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Xiaomi 15T Pro Review: The Flagship Killer Returns with a Leica Lens and Ludicrous Speed

Xiaomi 15T Pro Review: The Flagship Killer Returns with a Leica Lens and Ludicrous Speed

Posted about 1 month ago

Created At: 6 Oct 2025,

Updated At: 6 Oct 2025

Xiaomi 15T Pro: Leica camera, 90W charging, Dimensity 9400+, 144Hz display, £549 flagship killer.

The "flagship killer" is a term we tech journalists throw around a lot, but few phones truly live up to the name. It implies a device that offers 90% of the ultra-premium experience for 70% of the price. For years, Xiaomi's T-series has been a top contender for that title, and with the launch of the Xiaomi 15T Pro, the company isn't just knocking on the door of the flagship club, it's trying to kick it clean off its hinges.

After spending some time with this device, it's clear Xiaomi has focused its efforts on three core pillars: a versatile, Leica-branded camera system; a performance package that challenges the very best; and charging speeds that make you question the laws of physics. But in a fiercely competitive market, with titans like the Google Pixel 10 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S25 waiting in the wings, has Xiaomi made the right compromises? Let's dive into our full Xiaomi 15T Pro review.

Design and Build: Premium, but Playing it Safe

Unboxing the 15T Pro, you're greeted with a device that feels reassuringly dense and well-crafted. The aluminium frame is cool to the touch, and the gently curved back (available in glass or a more tactile fibreglass finish) sits comfortably in the hand. At 210 grams, it has some heft, but at a slender 7.96mm, it never feels unwieldy.

The front is dominated by a flat display protected by Corning's Gorilla Glass 7i, a sensible choice that avoids the accidental touches common with curved screens. The Leica branding, subtly etched next to the camera module, adds a touch of class and photographic pedigree.

Whilst the build quality is undeniable, some might find the overall design a little... familiar. In an era of distinctive camera bars and futuristic foldables, the 15T Pro's aesthetic is handsome but conservative. It feels premium, no doubt, but it doesn't scream for attention in the same way some of its rivals do.

Display: A Dazzlingly Bright and Buttery Smooth Panel

Firing up the 6.83-inch AMOLED screen is an immediate "wow" moment. This is, without question, a flagship-grade panel. With a peak brightness of 3200 nits, outdoor visibility is simply a non-issue; the screen cuts through direct sunlight with ease. The resolution of 2772 x 1280 pixels results in a crisp 447 PPI, making text and images look razor-sharp.

But the real star is the motion. The "Up to 144Hz" refresh rate makes everything from scrolling through social media to navigating the HyperOS interface feel incredibly fluid. For gamers, a special "Game Turbo" mode boosts the touch sampling rate to an insane 2560Hz, ensuring every tap and swipe is registered instantly.

Colours are a particular highlight, with support for 68 billion colours and the DCI-P3 gamut. Content that supports Dolby Vision or HDR10+ looks spectacular, with deep blacks and vibrant highlights. Some early testers have noted that the colours can feel a touch oversaturated out of the box compared to the more natural tones of a Pixel, but Xiaomi's "Original Colour Pro" setting helps dial this back for those who prefer accuracy. Features like Wet Touch, which improves usability in the rain, and a suite of TÜV certifications for eye comfort are welcome, practical additions.

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Performance and Thermals: The Dimensity 9400+ Arrives in Style

Under the bonnet, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is one of the first phones to sport MediaTek's new Dimensity 9400+ chipset. Built on a cutting-edge 3nm process, this thing is an absolute monster. Early Geekbench leaks suggest its multi-core scores are nipping at the heels of the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, and in day-to-day use, it feels utterly unstoppable. Apps open instantly, multitasking with a dozen apps is seamless, and graphically intense games run at their highest settings without a single stutter.

A common concern with such powerful chips is the potential for Xiaomi 15T Pro overheating, but the company seems to have tackled this head-on. The new Xiaomi 3D IceLoop cooling system is remarkably effective. In our sustained gaming sessions, the device became warm, as expected, but it never reached the uncomfortable temperatures we've seen on some previous-generation flagships. This improved thermal management means the phone can maintain its peak performance for longer without throttling.

Paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and blisteringly fast UFS 4.1 storage, this is a performance package that will satisfy even the most demanding power user for years to come.

Camera System: Leica's Magic Trickles Down

This is where the 15T Pro truly stakes its claim. The partnership with Leica is more than just a brand name on the back; it infuses the entire photographic experience.

The Main and Telephoto Shooters

The main camera uses a 50MP Light Fusion 900 sensor with a wide f/1.62 aperture and OIS. It produces stunningly detailed and bright shots, especially in low light. But it's the Leica colour science that really elevates the experience. You can choose between "Leica Authentic," for a classic, contrast-heavy look, and "Leica Vibrant," which adds a modern, poppy feel without going overboard.

The real surprise, however, is the telephoto lens. As one user aptly put it, "Finally, a 5x telephoto in a sub-£700 phone, this is a game-changer." This 50MP sensor with 5x optical zoom (a 115mm equivalent) brings a level of photographic versatility rarely seen at this price point. It allows for genuinely usable long-range shots and beautiful, naturally compressed portraits. Many have been sharing their impressive Xiaomi 15T Pro camera samples online, showcasing its impressive reach.

The 12MP ultra-wide is the weakest link in the trio. It's perfectly serviceable for landscape shots in good light, but it lacks the detail and sharpness of the other two lenses and can't compete with the ultra-wide cameras on more expensive rivals.

Video and Software Prowess

On the video front, the 15T Pro is a creative powerhouse. It can shoot in 8K at 30fps and, more practically, 4K at up to 120fps for incredible slow-motion effects. The inclusion of HDR10+ recording and professional-grade LOG profiles gives serious videographers plenty to work with. Xiaomi's ProFocus system, which offers motion and eye-tracking autofocus, is another welcome high-end feature.

Battery and Charging: Setting a New Standard

If there's one area where the Xiaomi 15T Pro demolishes its competition, it's this. The combination of a massive 5500mAh battery and ludicrously fast charging is simply class-leading.

In our testing, the Xiaomi 15T Pro battery life was excellent, comfortably lasting a full day and a half of moderate use, and often stretching to two full days with lighter usage.

When you do need to top up, the Xiaomi 15T Pro charging speed is astonishing. The 90W HyperCharge wired charging takes the phone from 0 to 100% in just under 20 minutes. It's a feature that genuinely changes how you use your phone; battery anxiety becomes a thing of the past. The 50W wireless charging is also faster than what many rivals offer wired.

However, this comes with a significant catch: Xiaomi has followed Apple and Samsung's lead by removing the charger from the box. This has, understandably, caused some frustration. As one user commented, "Charging from 0-100% in under 20 minutes feels unreal, but I hate that they removed the charger from the box." It's a frustrating cost-cutting measure on an otherwise stellar feature.

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Connectivity: Future-Proofed and One Unique Trick

Xiaomi has packed the 15T Pro with the latest connectivity standards. You get Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, comprehensive 5G support, and the flexibility of using either a nano-SIM and an eSIM or two eSIMs.

The most intriguing new feature is Xiaomi Astral Communication. This allows for direct, offline phone-to-phone calls over a proprietary connection, with a claimed range of up to 1.9km. In practice, it's a niche feature that will likely only be useful in remote areas without cellular service. Still, it's a fascinating piece of innovation that shows Xiaomi is willing to experiment.

Software and Features: HyperOS Gets Smarter

The phone runs on Xiaomi's HyperOS 2, which is a clean, fast, and feature-rich interface built on Android. The big story this year is the deep integration of AI. Xiaomi HyperAI offers a suite of on-device tools for writing assistance, real-time translation, and intelligent search. This is bolstered by Google Gemini, which powers features like "Circle to Search."

The software is responsive and packed with customisation options. However, a lingering concern for many prospective buyers is the Xiaomi HyperOS 2 update policy. Whilst Google and Samsung now promise seven years of updates for their flagship devices, Xiaomi's commitment remains less clear, which could be a deciding factor for those who plan to keep their phones for the long haul. "HyperOS is fine, but I don't trust Xiaomi to update it for long. That's why I'm leaning Pixel," a sentiment from an online forum, perfectly captures this apprehension.

Pricing and Availability

The Xiaomi 15T Pro officially launches on October 6, 2025, with pre-orders live since September 24. For those who pre-order, there is chatter about a potential Xiaomi 15T Pro preorder bonus, likely including a free case or the 90W charging brick.

In the UK, the base 12GB + 256GB model is priced at approximately £649. The official Xiaomi 15T Pro price positions it as a direct competitor to Google's upcoming Pixel 10 Pro and the base Samsung Galaxy S25. As is typical for the T-series, an official US release is not confirmed.

Competitor Snapshot

Xiaomi 15T Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro

This is the key battleground. The Xiaomi 15T Pro vs Pixel 10 Pro debate comes down to a classic hardware versus software showdown. The Pixel will almost certainly offer superior computational photography, a cleaner Android experience, and that unbeatable seven-year update promise. Its AI features will likely be more deeply and seamlessly integrated.

However, the Xiaomi 15T Pro wins on raw hardware specs. It offers a more versatile camera system with its 5x optical zoom, dramatically faster charging, and potentially more raw horsepower from its Dimensity chip. For the power user who values hardware flexibility and charging speed, the Xiaomi is an incredibly compelling alternative.

Regional Reception

The launch has been met with varied but generally positive reactions globally. In the EU, particularly Germany and Spain, strong pre-order numbers have been driven by the Leica branding. UK media has praised the phone's value, though some note that with VAT, the price creeps closer to its Pixel rival. In Asia, the reception has been overwhelmingly strong, with the camera and charging being the main selling points. Unsurprisingly, with no official US release, the buzz is limited to enthusiast importers.

Final Thoughts: The People's Flagship?

The Xiaomi 15T Pro is a phenomenal device that delivers on almost all of its promises. It offers a top-tier display, blistering performance, and a battery and charging system that leads the entire industry. The addition of a genuinely useful 5x telephoto lens, powered by Leica's excellent colour science, makes it a photographic powerhouse for its price.

However, it's not perfect. The ultra-wide camera is a step behind the competition, the lack of an in-box charger is an annoyance, and the uncertainty around its long-term software support remains a valid concern.

Pros:

Brilliant 144Hz AMOLED display with incredible brightness
Top-tier performance from the Dimensity 9400+ chipset
Versatile Leica camera system with a standout 5x telephoto lens
Class-leading battery life and mind-blowingly fast 90W charging
Premium build quality

Cons:

No charger included in the box
Software update policy lags behind Google and Samsung
The 12MP ultra-wide camera is only average
Design is effective but lacks a distinct personality

So, who is the Xiaomi 15T Pro for? It's for the tech enthusiast who prioritises tangible hardware, the person who wants the best possible screen, the fastest possible charging, and a versatile camera with real optical zoom. If you value those things over the promise of seven years of software updates, and you're willing to buy your own charger, then this isn't just a flagship killer. It might just be your perfect flagship.