Latest news with #Xiaomi15Ultra
Phone Arena
2 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
Yes, you all love your iPhones and Galaxies, but here's why you shouldn't sleep on the competition
Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Galaxy S25 Ultra . | Image credit – PhoneArena Xiaomi and its 2.55% – underrated tech giant that's doing a lot right Despite being one of the biggest smartphone makers globally, Xiaomi landed at the very bottom of the poll. I didn't see that coming. Maybe people still see Xiaomi as a budget brand or think of it as more of a tech lifestyle company because of all the other products it makes – but trust me, this brand is way more than that. Receive the latest editorials Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Xiaomi built its name on high specs for low prices and it still sticks to that. Whether you are looking at budget Redmi phones or mid-range Poco models, you are always getting killer value. They constantly pack in way more hardware than competitors at similar price points. The company just celebrated its 15th anniversary, and of course, Yeah, in our poll, it took the crown for "least best brand," but I still think Xiaomi shines in a few key areas, especially when it comes to cameras and charging – two things that seriously matter for daily use. Take the Despite being one of the biggest smartphone makers globally, Xiaomi landed at the very bottom of the poll. I didn't see that coming. Maybe people still see Xiaomi as a budget brand or think of it as more of a tech lifestyle company because of all the other products it makes – but trust me, this brand is way more than built its name on high specs for low prices and it still sticks to that. Whether you are looking at budget Redmi phones or mid-range Poco models, you are always getting killer value. They constantly pack in way more hardware than competitors at similar price company just celebrated its 15th anniversary, and of course, it launched some new stuff to mark the occasion – including the Xiaomi 15S Pro and the Xiaomi Pad 7 Ultra. What makes them special? They are powered by Xiaomi's own chip, the Xring O1 . The company is really stepping up its game lately and offering something for everyone – flagships, mid-rangers and budget in our poll, it took the crown for "least best brand," but I still think Xiaomi shines in a few key areas, especially when it comes to cameras and charging – two things that seriously matter for daily the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, for example. It is tied for the number one spot in our camera rankings right alongside the Galaxy S25 Ultra . That is no small feat. A lot of that camera magic comes from Xiaomi's partnership with Leica – and if you've ever been into photography, you definitely know that name. Xiaomi's camera app is also loaded with features. It can be as simple or as advanced as you want. The pro mode gives you full control over both photos and videos, which makes sense given the phone's camera-focused design. And let's not forget: Xiaomi is one of the fastest brands out there when it comes to charging. If you are always in a rush (and who isn't?), this matters. Phones like the Xiaomi 14T Pro, the Xiaomi's camera app is also loaded with features. It can be as simple or as advanced as you want. The pro mode gives you full control over both photos and videos, which makes sense given the phone's camera-focused let's not forget: Xiaomi is one of the fastest brands out there when it comes to charging. If you are always in a rush (and who isn't?), this matters. Phones like the Xiaomi 14T Pro, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and even the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ are crushing it in our charging tests . That alone makes them worth considering. Motorola (2.73%) – the clean Android champ with a nostalgic touch Now, this one also caught me off guard. Motorola barely got any votes and I really don't think that's fair. Yeah, the company's software update policy could use some improvement, but that can't be the only reason people are passing it over. The brand has been around forever and still manages to crank out some really unique and stylish phones. Motorola devices have a look – even the budget ones. Take the new Now, this one also caught me off guard. Motorola barely got any votes and I really don't think that's fair. Yeah, the company's software update policy could use some improvement, but that can't be the only reason people are passing it over. The brand has been around forever and still manages to crank out some really unique and stylish devices have a look – even the budget ones. Take the new Edge 60 Fusion, for example. It stands out. And if you are into foldables, Motorola's Razr series is one of the best-looking out there. The Razr Ultra (2025) blends retro vibes with cutting-edge display tech and it looks slick while doing it. Another thing I love? Motorola doesn't mess too much with Android. Its phones run a near-stock version of the OS, which a lot of people say they prefer. Our poll actually showed that clean Android is still a big deal for users, so it is surprising that Motorola isn't getting more attention for offering exactly that. The brand isn't flashy about it, but it is quietly doing a lot right. I really think Motorola deserves more credit than it is getting right now. Another thing I love? Motorola doesn't mess too much with Android. Its phones run a near-stock version of the OS, which a lot of people say they prefer. Our poll actually showed that clean Android is still a big deal for users, so it is surprising that Motorola isn't getting more attention for offering exactly brand isn't flashy about it, but it is quietly doing a lot right. I really think Motorola deserves more credit than it is getting right now. Vivo (3.28%) – a design-driven camera powerhouse that's easy to miss Vivo is a huge name in Asia, but it still hasn't broken through in a big way elsewhere – and that showed in the poll. But Vivo is no slouch. It is one of the most innovative brands in the photography space and it is doing some really cool stuff with phone design, too. Thanks to its partnership with Zeiss – yeah, the same legendary German optics company – Vivo's phones are packed with pro-level camera tech. If taking great photos is your thing, the vivo X200 Pro should be on your radar. But Vivo isn't just about cameras. Its phones also look amazing. The V and X series models especially are slim, stylish and use premium materials. The company experiments with textures, colors and finishes that make its phones feel a little more special than the average glass slab. Huawei (4.19%) – still pushing boundaries despite the odds Video credit – PhoneArena Huawei's struggles in Western markets are well-known, especially after losing access to Google Mobile Services. That hit hard. But here's the thing – Huawei never stopped innovating. In fact, it might be one of the boldest brands out there right now. Case in point: the new Mate XT Ultimate. It's the world's first triple But Vivo isn't just about cameras. Its phones also look amazing. The V and X series models especially are slim, stylish and use premium materials. The company experiments with textures, colors and finishes that make its phones feel a little more special than the average glass struggles in Western markets are well-known, especially after losing access to Google Mobile Services. That hit hard. But here's the thing – Huawei never stopped innovating. In fact, it might be one of the boldest brands out there right in point: the new Mate XT Ultimate. It's the world's first triple foldable phone . Not just another foldable – a tri-fold. That means it can unfold into a massive screen for work or watching content, then fold back down to pocket size. Huawei also just launched a foldable laptop . That's next-level stuff. Despite all the challenges, Huawei keeps showing us what is possible. It is easy to overlook them because of political and ecosystem limitations, but from a pure tech perspective, they are still killing it. So yeah, there's a ton of innovation happening just outside the spotlight. So maybe next time, don't just go for the obvious choices (that is if you are not locked in a certain ecosystem, of course). You might find your perfect phone in a place you weren't even looking. Despite all the challenges, Huawei keeps showing us what is possible. It is easy to overlook them because of political and ecosystem limitations, but from a pure tech perspective, they are still killing yeah, there's a ton of innovation happening just outside the spotlight. So maybe next time, don't just go for the obvious choices (that is if you are not locked in a certain ecosystem, of course). You might find your perfect phone in a place you weren't even looking. But what really stood out to me were the brands barely getting any love in the poll. Some really popular ones – and ones I think deserve more recognition – are sitting at the Xiaomi is officially the least favorite, which honestly shocked me. Right behind it are Motorola vivo and Huawei . All four of these are doing some pretty amazing things, but clearly, they are still flying under the radar for a lot of I want to give them a little spotlight here – because I believe their low votes aren't about quality but visibility.
Geek Culture
17-05-2025
- Geek Culture
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
As mobile photography hardware and software continue to improve, the competition has never been fiercer. From flagship models from Apple and Samsung to various offerings from leading Chinese brands like Vivo, Oppo, Huawei and Xiaomi, there's a healthy spread of options for cutting-edge smartphone camera technology, with the brands looking to grab a slice of the mobile device pie. On a positive note, nothing looks set to change as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra remains committed to mastering the craft of imaging. Like its predecessor, the high-end device packs the power of renowned image maker Leica into an everyday carry, making mobile photography more accessible and convenient, and allowing anyone to capture quality snaps without the heft of the German company's legendary cameras. This time, the rear shooters are arranged slightly differently than before, marking a distinction in appearance amid a strong overall improvement in all-around performance. While housed in the same protruding circular cutout, the symmetry of the previous camera array is now gone. Instead, three of the lenses have been pushed nearer to the bottom of the cutout's frame, which may be awkward and unsightly for some, with the lopsided look bleeding into the Silver Chrome edition. There's a reasonable justification for that, though, as the blend of a silver finish and faux leather is designed to evoke the old-school Leica aesthetic. The large protruding module is also where a familiar gripe resurfaces. In addition to constant rocking on a flat surface, the top-heavy build causes fatigue after prolonged use, especially when held horizontally in one hand and particularly for individuals with smaller hands. Indeed, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is fairly robust at 229 grams and 9.48mm thick (versus 226 grams and 9.35mm on the black and white iterations), making it heavier than the previous generation and the Samsung S25 Ultra. The 227-gram iPhone 16 Max Pro is closest to its weight, but the difference in your hand feels more stark than expected. At a time when curved displays have been largely ditched, it's interesting that the device still adopts one. Despite efforts to reduce the curvature, it can dull some of the shine for those who prefer straight edges, as the chunky bezels translate to a thicker bar on the sides, and by extension, a break in immersion. Look past the nitpicking, however, and visual enjoyment awaits. The 6.73-inch AMOLED screen pairs a WQHD+ resolution (3,200 x 1,440 pixels) with a 120Hz refresh rate to deliver vibrant colours, sharp detail, and smooth motion in various shows and movies. It's standard fare for flagship offerings, accompanied by other notable features like a maximum brightness of 3,200 nits, eye-care tech, and IP68-rated water resistance with reinforced glass protection. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and an Adreno 830 GPU, mobile gaming is a breeze as the Xiaomi 15 Ultra proves capable of handling heavy GPU loads, running titles like Wuthering Waves , Honkai: Star Rail , and Zenless Zone Zero smoothly. Putting it through in-house testing yielded minimal frame drops and stutter, with its impressive thermal management emerging as a surprise standout and recording some of the lowest temperatures to date. The headliner, though, continues to be the Leica-branded camera system. Where all four lenses were 50 megapixels (MP) previously, the periscope camera has now been upgraded to 200 MP and the same one-inch-type Sony LYT-900 image sensor from last year's model is back at work on the main snapper, joining the full list of specifications below: 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1.6µm, 1.0'-type, OIS 50 MP, f/1.8, 70mm (telephoto), 1/2.51', 0.7µm, OIS, 3x optical zoom 200 MP, f/2.6, 100mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.4', 0.56µm, OIS, 4.3X optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115° (ultrawide), 1/2.76', 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D There are several other tweaks to the formula that, while negligible for the general crowd, may catch the attention of photography enthusiasts and professionals. For starters, the zoom distance on the periscope and telephoto cameras is slightly reduced, coming in at 4.3x and 3x, respectively, versus 5x and 3.2x on the Xiaomi 14 Ultra. Additionally, removing variable aperture – a rare and underrated feature in itself – means some loss in versatility here. It's more of a strange performance downgrade than a dealbreaker, and in practice, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra still upholds the impressively high standards attached to the Leica name. Visuals appear punchy and natural in good lighting without the oversaturated tint seen on some of its contemporaries, especially with the Leica Authentic profile. Leica Vibrant offers an alternative for those who prefer a stronger pop of colour, but crisp detail and pin-sharp clarity can be expected in either scenario. Portrait Mode is most intuitive with a human subject in frame, and capturing the desired effect for, say, objects or pets, will require more effort in certain situations. Once users get into the swing of things, soft and creamy bokeh becomes a regular occurrence, making it easy for the foreground to stand out. The organic depth of field benefits macro photography experiences like food snaps, though it should be noted that edge detection isn't the best here, resulting in the occasional fuzzy and inaccurate feathering. Where the Xiaomi 15 Ultra harnesses its expertise is in contrast. It proves competent at finding the perfect balance between deep shadows and highlights, especially in Pro mode, reinforcing the ease of capturing visually arresting images. White balance remains inconsistent at times, so there may be instances where washed-out photos evoke the imagery of a post-apocalyptic setting. The camera fares well enough in dark or dimly lit environments, even if the loss of detail is more prominent and its images are noticeably darker than the competition. Supermoon Mode adds a touch of fun to the mix, offering the point-and-shoot convenience of up to 120x zoom and AI-powered post-processing. While there are some kinks to iron out, the handset delivers beastly Leica prowess in spades and can be paired with a separate photography kit for a more authentic compact camera experience. Also introduced with last year's model, it includes a case, a grip with a shutter button and a settings dial, an integrated 2,000mAh battery, and a 67mm adapter ring – perfect for users of ND (short for neutral density) filters, circular polarisers, or other forms of photography filters. The grip, like before, offers added friction for a more secure and comfortable fit in hand, and attaching or removing it remains a snappy, fuss-free affair. It slots in neatly, with the easy-to-hit shutter button transmitting a welcome tactile response when pressed. In particular, the bundle comes highly recommended for street or travel photography, so long as users are willing to fork out another S$199 and lug the extra heft around. Leaning into the artificial intelligence (AI) push, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra touts new and improved features for writing, image editing, and day-to-day tasks. It's nothing new, but the AI Writing suite ships with options for summarising, proofreading and tonal changes, joined by a prompt-based generative text tool and transcription capabilities, which, depending on the job (like a journalist, for example), can be handy. On the imaging side of things, generative AI acts as the driving force behind expanding or sharpening an image and removing unwanted subjects in a scene. Remove Reflections is the latest addition to the roster, and it fails to work its magic in the same way Apple, Oppo, and Samsung devices did. The bigger caveat here, however, is the need for an internet connection to run these features (yes, even the transcription tool). As is the standard for current Android offerings, Google Gemini and Gemini Advanced are available right out of the box, granting access to Gemini Live, Circle to Search, and more. Running HyperOS – Xiaomi's Android skin – atop Android 15 means the Xiaomi 15 Ultra also suffers from the same bloat and annoyances found on its other Chinese-branded counterparts, from preinstalled apps that cannot be removed to burying tasks beneath unnecessarily complicated menu navigation. Battery capacity isn't too shabby, packing more juice than its predecessor. It comes in at 5,410mAh, and for unknown reasons, is smaller than the Chinese variant (6,000mAh), but can last through a typical work day with little fanfare. Keeping in mind that mileage will vary depending on individual use case and load, performing day-to-day tasks like surfing social media, replying to emails, and chatting in communication apps, interspersed with watching videos, playing games, and other interruptions, clocked around eight hours of use. Charging is snappy, taking slightly longer than an hour to hit 100 percent from zero. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra may be a pricey proposition at S$1,699 for the base 512GB model, but its powerful hardware, impressive display, and most importantly, exceptional camera performance promise a great return on investment. While the well-rounded showing certainly boosts its appeal, the biggest purchasing factor should be its mastery over mobile photography that few can match. Ironically enough, this also means the device may not be ideal for casual users or enthusiasts, as they are likely to find better value elsewhere. Instead, serious shutterbugs are the best fit here. Summary The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is one beast of a powerhouse that will serve users well, especially those who can fully harness its mobile photography prowess. Aesthetics - 8/10 Build Quality - 9/10 Performance - 9/10 Value - 8/10 Geek Satisfaction - 8.5/10 Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth's theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia's greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really. Android Review Smartphone Xiaomi Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
Xiaomi 16 launch timeline tipped: Expected to debut with 6,800mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite 2, 100W fast charging, and more
Xiaomi 16 launch timeline: Prepare yourselves for some thrilling news, Xiaomi lovers! The eagerly awaited Xiaomi 16 series is gradually approaching the launch stage. More information regarding the handset is coming to light as the launch date draws near, providing us with an idea of what this premium smartphone will be capable of. The Xiaomi 16 series is anticipated to generate a lot of excitement in the tech industry, given Xiaomi's track record of producing robust and feature-rich devices. We have the most recent information and analysis to keep you updated if you're excited to get your hands on this new gadget. Let's get started and see what happens next. Xiaomi 16 launch tipped According to a Weibo post from tipster Smart Pikachu, the Xiaomi 16 is anticipated to make its debut in China in September. Also Read: Xiaomi 15 Ultra price drop alert: You can get flat Rs. 10,000 discount, here is how you can grab the deal Xiaomi 16 expected specifications The Xiaomi 16 is apparently being tested with a 6,800mAh battery, according to tipster Smart Pikachu on Weibo (via). This would be a significant improvement over the Xiaomi 15's 5,400mAh battery. According to reports, the next generation will have 100W rapid charging instead of the 90W found in the previous iteration. The device's small form factor will remain intact. The Xiaomi 16 will be introduced in September, according to the source, which is significantly sooner than the previous generation flagships, which made their debut in October. Like earlier models, the worldwide debut should take place later. This might be a result of Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 being announced early, as was previously mentioned. It is said that the Xiaomi 16 would be the first phone to use the new flagship processor. There isn't any updated information regarding the Xiaomi 16. The same informant originally disclosed a larger screen measuring between 6.36 and 6.73 inches. Although the Xiaomi 15's periscope camera is yet unknown, the pro model has a periscope sensor with a 5x optical zoom, while the Xiaomi 15 has a 3x telephoto lens. Xiaomi 16 expected price In the upcoming months, we should find out more information regarding the Xiaomi 16 series. This March, the Xiaomi 15 made its debut in India, with a starting price of Rs 64,999. For the latest and more interesting tech news, keep reading Indiatimes Tech.
Phone Arena
13-05-2025
- Phone Arena
I used the best camera phones, but here is why I keep coming back to Apple and Samsung
Flagship phones out of China all have a distinct camera edge. Some like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra have clever additions like the so called "Photography Kit", which is a camera grip that doubles as a power bank and has a dedicated shutter button and zoom controls. Super cool! Read our in-depth Xiaomi 15 Ultra review The Xiaomi 15 Ultra with its Photography Kit camera grip Others, like the most recent Vivo X200 Ultra, come with even crazier accessories like a screw-on telephoto extender that results in this weird contraption that is also... the best zoom smartphone camera on the market. The Vivo X200 Ultra with its telephoto extender (screw-on lens) And earlier, the Vivo X200 Pro also won multiple awards for best camera phone of 2024 for a good reason — beautiful colors, large sensors and the versatility of actually useful camera presets and even bokeh simulations. The passion these flagship Chinese smartphones have for improving the camera experience is actually quite refreshing. The Vivo X200 Pro is a great camera, but there is a problem But there is also one problem that I inevitably stumble upon every time I pick up one of those phones. They are great as cameras, but... not so good as smartphones. See because of the exclusive focus on cramming in the biggest sensors and many of them, most of these phones share one element: a giant camera island. I don't mind it as a design element, but once you actually get to use these phones, you notice that all of that weight on the top of the phone makes for a very imbalanced, top-heavy phone that you feel might fall out of your hand... constantly! This is especially noticeable on the Vivo X200 Pro, but also on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. These phones just want to tip over! And for a device you spend hours using every day, well... it's a deal-breaker. I don't want to fight my phone every time I pick it up and worry that it might fall out of my hand because of how top-heavy it is. If I wanted something heavy that would not feel comfortable in the hand, well, I would just carry my camera around! And while you don't mind this for the first few days, this issue kind of grows on you and at least for me, I just start noticing it more and more. So it's actually quite liberating going back to an iPhone 16 Pro Max or a Galaxy S25 Ultra which while having excellent cameras, also have a design that is properly balanced and not extremely top-heavy. The latest Oppo Find X8 Ultra recognizes the balance problem of modern Chinese flagships The answer is "no". The latest Oppo Find X8 Ultra recognizes this problem of modern Chinese smartphones and the company has gone for a design that purposefully avoids the top-heavy camera component, balancing the phone much better. Unfortunately, that specific model is the only one I've mentioned so far that is NOT getting a global release. But the good news is that we know that at least some of these Chinese phone makers realize that going after camera quality alone can have its downsides too and are looking for ways to fix them. While it's easy to get obsesses over specs, I'm happy to see more devices that focus on just the everyday comfort of your device. While I do hope that mainstream phone makers draw inspiration from these camera innovations, I actually don't think that cramming in the biggest sensors and completely ignoring the ergonomics of a phone is a good idea. And that's why I keep on coming to iPhones, Galaxies and Pixels which take a more holistic view of the smartphone experience.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Google Messages set to roll out 'delete for everyone' feature in latest beta version
WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage have all offered the option to unsend messages for some time, but Google Messages has been missing this feature until now. After testing the "Delete for Everyone" option earlier this year, Google is now beginning to roll it out to select users on the latest beta version of its messaging app. This update finally gives Google Messages users the ability to retract sent messages, putting it on par with other popular messaging platforms. Also Read: Did Karen Read flip the middle finger in court? Video sparks confusion A Reddit user reported that he is able to see the 'Delete for Everyone' option while using Google Messages in at least one conversation, which is a group chat of 12 people. The feature is not available in the smaller conversation groups he has or in the one-on-one conversations. The option to delete the message just for themselves will continue to exist on the platform. Despite using the latest Google Messages beta on both my Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Galaxy S23 Ultra, the "Delete for Everyone" feature hasn't appeared, suggesting that Google is rolling it out to only a select group of beta users. Currently, there's no option to delete messages in one-on-one conversations, but this could change as the feature moves closer to a wider public release. Hopefully, these limitations will be addressed before the full rollout, as reported by Android Police. According to the previous reports, Google Messages will provide a window of 15 minutes to delete any message you have sent. The message deletion option was introduced by RCS Universal Profile 2.7, which is what it seems Google Messages is using to enable the new feature. It is also to be noted that the platform will show 'This message was deleted', just like other messaging platforms. Also Read: 100 Brits vs 100 Americans: New TikTok trend about bare-knuckle fight surfaces Google Messages provided the option to edit the RCS message which has been sent in May 2024. However, it became available to a wider audience only in September 2024. Thus, as Google tests the feature in its messaging platform, it will take a few months for it to be available to all users. Recently, Google Messages has been ramping up its features with some exciting updates. Among the new additions are a handy tool to silence RCS spam and fun single-emoji full-screen effects that add a bit of flair to conversations. Google is also in the process of rolling out custom icons for group chats, giving users a chance to personalise their chat experience even more.
