The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to make its debut at the end of this month in China, and with the launch nearing, leaks are painting a clearer picture of the upcoming flagship. A fresh hands-on image circulating on Chinese social media reveals the phone’s industrial design, evoking the aesthetics of classic Leica cameras. If Xiaomi’s Ultra series has been about pushing imaging boundaries, this latest iteration seems poised to refine that experience even further.
A Dual-Tone Design with a Leica Rangefinder Vibe
The leaked image showcases a dual-tone finish, with a combination of what appears to be metal and vegan leather, reminiscent of the Leica M-series rangefinder cameras. The design features a stark contrast between the silver frame and the black leather-like back, reinforcing its premium feel. Xiaomi has long partnered with Leica for its smartphone imaging, but this is one of the strongest design homages yet.
The massive circular camera module dominates the top half of the device, housing an advanced quad-camera system, complete with a pill-shaped LED flash and Leica branding. The text below the branding—”LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.63-26/14-100 ASPH”—hints at the phone’s versatile lens capabilities, covering focal lengths from 14mm to 100mm.
Cutting-Edge Camera Hardware
According to leaks, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will sport four rear cameras:
- 1-inch type 50MP main sensor with f/1.63 aperture
- 50MP ultra-wide-angle lens (14mm focal length)
- 50MP short-range telephoto lens
- Periscope telephoto lens (100mm focal length, f/2.6 aperture)
This configuration suggests that Xiaomi is continuing its pursuit of DSLR-like versatility in a smartphone form factor. If the periscope telephoto lens’ equivalent aperture of f/9.828 holds true, it would place Xiaomi’s zoom capabilities in direct competition with Samsung’s flagship zoom implementations.
Refining Form and Function
A notable design choice is the distribution of materials: approximately one-quarter of the back panel is metal, while the remaining three-quarters adopt a leather-like finish, reinforcing the camera-inspired look. The ergonomics of the device remain a concern, though, given that a 6,000mAh battery is rumored to be packed inside, potentially pushing the device’s weight well over 200 grams.
The rear camera placement aligns with previous renders, but the final execution is more industrial and functional than purely aesthetic. The sheer size of the circular module ensures that Xiaomi has prioritized imaging technology over minimalism.
Power and Performance
Beyond photography, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is expected to feature the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite chipset, running on Android 15 with Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2.0. While 90W wired charging remains unchanged from the previous Ultra model, the rumored 6,000mAh battery represents a substantial boost in endurance. The device is likely to debut alongside the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra electric vehicle at a launch event on February 28 in China, followed by a global unveiling at MWC Barcelona in March.
Final Thoughts: A Photographer’s Dream?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra appears to be a serious contender in the mobile photography space, doubling down on Leica-inspired aesthetics and professional-grade optics. While its size and weight might not appeal to every user, photography enthusiasts will likely appreciate the ergonomic grip offered by the leather-textured back. If Xiaomi executes its software optimizations correctly, the 15 Ultra could rival the best camera phones of 2025.
With just weeks left until the official announcement, more details will likely emerge. Whether this design-first approach translates to real-world usability remains to be seen, but for now, Xiaomi seems to be crafting a Leica-inspired imaging powerhouse.
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