Smartphones · Ranked #13 of 82 · Best for mobile photography

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

88
Highly rated
Average of 5 professional reviews
5 of 5 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 5 reviews landedRange 80–90

Exact average 88.0 · all scores printed by the outlets

Xiaomi 15 UltraImage: Xiaomi

5 professional reviewers tested the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, and 5 recommend it. Most praised: picture quality and performance. Most common complaint: software and app.

Reviewed by Tech Advisor, TechRadar, Android Central and 2 more

The catch: It is heavy, with a huge camera bump and short software support.

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What 5 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 90
    Tech AdvisorHands-on review · 2025

    Another excellent flagship at an unchanged price, and arguably the best camera phone.

    Read Tech Advisor review
  2. 90
    TechRadarHands-on review · 2025

    A powerful, well-cooled flagship with impressive cameras and quick charging that undercuts rivals on value.

    Read TechRadar review
  3. 90
    Android CentralHands-on review · 2025

    The reviewer counts it among the year's best phones, led by a superb main camera, 200MP tele and strong battery.

    Read Android Central review
  4. 90
    Trusted ReviewsHands-on review · 2025

    Considered one of the very best camera phones of the year, with an exceptional display and flagship chip.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  5. 80
    WIREDHands-on review

    The Ultra is praised as a photographer's phone with an exceptional camera, smooth performance and bright display, though improvements are incremental.

    Read WIRED review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Picture quality3 of 5
Performance3 of 5
Battery life2 of 5

What critics dislike most

Software and app3 of 5
Size and weight2 of 5

Other smartphones critics rate highly

Oppo Find X9 UltraImage: Oppo
Best overallOppo Find X9 Ultra5 reviews · critics agree94
Apple iPhone 18 Pro MaxImage: Apple
Best for cameras and speedApple iPhone 18 Pro Max6 reviews · critics agree91
Apple iPhone 17Image: Apple
Apple iPhone 1710 reviews · critics agree90
Apple iPhone 17 ProImage: Apple
Runner-upApple iPhone 17 Pro10 reviews · broad agreement90

Also reviewed, not yet scored

Common questions

Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra worth it?

Most critics think so: 5 of 5 recommend it. It is heavy, with a huge camera bump and short software support.

Do critics agree about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

Critics agree: scores range from 80 (WIRED) to 90 (Tech Advisor), a spread of 10 points across 5 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What do critics dislike about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

Software and app (3 of 5 reviews), Size and weight (2 of 5 reviews).

What is the best alternative to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

The Oppo Find X9 Ultra (critic score 94), best overall.