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Xiaomi 15 Review: The Best ‘Small’ Phone
If you’re in the market for a compact flagship with impressive features and capabilities, I’m here to tell you that the Xiaomi 15 is an excellent choice. Despite its small form factor, it packs a punch with its top-notch hardware and software.
Firstly, let’s start with the display. The 6.36-inch OLED panel is razor-sharp, boasting over 3,000 nits in maximum brightness. I’m blown away by how vibrant and crisp the visuals are on this device. The borders that wrap around the screen are also impressively small, making for a seamless viewing experience.
In terms of design, the phone’s chassis and display have no sharp edges, which is a welcome relief from some other devices in its class. The rectangular camera island on the upper left side may not be the most aesthetically pleasing aspect, but it’s a necessary evil to house those three cameras.
Speaking of which, the camera system here is one of the highlights of this device. While it may not be the best I’ve seen from Xiaomi, it still gets the job done admirably well. The main and ultra-wide cameras are capable of producing excellent results, but it’s the telephoto lens that truly sets this phone apart.
The 50-megapixel camera setup consists of a wide-angle lens (23mm), an ultra-wide-angle lens (15mm), and a floating 60mm telephoto lens that can shift its minimum focus distance. This macro-like ability allows for some incredible close-up shots, and it’s a feature I’ve fallen in love with over the past few years.
I must stress that the main camera is no slouch either, but what truly elevates this device is its zoom capabilities. Unlike other so-called “small” phones like the Galaxy S25 or iPhone 16, which have subpar or non-existent zoom features, the Xiaomi 15 offers a truly useful telephoto lens.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what about performance?” Fear not, dear readers, for this device is an absolute beast. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers outstanding benchmark scores and doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to gaming or video editing. Even heavy users will find their needs met with ease.
Battery life is another area where the Xiaomi 15 shines. With a massive 5,240mAh cell, I found myself easily going an entire day without needing to charge. And if you do need to top off, there’s support for both 90W and 50W wireless charging – although it’s worth noting that some regions may not come with the charger included.
One area where this phone falls short is its software. While I appreciate Xiaomi’s efforts in creating a clean interface with useful features like seamless tablet connectivity and AI-powered object eraser, I do find the settings menu to be somewhat confusing. It takes me an extra 10-20 seconds to find what I need, whereas other phones have more intuitive navigation.
But if you can get your hands on this device at the Asian price point, I firmly believe it’s a contender for best compact flagship in its class. However, the European price tag of over $1,000 makes it harder to recommend.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi 15 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful and feature-rich smartphone with exceptional zoom capabilities. While not perfect, it’s a device that deserves serious consideration – especially if you can snag it at the right price point.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bensin/2025/03/19/xiaomi-15-review-the-best-small-phone/
