After weeks of research I was struggling to choose between this, the Oppo and the Vivo Global… I came from an S25 Ultra and before that a 16 Pro Max and this is my opinion.
The phone I loved the most was my Huawei Mate 20 pro and was gutted when they lost Google services!!
I was very disappointed in the S25 Ultra….especially the cameras. I also like how far OneUI has come but I do find it a bit cluttersome at times and my biggest gripe was default apps in the Samsung ecosystem, choosing between Google and Samsung meant apps didn’t always talk to eachother like on a Pixel for example and IOS. I tried to make everything Google but it just wasn’t as seamless as my friend Pixel.
I switched from iPhone because I was bored after many years and IOS18 was the final straw. It’s the biggest it’s ever been with constant slow downs and regular crashes.
I couldn’t decide on a new phone because everybody said HyperOS is trash…. But I finally decided to take the plunge because I wanted a nice camera and I’m so glad I didnt listen!!
Vivo was tough to find a Global Version in the UK and Oppo wasn’t quite as good in the camera department.
First of all, there is no adverts as people say. And not really any bloatware at all compared to Samsung….
This is like a seamless Google experience, compared to Samsung this is so smooth. The UI experience is so clean and I’m a huge fan of how it looks especially the wallpaper features. This feels like a very nice version of android without Samsung apps trying to replace Google apps. Google is integrated into the gallery app and it just works nicely
I have not encountered any bugs, there is no issues with heavy ram management which people have commented on (maybe on lower models).
The battery is better than my S25 Ultra.
The cameras are next level , for the cameras alone are worth the phone. I now want to get my camera out and take pictures I’m seriously impressed.
Weird as well but android auto is much smoother not sure why that would be the cases but there is a lot less delay with inputs using this phone.
I work in a low signal area and yes signal is stronger when driving around compared to the S25.
My Samsung watch also works exactly the same although I’m replacing this soon with a Garmin.
If your on the fence, I say go for it!
If you have any questions as a UK user I’m happy to help!
You’ve some great options on your list. Glad you’re enjoying the 15U.
Looking at it myself.
Did you buy a separate wireless charger or just stuck to the wired charger?
I’m gonna buy the separate wireless charge today. I got the included 120w charger but shame it’s USB A rather than USB C PD on the plug which means it’ll only charge the phone as it’s their own custom USB A but it was free. Still charges it very quickly
I have the same opinion as you. After a few days, the only ad that I got was from an app called game center, but removing its notification permission stopped the ads completely, simple as that. Not that much different from Samsung’s ads on the galaxy store, just that Xiaomi’s are a notification while Samsung is every day when you open the store. At least on the former you can disable, while the latter is impossible to do.
I’m thinking to buy 15 Ultra, but i don’t know if the camera2 api is working nice in HedgeCam or Open Camera. I don’t care portrait / tele function at all. If only the normal lens would work ok.
Does this help?
https://preview.redd.it/7xi5cxx99ywe1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cb604920d59205e9550c2cfff4d15d59ecc3903
i v seen ppl talking about bugs and many calling hyperOS tier bump, and i have NO FCKIN IDEA why
Owned it since launch, UK, came from a trusty Samsung S23Ultra and while I love the camera, and Hyper OS can be fun – there are a few elements of this ecosystem that concern me. I don’t want to throw in the towel yet, on Xiaomi.
One I realised this week was the lack of native compatability with SmartTag, Tile and the like. I have a few of these as cheap tracking devices and this phone doesn’t connect to any of them – so at present, if I lose my keys, or someone takes my car, I will not find them. Tad concerning.
Also apps will just stop sending push notifications. Eufy doorbell app will work for a while, and 2 days will go by without an alert, and I’ve missed Rings, and Motion – despite the app being on No Restrictions. Concerning.
And my main one is support – getting any type of help is tough, here is hit and miss, usually a miss. And the official forums/community page are a mess. I rarely get an answer, or ever bother asking because I know it will be a fruitless effort.
If it helps, I still use my tags that I bought with a program called Utag. Smart things works nativity now!
That’s strange about your notifications as I’ve not experienced this yet, my ring is still working but I’ll keep an eye on it for sure and come back if I get the same issues….
Thanks for the insight!
I want one so bad for the camera but I don’t know if it’s the right thing to spend this much for a phone
Thank you Level 3 should be pretty good. I wonder what is the slowest and fastest shutter speed in HedgeCam or some other 3’rd party camera app when the camera2 api is enabled?
I’ve gotten no bugs yet, maybe ios/1ui fanboys as even the old (6yo) huawei and xiaomi os were objectively ok yet they said the same
Hey comunity. Anyone has missed sms on xi 15 u?
No, been using Google messages and not missed anything so far
I wouldn’t know this much TBF as I don’t use them
I need to get on Utag! Feel lost without my SmartTags.
And yeh, Ring and Blink are perfect, just Eufy. Even though Eufy was perfect on my Samsung. Something isn’t bonding between this OS and Eufy app.
I agonised over this too. I like future proofing and genuinely keep my phones for 5+ yrs… I was upgrading from an iPhone XR… And to be honest I was looking at the iPhone 16s and for what _they_ cost I just couldn’t wrap my head around the worth. Like – I tried the cameras in store. It really wasn’t that good. Who needs this thing at this price?
I’m a photographer, and went down this rabbit hole of ,”look… If what we’re paying for in a phone these days is it’s bloody camera functions, then all these phones are overpriced trash / jumped up firework displays of toy adverts”.
I hate losing the control over shutter speed / aperture on a phone, and have been wanting to buy a compact camera for having in my pocket or taking on holiday when I didn’t want to lug my DSLR around. But then I’d need to buy an expensive phone _and_ an expensive camera.
So this was my compromise. It’s limited compared to real cameras, but above and beyond what another phone can do.
So far so good… My only complaint is the speaker quality doesn’t feel as good on calls compared to my old iPhone. But the OS is great and super easy to adapt to. And the camera really is great.
Hyperos is trash on older low end phones that most people have, same with oneui 7 as far as I’ve seen
I am a HyperOS user and have never seen an ad. I like the layer. I already liked MIUI and there has been no terminal that was bad for me with that layer : Redmi Note 3 , 5 , 7 , MI9T , Poco F3 , 12P5G and now the 14T Pro. The one who does not stop dropping MIUI or HyperOS shit will be the typical Jehovah’s Witness who has tried a Motorola and joins to say that it is a Pixel and that Xiaomi is shit because I read it on the internet as the one who also said that IOS is shit , has bought it to the years and now says that IOS is the best OS in the world.
I do not listen to anyone. Not even when it comes to drums. Where you play maybe I do not. Where you spend 5h in Tiktok I do not and they are not the same use or the same hours of screen for you to say it sucks because it makes you 4h when maybe me, with my use makes me 8h. On top of that you put screenshots and they tell you that it is a lie … in short.
To me on the 14T Pro it goes great. I know that other friends , HyperOS does not go well as the Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G in fact , a friend had to return it , to turn it on and not update the replacement leaving it in MIUI (very sad on the part of Xiaomi) because I think , that is not HyperOS made for cell phones that do not bring it as standard that is a way to load the old models so that you give way to the new ones.
To my my 14T Pro , in all updates , it lasts me the same battery. I do not update with fear. I have friends with Pixel who bought it for the 7 years of updates but when an update jumps out they are afraid to install it… silly as a piano.
We have Eufy CCTV system and had to switch off the notifications as I was getting them too often – so I know that Eufy is compatible, got a 14U but it’s pretty much the same OS and Wifi connectivity.
I’ve got the 14 Ultra so have control over shutter speed and aperture (f1.63-F4.0 1024 microstops), the main lens is still the best on any phone because of the variable aperture in my opinion and that includes this years crop of flagships. RAW is another level of phone photography if you have used a “big 3” phone before. Here’s a few that I took a couple of days ago.
https://preview.redd.it/kg5p4a6eczwe1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bea277a2f2a9557620350512ca93f280131921a3
https://preview.redd.it/7de6767jczwe1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db9451765cf2309623533992aedddb1b3646d8a3
https://preview.redd.it/9jv1pc9lczwe1.jpeg?width=2500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5638ef7378b7ab8dee3158dca888701b283486cb
https://preview.redd.it/egvc75onczwe1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3143f66a73e2f2e2aca21a65ac13ae395a7b0f59
https://preview.redd.it/fnis4jtqczwe1.jpeg?width=3265&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c2abd94d07b7a88daaf159217495140599ebfb15
https://preview.redd.it/u9od2ovsczwe1.jpeg?width=3056&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c119e1798b1487492c6d5b09d1c50e283ed234be
Yep, I’m enjoying the aperture/shutter control on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, compared to non Xiaomi phones, is what I meant!
That’s a nice shot. I still haven’t sat down to fully understand the phone/camera controls yet. Like in some modes it only lets me adjust one thing or the other, but gonna tinker around this weekend
Loving it as well. My only complaint is motion blur even when enabled, where vivo seems to nail it more often.
And wish uktrawide with better low light performance in video to match the other lenses.
Wonder if the native 35mm main lenses on Vivi x200 Ultra is better quality instead of cropping on 15 Ultra.
Wouldn’t have minded buying a Vivo but getting the global version seems difficult and the Chinese versions are a no go for me. I’m just glad to Xiaomi seems to run Google so natively and works without issues as that’s something I didn’t want to deal with.
<3 fellow mate 20 pro lover. That phone was ahead of its time.
Yes unless you use Pro mode you are restricted as everything is mostly automatic apart from EV (and physical aperture on the 14U), you can create presets and store them in Pro mode when you find the right balance and want to use it over and over again.
Love it…., my first smart watch too was the Huawei GT 2 and that thing would last 2 weeks on the battery. Well ahead of it’s time when wearOS wasn’t even a thing.
I was the same, I bought a mirrorless sony a7 a few years ago. But carrying it on my travels was difficult and I realised it was never there when I wanted it so ended up selling It!
Same here. Moved from 16 pro max to vivo x200 pro then samsung s25 ultra then xiaomi 15 ultra. Xiaomi is the smootest among all. Camera is great
Me too, that was the main reason I bought the Xiaomi for me and my wife. Many people disliked my post on the Vivo x200U forum for it. 🤣
Tbh. Many comments make funtouch out to be so bad, which isn’t true, coming from OnePlus 7 Pro it’s nice, despite some things missing or being different.
Glad to know you prefer it over the Vivo as it’s still something I will always wonder with my choice haha
Vivo’s problem is its funtouch os. Very basic. Looks like vivo never worked on its funtouch.
Ah cool… Even on the Pro mode I only seemed to be able to adjust EV, Shutter Speed, ISO, White Balance, and Auto or Manual focus… But I couldn’t see an immediate/obvious way to adjust the Aperture without switching back to Portrait mode.
Though I’ve not looked into making my own presets yet.
As with most phones the aperture is fixed on the 15U at F1.63 (main), the 14U has a mechanical variable aperture, XIaomi cited lack of physical space in the phone for the exclusion, portrait mode as all phones uses a simulated AI bokeh to blur everything around the focal point usually aided by a ToF or Lidar sensor – this does give you depth estimation errors and is not perfect on any phone. But having a wide aperture and large sensor with give you good natural blur without the need for portrait modes, just use 35/46mm from the auto/pro mode screen.
Switching RAW off in Pro mode allows you to adjust tone, tonality, saturation and texture as well.
Ahh ok… So just to idiot check my understanding, the aperture adjustment ‘simulated’ in Portrait mode isn’t something that can be also done in Pro mode for some reason? And that’s something the 14 has over the 15?
https://preview.redd.it/sghvnfx840xe1.jpeg?width=4096&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c945008f06c5048f20f5b76555b4dce0a8890f6c
Yes, the aperture setting on the 14U physically changes the aperture (hole size) on the lens, if you turn the phone around and change the aperture you can see the lens opening and closing like the pupil in your eye, this mechanism was removed on the 15U – aperture/portrait mode on every other phone uses software to generate the blur – you can shoot in PRO mode and add generated blur afterwards in the gallery editor to give a similar effect. This photo has added bokeh from the editor, focussing on the lobster pot. But as you can see, AI bokeh has it’s limitations no matter what phone you use. If you look at the B/W shot of my dogs (and colour one with the ball) that I posted in the replies (to my first post), you can see what a physical variable aperture and 1″ sensor can produce without AI bokeh.
does the phone warm up when using Instagram? also if you try gaming does it get really hot?
do you have heating issues? mine heats watching reels
thanks for review, im expecting mine to arrive on thursday 1st may. My main use will be concert videography and photos. looking for any good guides on settings etc for concert settings 🙂
Not that I’ve noticed tbh, I’ll give it more of a test later but been on reels for a good amount of time and no heat at all
Ahh that’s a shame it’s not on the 15, I’d have loved a mechanical aperture. Thanks for explaining though, I’ll have to have a look at the gallery editor.
I usually shoot on a DSLR, but love having a pretty sophisticated pocket shooter.
How dos you guya hold the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
Cuz I can’t hold without being in pain in my hands and fingers, the smartphone is so thin compared to S25 Ultra or iPhone 16 Pro Max, looks like my hands prefer the larger brick phones. Another question, how do you guys hold him without touching the GIANT COOKIE CAMERA? I’m always trying to avoid touching the lens and this is annoying, cuz S25U and iP16PM we can hold the entire phone without a GIANT brick on the back.
Do you like the 14T Pro battery life?
To me this is a lot comfier than my S25 Ultra as it’s got a nice shape. But I have big hands
Can you post pictures of the app drawer please?
I know you can amend the layout on the home screen, but can you amend the app drawer layout? I want to be able to have 5 icons across within app drawer rather than 4.
Also can you have a full weather widget on the home screen but with a transparent background? Like on Samsung?
Also if you use Spotify/YouTube music can you show me how the widgets look on home screen?
Thanks!!
Xiaomi family is only missing a desktop mode, please help us push Xiaomi to allow a desktop mode. That would make xiaomi god tier
No. I do play pubg for long hours and max heat phone gets 41.5-42 while playing and charging and i think thats normal
you’re playing while charging? do you use their 90 watt (or above) charger? if so i assume there is no heat while charging? and how do you check the temperature?
I do play for 5-6 hours and i have to charge after 4 hours of SOT with pubg and yes i do use 90w charger comes in box and to check temp i have battery guru app which keep showing temps in status bar.
does the phone heat up while charging alone (while phone is off)?
I’m very happy that I can take pictures indoors again without the awful Samsung noise and blur!
https://preview.redd.it/ab128oebz1xe1.jpeg?width=3072&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be9d9f66d033f9e44bd0277e1a06beb5d7cdb6a1
Agreed but I rarely used it so I’ll try and love without
could you answer me man, does the phone heat at all while charging alone
Hey! There isn’t a stock transparent weather widget but there are quite a few nice ones to pick. Maybe you could use a different weather app to get that effect?
No layout changed for the app draw but I use no email style anyway. Looks decent either way though and the suggestions work well.
YouTube music widgets work and look well. I’ll post pics and if I can help anymore I will.
https://preview.redd.it/nzavavio02xe1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=400b734daf12e98231b620c82a587b318fb13962
https://preview.redd.it/d2rvcd1q02xe1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=56aaa19b510010a505581649075bca92c6e502c9
Yes it does. But i think its normal. That happens with iphone 16 pro max and samsung s25 ultra aswell.
how hot does it get on /10 scale
It gets around 37.9° c
Started to slow charging speed after 36° c
if its not charging and you’re playing pubg how hot does it get? in terms of actual temperature and your feel.
sorry for too many questions but I’m highly concerned i have gotten a corrupt unit
The interface is definitely more responsive than my old Pixel. But then again it is mostly a case of snapdragon vs tensor.
I know it’s definitely compatible, the problem is that I get notifications for a week, or so, then all of a sudden I’ll get none and realise days later.
Best way is to set up on two phones if one stops receiving them you know it’s the phone if both stop then it’s the hub
That’s an expensive test, buying an identical Ultra 15 🤣
We don’t have the hub either, just the Doorbell itself.
Could u tell me how much screen on time u are getting?
I got the nillkin ice cap case and a screen protector for the 15 ultra. The protector is just slightly smaller than the case so i’m getting dust from my pockets between the case and the screen protector. Anyone able to recommend a bigger one? thank you (also UK user and loving it)
Can yiu check writing tool on dutch for me?
What do you mean on Samsing apps trying to replace Google ones? I am not that into Google ar this point but what I use (Calendar, Gmail) I use extensively. Right now debating between basw Xiaomi 15 and S25 and right now S25 is winning because of routines (would miss that from current iphone) but if Google integration ia not seamless that’s a big no go for me
For example, wallet and Samsung wallet. Some apps will allow to me to add to Google wallet, some to Samsung. When using browser it won’t detect Google pay but also doesnt have Samsung wallet support so I ended up having to have both setup to get the most from it. On Xiaomi Google is default and that’s what every app detects I have with no problems with adding passes etc which I used to have to add manually because it would support Samsung wallet.
Another example is using gboard and Samsung keyboard. I use Gboard for its ability to read one time passcodes but it rarely worked correctly on Samsung, 1/10 times it would detect the text coming through.
Next is password manager…..I would need to add my password to both Samsung and Google manager because some website would detect Samsung and some Google. Now Google works on every applications etc.
The gallery app is seamlessly intergrated with Google photos and sync on there nicely.
There might be a few more things but these things are enough to enjoy the experience more for me on Xiaomi.
I would describe it as a more pixel like experience with stock android.
Ah thank you for the detailed explanation it seems neither of those are concerns for me, but would do the same otherwise those are dealbreaker things. Dp you use the default browser? I use Chrome exclusively if you tend to use the default one that would explain the password manager thing.
I used chrome for both Samsung and the Xiaomi, it was an issue for applications that I needed to sign into, if I had a password saved in Google for instance, it would ask me to save it to Samsung pass instead as I was on galaxy.
So I would save password in chrome, and then I wouldn’t be able to seamlessly sign into the application for it because it would only use Samsung pass
Thank you very much for your loyalty and for mentioning Battery Guru.
Cheers \^\^
Sorry for delay I didn’t get a chance to drain it from full. With 15% battery still remaining and a full day I have 8hrs 30 mins SOT. Which is pretty good in my opinion as I’ve been using wireless android auto alot of the day too while driving around.
https://preview.redd.it/5ro1fxcd9gxe1.jpeg?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91cf4c18c7e269ae955508abaf492c33a7887aff
I finished the day on 10:30hrs screen on time and 14hrs since charge. The last 10% lasted forever
Just got Utag sorted, very cool. Seems to work for now! Thanks for the tip.
Just confirming your is a global model and not CN?
What was wrong with the 16 pro max? And what do you mean with smoothest of them all?
Nothing wrong.i felt boring with iphone.
Smoothest means it is battery smooth then all those
If you don’t like hyperos or oneui. What OS do you like then
I use hyperOS lmao who said I don’t like it. I said it runs bad on older phones, on new it is great. It is same with oneui 7 and a56, too laggy compared to smooth 6.1