’s capabilities in on-device AI tools, such as enhanced selfie lighting, suggesting the 15 Ultra will likely offer a range of similar features for image editing and virtual assistance.
Early rumors indicate the 15 Ultra might retain the 6.7-inch display size of its predecessor but potentially boost the battery capacity from 5,000 mAh to 6,000 mAh. It remains to be seen if this larger battery will be available in all regions, as the 14 Ultra’s battery size varied between Chinese and international models. While 90W wired charging is expected to continue, there’s hope for Xiaomi to implement faster charging speeds, considering the 120W capability already present in some of its other models. This would be a welcome addition to the company’s flagship device.
