Xiaomi 15: Unboxing & First Impressions

The Xiaomi 15 has finally arrived, and while it may not be a radical redesign, it idoes bring several exciting refinements in design, display, performance, and AI-powered photography.

But are these refinements enough to solidify its reign as the Compact Flagship King? Let’s dive into our unboxing experience, key upgrades, and first impressions as we gear up for the full review!

Unboxing the Xiaomi 15: What’s Inside the Box? 📦

If you’re wondering what Xiaomi is including (or not including) in the box this year, here’s a quick breakdown of what you get with the Xiaomi 15:

✅ Xiaomi 15 smartphone (wrapped in protective film )
✅ USB-C cable
✅ Protective Case Black
✅ SIM ejector tool
✅ User manual & warranty guide
❌ No wall charger included

It looks like Xiaomi has permanently removed the charging brick from the box, so you’ll need to buy one separately if you don’t already have a compatible 90W fast charger.

Now, let’s move on to what’s actually new and exciting about the Xiaomi 15.

A More Immersive Display with Ultra-Thin Bezels

The Xiaomi 15’s display immediately stands out, thanks to its remarkably thin bezels that measure just 1.38mm on all four sides. This results in a truly immersive viewing experience, making the screen feel larger and more seamless than ever.

Xiaomi 15’s display uses the next-gen Xiaomi-custom M9 display panel with an advanced dual-microcavity structure design, enabling higher brightness with lower power consumption.

Retaining the 6.36-inch AMOLED panel, Xiaomi has improved its brightness, pushing the peak to 3,200 nits, ensuring better outdoor visibility and a more vibrant HDR experience. Whether you’re streaming videos, playing games, or simply scrolling through social media, the display offers a crisp and engaging experience that feels more edge-to-edge than before.

Refined Design for a More Comfortable Feel

While the Xiaomi 15 doesn’t stray far from the design philosophy of its predecessor, it introduces subtle refinements that make a difference in daily use. The new micro-curved aerospace-grade aluminum frame enhances grip, making the phone more comfortable to hold. It’s also slightly lighter at 191g. The result is a phone that not only feels premium but also offers a more ergonomic and stylish aesthetic.

Leica tuned, AI-Driven Photography:

The Xiaomi 15 retains the same triple-camera setup as its predecessor, delivering a versatile Leica-powered imaging experience. At the core is a 50MP Leica Summilux main camera, featuring an impressive 1/1.31-inch Light Fusion 900 sensor. This larger sensor, paired with an f/1.62 aperture, allows the camera to capture more light, improving low-light shots with enhanced detail and reduced noise.

Accompanying the main shooter is a 50MP telephoto lens, which now integrates a new 28nm sensor. This results in sharper zoomed-in shots and better macro photography, thanks to its floating lens system that allows focusing as close as 10cm. Completing the trio is a 50MP ultra-wide lens with an f/2.2 aperture, ensuring users can capture expansive landscapes and group shots without losing clarity.

Where the Xiaomi 15 truly stands out is in its AI-powered software enhancements. Xiaomi has upgraded its AISP 2.0 imaging platform, designed to optimize image processing across different lighting and shooting conditions. While the hardware remains largely unchanged, these software improvements ensure better exposure balance, sharper details, and more accurate color reproduction.

For users who love fine-tuning their shots, Xiaomi continues to offer Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant modes, allowing adjustments to contrast, tone, and saturation. The AI camera function and HDR processing further refine images by automatically enhancing highlights and shadows, creating a more dynamic and visually striking output.

Beyond photography, videography on the Xiaomi 15 is equally powerful. The phone is capable of 8K recording at 30FPS, but for those who prefer a more cinematic approach, Master Cinema Mode locks resolution at 4K 30FPS while applying Leica’s signature color processing for a richer and more artistic look. Stabilization is well-implemented, with the phone’s AI-assisted SteadyShot reducing shakes without compromising video sharpness. However, when SteadyShot is enabled, video resolution is limited to 1080p at 30FPS, which may be a drawback for those looking to shoot in higher resolutions.

One of the most exciting new additions is AI Eraser Pro, a powerful editing tool that allows users to remove unwanted objects, reflections, or distractions from images with a simple tap. Whether it’s an unexpected photobomber or glare from glass surfaces, this feature makes post-processing more seamless and professional-looking.

Check out our photo samples in our social media pages @WhereIsEdUy on Facebook and Instagram.

Snapdragon 8 Elite: Performance That Packs a Punch

Under the hood, the Xiaomi 15 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which brings significant performance improvements over its predecessor. With 45% better CPU performance and enhanced GPU capabilities, this chipset promises a smoother, more efficient experience across gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks. The increased efficiency also contributes to better thermal management, reducing overheating during intensive use. Whether you’re playing graphically demanding games, editing photos, or switching between multiple apps, the Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures a lag-free and responsive experience.

Bigger Battery for Longer Usage

One of the most practical upgrades this year is the increased battery capacity. The Xiaomi 15 now houses a 5,240mAh battery, up from 4,610mAh in the Xiaomi 14, which translates to longer screen time and better endurance throughout the day. Despite the increase in capacity, the phone maintains its slim and lightweight build. Xiaomi has retained 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, allowing users to power up their device quickly—reaching 100% in just over 30 minutes. The Xiaomi Surge Battery Management System also helps in extending the battery’s lifespan while improving power efficiency.

Enhanced Security and Connectivity

A small but noteworthy upgrade is the inclusion of an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, which replaces the optical sensor from the previous generation. This new sensor is not only faster but also works more reliably in conditions where your fingers may be wet or oily. In addition, connectivity has been improved with upgraded AI-powered antennas that provide stronger signal reception in areas with weak network coverage. Whether you’re in an elevator, underground parking, or a crowded event, the Xiaomi 15 aims to deliver better call and data reliability.

Initial Impressions:

After a few days of use, I’d say I’m quite impressed with the Xiaomi 15. While it may not be a drastic leap from the Xiaomi 14, the small but impactful refinements create a smoother, more immersive user experience.

The ultra-thin bezels, improved AI-powered photography, faster chipset, and larger battery make it a well-rounded upgrade for those looking for a premium flagship in a compact size.

🔥 Pre-Order Now & Get Exclusive Freebies! 🔥

Pre-order the Xiaomi 15 now until March 13 at Xiaomi Authorized Stores and get exclusive freebies worth ₱7,199—including a free 3-month Google One subscription and 4 months of Spotify Premium!