Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's Leica Camera Setup Worth the Price? A First Look at This Flagship Phone

If you’ve been on the hunt for a new flagship smartphone that merges top-tier performance with cutting-edge camera technology, then the Xiaomi 15 Ultra might just be your answer. With its distinctive design and a collaboration with Leica, this phone is undoubtedly making waves in the tech world. But with a price tag of Rs 1.1 lakh, is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra worth your hard-earned cash? Let’s dive in.

A Glimpse at the Aesthetic Appeal

From the first look, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra catches your eye with its sleek and stylish design. Featuring a black and silver chrome finish, the phone exudes an old-school charm reminiscent of Leica’s vintage cameras. The design pays homage to Leica’s legacy with a subtle nod in the form of the classic font used for the "Ultra" branding, which mirrors the iconic Leica logo.

But it's not just about the looks; the rear camera island on the 15 Ultra is where all the magic happens. It houses four distinct sensors, each with different focal lengths, and the standout feature is the 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. Let’s break it down—this phone isn't just about looking good; it’s about delivering top-notch functionality.

The Leica-Infused Camera Setup

Xiaomi’s partnership with Leica has resulted in a camera setup that goes far beyond simple branding. It's a deeply integrated collaboration that elevates the Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s photographic capabilities. The camera system includes a 50-megapixel main camera with a large one-inch sensor, a 50-megapixel 3x telephoto, a 50-megapixel ultrawide, and that impressive 200-megapixel periscope lens that offers up to 4.3x optical zoom.

But what really sets this phone apart is the color science that Xiaomi and Leica have fine-tuned together. With two distinct color profiles—Leica Vibrant and Leica Authentic—the phone offers two different photographic experiences. Leica Vibrant delivers punchy and vibrant images, while Leica Authentic sticks closer to natural colors. Both modes have their unique charm, but which one wins? You’ll have to wait for the full review to find out.

Zoom In: The Periscope Lens Shines

When it comes to zoom capabilities, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra stands out in the crowd. The 200-megapixel periscope lens is not just about marketing; it delivers. Whether you're zooming in at 10x or stretching it to 30x, the results remain impressively sharp and detailed. And while the periscope lens is the showstopper, the other sensors don’t fall short either. The ultra-wide, main, and 3x zoom lenses work flawlessly to capture stunning shots in various lighting conditions.

Speaking of lighting, Xiaomi’s massive one-inch sensor ensures that you won’t be disappointed in low-light scenarios. Whether you’re snapping photos in a dimly lit restaurant or capturing the vibrant cityscape at night, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra excels in environments where other smartphones might falter.

Performance and Features Beyond the Camera

While the camera may be the star of the show, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra packs more than just impressive photography into its sleek body. The phone features a 6.73-inch 120Hz OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen Elite chipset, 16GB of RAM, and a 5,410mAh battery that charges at an impressive 90W. In other words, you’re getting all the raw power you expect from a flagship device in 2025.

If you're a photography enthusiast, Xiaomi has added an optional Photography Kit to enhance your experience. The kit includes a black-and-red case that not only adds a physical grip but also includes an extra battery and a dedicated shutter button, making the 15 Ultra feel more like a professional camera than a smartphone. It’s a great addition for those who want to take their mobile photography to the next level.

First Impressions: A Leica-Infused Winner?

After spending about a week with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, it's clear that this phone is more than just another flagship. The Leica collaboration elevates it, particularly when it comes to the camera, but there’s still more to explore. The design is both familiar and unique, the performance is as expected from a 2025 flagship, and the cameras are genuinely impressive.

At Rs 1.1 lakh, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers an intriguing package. But, as with any tech product, the true test will be how it holds up over time. Can the Xiaomi 15 Ultra live up to its promise and justify its price tag? Stay tuned, as I’ll be putting this phone through its paces in the full review.