Xiaomi 15 (2024)

I was in search of a compact yet powerful phone with top-tier cameras and flagship specs after a disappointing experience with a Pixel 9. The screen failed within six months, leading me to research alternatives. After selling the new Pixel 9 I received as warranty replacement, I opted to buy the Xiaomi 15 (global version) from mymobile.com.au. … Read more

Pros:

* Comprehensive box contents including a case, preapplied screen protector, and a fast charger. * Top of the line Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset provides enough power to handle anything you throw at it. * Impressive battery life lasting up to two days with frequent use or longer if used sparingly, and rapid charging (~25 minutes from 0% to 80%). Supports high-speed wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. * Excellent 6.36" AMOLED, can easily see in direct sunlight using auto brightness mode. Love the enhancement toolbox for video and gaming, akin to TV settings, things like dynamic contrast and motion smoothing. High frame variable frame rate from 1-120hz. Slightly higher than usual resolution at 1200p. * Sound comes with dolby and other audio enhancements via the toolbox. While speakers are great at mids for a mobile and deliver clear dialogue, they do lack in bass (which is expected for a phone). Supports all the latest Bluetooth audio codecs. * Outstanding camera performance, particularly with the main and zoom lenses enhanced by Leica. Main camera excels in all conditions, while the zoom camera produces impressive bokeh in portrait mode. Wide camera performs adequately, though it lacks autofocus, but this isn't an issue for me as I only use it for landscapes. * Xiaomi HyperOS has a clean and aesthetically pleasing interface with smooth animations.

Cons:

* Comes with significant bloatware, but removable using this guide: https://github.com/JeanLuX/public/blob/main/REMOVE-BLOATWARE-XIAOMI-15-ULTRA.md * Missing extra dim mode for night use, though can be enabled natively with this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.szalkowski.activitylauncher * While most common settings can be easily found, a few Hyperos-specific settings are more difficult to adjust then they need to be. * Tends to heat up during charging or intensive gaming sessions.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Xiaomi 15 has exceeded my expectations with its compact size and robust feature set. It performs admirably in all aspects, and I have yet to encounter any major drawbacks. While its long-term reliability remains to be seen, my experience thus far has been excellent. I highly recommend it for those seeking a powerful yet manageable smartphone. The folks at mymobile.com.au were very helpful and provide an Australian warranty.

Included a couple photos taken with the cameras.