Xiaomi 15T & 15T Pro: Impressive Phones Facing a Short Lifespan
▼ Summary
– Xiaomi announced the 15T and 15T Pro phones, which are powerful near-flagship devices with MediaTek processors and up to 1TB of storage.
– Both phones feature large 6.83-inch OLED displays, are very thin, and share an IP68 rating and a 5,500mAh battery.
– The 15T Pro has an impressive camera system, including a fantastic main camera and a 50-megapixel 5x periscope telephoto lens that performs well.
– A key feature is satellite voice calling, but it is currently limited to calls between other 15T phone users.
– The 15T Pro is priced starting at £649, while the 15T starts at £549, and both launch with Android 15.
Xiaomi’s latest 15T and 15T Pro present a compelling blend of high-end features at competitive prices, though their arrival just before the next flagship announcement creates an unusual market position. These devices pack MediaTek’s powerful Dimensity chipsets, generous memory configurations, and robust camera systems into sleek, large-screen designs. Having tested the Pro model extensively during travel, its performance and battery longevity stand out as significant strengths.
Under the hood, the standard 15T utilizes the Dimensity 8400-Ultra, while the Pro variant steps up to the more potent Dimensity 9400 Plus. Both models come equipped with 12GB of RAM and offer substantial storage options, reaching 512GB for the 15T and a full 1TB for the Pro. This hardware ensures smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking.
The visual experience is dominated by expansive 6.83-inch OLED displays, making these phones larger than even the 15 Pro and 15 Ultra models. Despite their size, both maintain a remarkably thin profile of under 8mm. The Pro distinguishes itself with a smoother 144Hz refresh rate, compared to the standard model, enhancing the fluidity of scrolling and animations. They launch with Android 15, with a confirmed upgrade path to Android 16 and HyperOS 3 later this year.
Durability and battery life are key highlights. Both handsets boast an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance and are powered by a substantial 5,500mAh battery. The Pro model adds the convenience of wireless charging to its repertoire. In practical use, the battery proved exceptionally resilient, easily lasting through full days of heavy usage involving photography, navigation, and constant connectivity.
Photography is where these phones truly excel. The 15T Pro’s triple-camera array features a superb 50-megapixel main sensor, a competent 12-megapixel ultrawide, and an impressive 50-megapixel telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. This periscope lens delivers excellent results in various conditions, closely challenging the capabilities of more expensive Ultra models. The standard 15T employs different sensors for its main and telephoto cameras, the latter offering a 2x zoom with a brighter f/1.9 aperture. Both share the same 32-megapixel front-facing camera.
A novel feature is the inclusion of satellite voice calling, a first for Xiaomi phones outside China. This technology allows calls without cellular or Wi-Fi networks, with a range of up to 1.3km for the 15T and 1.9km for the Pro. However, its current limitation to calls between other 15T series users significantly restricts its immediate practicality for most consumers.
The phones are available now in the UK, with the Xiaomi 15T Pro starting at £649 and the standard 15T beginning at £549. They offer a premium experience, though their timing so close to a new flagship launch may give potential buyers pause for thought.
(Source: The Verge)
