The Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are two of the most powerful camera phones available. Both boast impressive specs and advanced features. But which one reigns supreme in the photography arena? We put them head-to-head to find out.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Both phones utilize the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Samsung emphasizes its “For Galaxy” optimization, while Xiaomi collaborates with Leica for camera hardware and software enhancements, aiming to surpass even the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera prowess. The S25 Ultra features a 200MP main camera, a 50MP wide-angle, a 50MP 5x optical periscope zoom, and a 10MP 3x optical zoom. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra also has a 200MP main camera, but differentiates itself with a 50MP main camera, a 50MP wide-angle, a 50MP 3x optical zoom, and a 50MP 4.3x optical zoom. For this comparison, we focused on the near-equivalent 4.3x and 5x optical zoom capabilities. Images were captured in diverse conditions over several days and resized for optimal online viewing.
Main Camera Performance
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra (using the Leica Vibrant setting) exhibited warmer tones compared to the S25 Ultra’s cooler approach. This difference in color interpretation is evident in the sample image of a tree in a field. The Xiaomi also demonstrates a more pronounced depth of field, as seen in the close-up daffodil photo.
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra excelled in detail and sharpness, especially noticeable in the shop interior photo. The S25 Ultra exhibited a slight haze and blurring in detail, a characteristic we observed in our initial review. This gives the Xiaomi 15 Ultra a significant advantage.
Wide-Angle Lens Comparison
A wide-angle photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A wide-angle photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
The wide-angle comparison is less clear-cut. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra captured more detail, while the S25 Ultra sometimes produced more vibrant colors, albeit with a slightly processed look.
A wide-angle photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A wide-angle photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
In challenging lighting, the S25 Ultra’s wide-angle lens performed surprisingly well, capturing more detail and exhibiting better exposure indoors. This balances out the Xiaomi’s advantages in other areas, resulting in a draw.
Zoom Capabilities Tested
A 3x zoom photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A 3x zoom photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
At 3x zoom, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra showcased superior sharpness and detail. However, at higher zoom levels, the S25 Ultra’s 5x optical zoom outperformed the Xiaomi’s 4.3x zoom, exhibiting more natural colors and detail.
A 4.3x zoom photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A 5x zoom photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
At even higher zoom levels (10x and beyond), the S25 Ultra occasionally struggled with stability, resulting in some blur. However, its color reproduction and exposure were often more natural. The Xiaomi, while sharper at times, sometimes overexposed images. This makes it difficult to declare a definitive winner in the zoom category, ultimately giving the edge to the Xiaomi due to its performance at 30x and 100x.
Night Mode Performance
A photo taken with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
A photo taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.
In extremely low-light conditions, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra produced sharper, more color-accurate images with less processing. This was evident in the near-darkness photo of cars. The Xiaomi also excelled in night sky photography, capturing more pleasing colors and less blur, even with a three-second handheld exposure.
Conclusion: Xiaomi 15 Ultra Emerges Victorious
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra takes the crown in this camera comparison, outperforming the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in several key areas. While the S25 Ultra held its own in wide-angle photography and offered specific advantages at certain zoom levels, the Xiaomi’s overall consistency, sharpness, and low-light performance ultimately give it the edge. This isn’t to say the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has a bad camera; both phones offer excellent camera systems. However, for the discerning mobile photographer, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra appears to be the current champion.
