1. Introduction to the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s Camera Capabilities
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, launched globally at MWC 2025, has made waves with its triple-camera setup, which features a large 1-inch type camera sensor. This sensor, at the heart of the phone’s camera system, promises impressive performance for photography enthusiasts. Andrew Lanxon of CNET took the Xiaomi 15 Ultra on an extensive photography journey, capturing hundreds of images across multiple countries, including the Arctic. The results are nothing short of stunning, showcasing the phone’s versatility and photographic prowess. From vibrant daylight shots to sharp low-light images, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra seems to deliver in various scenarios. This article highlights some of Andrew’s favorite shots, each telling a story of the phone’s capabilities and the beauty of the world around us.
2. Capturing Vibrant Daylight and Street Photography
One of the standout features of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is its ability to capture vibrant and sharp images in daylight. The main camera excels in producing colorful and detailed photos, as seen in a shot of a street performer in Edinburgh. Using the telephoto zoom, Andrew was able to get up close and personal with the subject, highlighting the performer’s movements and the lively atmosphere of the scene. The details in the image are crisp, and the colors pop, making it a great example of the phone’s ability to handle street photography. Another notable feature is the high-contrast black-and-white mode, which adds a dramatic and artistic touch to photos. A compelling example is a shot taken with the telephoto lens, where the monochrome effect enhances the mood of the scene, making it ideal for capturing urban environments and candid moments.
The ultrawide lens also proves to be a versatile tool, as seen in a shot where Andrew used it to emphasize the vastness of a scene. The ability to experiment with different lenses and modes gives photographers a lot of creative freedom. Whether it’s the telephoto zoom, the main camera, or the ultrawide, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra consistently delivers sharp and visually appealing results.
3. Low-Light Performance and Nighttime Shots
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s performance in low-light conditions is equally impressive. Andrew tested the phone’s capabilities at night, and the results are nothing short of remarkable. A night shot taken in the Arctic, for instance, showcases the phone’s ability to handle extreme conditions. The exposure is spot on, and the details in the image are crisp and well-defined. Another standout image is a nighttime scene captured with the main camera in JPEG format. The phone handles the exposure beautifully, preserving the natural colors and details of the scene. The telephoto zoom also shines in low-light conditions, as seen in a pin-sharp image taken at night. These examples highlight the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s ability to perform well in challenging lighting situations, making it a reliable choice for nighttime photography.
However, the phone lacks a variable aperture, which is a feature that its predecessor had. While this doesn’t drastically hinder its performance, it does mean that certain effects, like the starburst created by streetlights, are missing. Despite this, the phone still manages to capture excellent low-light images with good exposure and sharp details.
4. Pro Mode and Post-Processing Capabilities
For photographers who enjoy more control over their images, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers a Pro mode that allows users to shoot in RAW format. This feature is particularly useful for post-processing, as it provides more flexibility in editing. Andrew took advantage of this by shooting in Pro mode and editing the RAW files in Lightroom. The results are impressive, with one edited image of a sunset showcasing the phone’s ability to capture a wide range of colors and details. Another example is a shot of a cat, where the phone maintained the natural shadows without over brightening them, a common issue in many smartphone cameras. These examples demonstrate the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s potential for professional-grade photography, especially when paired with the right editing tools.
The ability to edit RAW files is a significant advantage for photographers who want to push the limits of their creativity. By preserving more data in the image, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra allows users to make adjustments that would otherwise be impossible with standard JPEG files. This feature, combined with the phone’s high-quality sensor, makes it a strong contender for photographers who value flexibility and detail in their work.
5. Versatility in Indoor and Outdoor Settings
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s camera system is not only limited to outdoor photography; it also excels in indoor settings. A shot taken indoors demonstrates the phone’s ability to capture sharp details in low-light environments, thanks to the wide aperture and large sensor. The image is crisp, with good exposure and vibrant colors, showcasing the phone’s versatility. Another example is a nighttime indoor scene where the Xiaomi 15 Ultra managed to preserve the ambiance without overexposing the image. These examples highlight the phone’s ability to adapt to different environments, making it a reliable choice for photographers who shoot in a variety of settings.
In addition to indoor photography, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra also performs well in outdoor settings. A shot taken with the telephoto zoom emphasizes the phone’s ability to create a nice out-of-focus background, adding depth to the image. This feature is particularly useful for portraits and candid shots, where a blurred background can help draw attention to the subject. The combination of a large sensor, versatile lenses, and advanced software makes the Xiaomi 15 Ultra a formidable camera phone that can handle almost any situation.
6. Conclusion: A Powerful Camera Phone for Photography Enthusiasts
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is an exceptional camera phone that has proven its worth through Andrew’s extensive testing. From vibrant daylight shots to sharp low-light images, the phone’s triple-camera setup and 1-inch type sensor deliver outstanding performance. The inclusion of features like the high-contrast black-and-white mode, telephoto zoom, and RAW file support makes it a versatile tool for photographers who enjoy experimenting with different styles and techniques. While the lack of a variable aperture might be a minor setback for some, the phone’s overall capabilities far outweigh this limitation. For anyone looking for a powerful and creative camera phone, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is definitely worth considering.
