Xiaomi 15 vs Xiaomi 14: What’s New and What’s Not?

At first glance, the Xiaomi 15 and its predecessor, the Xiaomi 14, look strikingly similar, with only subtle design tweaks distinguishing them. However, beneath the surface, the Xiaomi 15 packs several upgrades, from a new chipset to a larger battery and refined software features. In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into what sets these two phones apart and whether the Xiaomi 15 justifies its place as the successor.

Design and Build: A Familiar Look with Subtle Changes

The Xiaomi 15 doesn’t stray far from the design philosophy of the Xiaomi 14, with the overall look remaining quite similar. Both devices feature the signature camera island on the top-left corner, enclosed in a square housing with Leica branding. However, Xiaomi made a few small but noticeable changes to the Xiaomi 15‘s camera island. The flash has been moved outside of the camera module to a slit, giving the appearance of a quad-camera setup, even though it still only has a triple rear camera.

Another design tweak is the back panel. The Xiaomi 15 is slightly slimmer than its predecessor, and the glass is now frosted on certain color variants, as opposed to the smooth design of the Xiaomi 14. The frosted back adds a touch of elegance to the design, although it might just be the result of colorway differences. Overall, the design is sleek, with IP68 water and dust resistance standard across both devices.

The Xiaomi 15 is also slightly thinner, offering a more ergonomic feel while maintaining the essential elements like the USB-C port, dual SIM card slot, and stereo speakers at the bottom. Both phones share the same volume rocker and power button on the right side.

Display: No Major Change, but Subtle Improvements

The display on both the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14 is nearly identical. Both phones boast a 6.36-inch LTPO OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, making them excellent for multimedia consumption. The Xiaomi 15 offers a slightly higher peak brightness than the Xiaomi 14, but in regular use, this difference is minimal. When the brightness is cranked up to its max, the Xiaomi 15 shines a bit brighter when viewed from an angle.

In terms of color accuracy and contrast, both phones perform well, with deep blacks and vivid colors. Whether you’re watching movies or scrolling through photos, both displays provide a visually satisfying experience. Gaming also feels smooth thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate on both devices, ensuring fast touch response for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Audio: Similar Stereo Speakers, with Minor Improvements

When it comes to audio, there haven’t been any major changes with the Xiaomi 15. Both the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14 have dual stereo speakers that are loud but lack an impressive soundstage. While they’re adequate for everyday use, for those who want a more immersive experience, pairing your phone with Bluetooth headphones or speakers is recommended.

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Camera: The Real Upgrade

The Xiaomi 15 features a triple rear camera setup, just like the Xiaomi 14, with a 50MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto, and a 50MP ultra-wide sensor, all tuned by Leica. At first glance, the camera specs look almost identical. However, the Xiaomi 15 comes with some significant camera upgrades, particularly with the zoom capabilities.

With the Xiaomi 15, telephoto shots are notably sharper and more detailed, especially when compared to the Xiaomi 14. The new telephoto sensor used on the Xiaomi 15 provides better clarity and detail in zoomed-in shots, which is evident in comparison images between the two phones.

Moreover, the Xiaomi 15 introduces the Master Cinema Mode for video, which brings a cinematic look to your videos, similar to the way images are processed using the Leica modes. The Xiaomi 14, however, does not have this feature and produces more neutral-toned videos.

In terms of video resolution, the Xiaomi 15 tops out at 8K at 30fps, similar to the Xiaomi 14. However, when using Master Cinema Mode, the Xiaomi 15 is limited to 4K at 30fps. Overall, the Xiaomi 15 offers more refined image and video quality, making it a better choice for users who prioritize mobile photography.

Performance: Flagship Power, Minor Differences

Both the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14 come equipped with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of internal storage. The performance difference lies in the chipset powering these devices. The Xiaomi 15 is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, while the Xiaomi 14 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.

In real-world use, there’s not a huge difference in everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, or multimedia consumption. Both phones are fast, snappy, and handle daily tasks without any hiccups. Gaming performance is also stellar on both phones, running demanding games like Genshin Impact and Diablo Immortal on the highest settings without noticeable lag.

 

That said, benchmark scores show a slight advantage for the Xiaomi 15, with a score of 2.2 million compared to the Xiaomi 14’s 1.9 million. This translates to a slight edge in performance, particularly for users who run intensive apps or multitask frequently.

However, both devices still experience heating issues when playing heavy games for extended periods, although this doesn’t seem to impact performance, as gameplay remains smooth.

Battery Life: A Major Upgrade

One of the most significant improvements in the Xiaomi 15 is the battery. It comes with a 5,400mAh lithium-polymer battery, which is notably larger than the 4,610mAh battery in the Xiaomi 14. This increase in battery capacity, coupled with the Snapdragon 8 Elite’s improved energy efficiency, results in a significant battery life boost.

The Xiaomi 15 outlasts the Xiaomi 14 by almost 6 hours and 30 minutes in PCMark’s battery test. The Xiaomi 15 recorded 21 hours and 55 minutes, while the Xiaomi 14 only lasted 15 hours and 24 minutes. This is a noticeable improvement and means you can go longer between charges. Both phones still support 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, ensuring fast power-ups when needed.

Pros and Cons of the Xiaomi 15

Pros:

• Improved Camera Performance: The Xiaomi 15 offers enhanced zoom capabilities and better image processing compared to the Xiaomi 14, especially noticeable in the telephoto shots.
• Master Cinema Mode for Video: This unique feature provides a more cinematic look to your videos, which adds extra value for content creators and video enthusiasts.
• Larger Battery: With a 5,400mAh battery, the Xiaomi 15 offers significantly longer battery life, outlasting the Xiaomi 14 by almost 6.5 hours.
• Faster Charging: Supports 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, ensuring quick power-ups.
• Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset: The new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor offers better performance and energy efficiency, contributing to a smooth and efficient experience.

Cons:

• Similar Design: While the Xiaomi 15 introduces subtle changes, the overall design is quite similar to the Xiaomi 14, which may disappoint users seeking a more distinct look.
• Heating Issues During Heavy Gaming: Both phones have issues with heating up when playing demanding games for extended periods.
• No Significant Audio Improvements: While the dual stereo speakers are loud, the soundstage is not great, and there are no notable improvements from the Xiaomi 14.
• Limited Video Quality in Master Cinema Mode: In Master Cinema Mode, the Xiaomi 15 is restricted to 4K at 30fps, which may limit some users seeking 8K video recording or higher frame rates.
• Price: At the same price as the Xiaomi 14, the Xiaomi 15’s improvements may not justify an upgrade for users with the previous model, especially considering it’s not a revolutionary change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Xiaomi 15

1. What’s the difference between the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 15?

• Answer: The Xiaomi 15 features a new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a larger 5,400mAh battery, improved camera processing (especially in zoom shots), and the introduction of Master Cinema Mode for video. While the design remains similar, the Xiaomi 15 brings key upgrades in performance, battery life, and camera capabilities compared to the Xiaomi 14.

2. Does the Xiaomi 15 have better battery life than the Xiaomi 14?

• Answer: Yes, the Xiaomi 15 has a 5,400mAh battery, which lasts significantly longer than the Xiaomi 14’s 4,610mAh battery. In PCMark’s battery test, the Xiaomi 15 lasted 21 hours and 55 minutes, compared to 15 hours and 24 minutes for the Xiaomi 14.

3. Is the Xiaomi 15 worth upgrading from the Xiaomi 14?

• Answer: If you’re already using the Xiaomi 14, the Xiaomi 15 offers incremental improvements like better camera processing, longer battery life, and a more efficient chipset. If these features are important to you and you’re not using an older device, it might be worth upgrading. However, if you’re satisfied with the Xiaomi 14, the upgrades may not justify the cost.

4. What’s the camera performance like on the Xiaomi 15?

• Answer: The Xiaomi 15 boasts an impressive 50MP triple-camera setup. The telephoto camera offers better image quality, especially in zoomed-in shots, compared to the Xiaomi 14. It also introduces Master Cinema Mode, which elevates video quality, giving a cinematic look.

5. Can the Xiaomi 15 record 8K video?

• Answer: Yes, the Xiaomi 15 can record 8K video at 30fps, similar to the Xiaomi 14. However, when using Master Cinema Mode, video recording is limited to 4K at 30fps.

6. Does the Xiaomi 15 have wireless charging?

• Answer: Yes, the Xiaomi 15 supports 50W wireless charging, which is an upgrade over many devices in its price range. It also supports 90W wired charging for faster power-ups.

7. Does the Xiaomi 15 have any major design changes from the Xiaomi 14?

• Answer: The design of the Xiaomi 15 is very similar to the Xiaomi 14, with only subtle differences such as a slimmer body and frosted glass back in some colorways. The camera island has a more flowing design, and the LED flash is now outside the camera module.

8. What’s the gaming performance like on the Xiaomi 15?

• Answer: The Xiaomi 15 can handle demanding games like Genshin Impact and Diablo Immortal on the highest settings. However, both the Xiaomi 14 and Xiaomi 15 experience heating issues during extended gaming sessions, but performance remains smooth despite the temperature rise.

9. What’s the price of the Xiaomi 15?

• Answer: The Xiaomi 15 starts at ₱4,999 for the 12GB RAM + 256GB storage variant, which is the same starting price as the Xiaomi 14. Prices may vary depending on the storage variant and region.

10. How does the Xiaomi 15 compare to other flagship phones?

• Answer: The Xiaomi 15 competes well with other flagship phones, offering a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 50MP Leica-tuned camera, and fast charging. However, it faces stiff competition from brands like Samsung and Apple, who also offer powerful features, particularly in terms of camera quality and software optimization.