A New Chapter for Xiaomi Starts May 22
May 22, 2025, marks a milestone for Xiaomi. The tech giant unveiled a trio of game-changing products: its first OLED tablet, the long-awaited electric SUV U7, and most notably, the Xiaomi 15S Pro—powered by the brand’s first in-house processor, the XR01.
After years of research and earlier attempts like the Surge S1, Xiaomi is officially joining the ranks of chip-makers like Apple, Google, Huawei, and Samsung. While the 15S Pro may not look much different from the Xiaomi 15 Pro, the power lies within, and for enthusiasts, this is a historic moment.
The XR01 SoC is more than just a spec sheet entry—it’s a symbol of Xiaomi’s maturity as a tech company. Whether or not this phone ends up in your pocket, it’s bound to shape the conversation in 2025. Let’s break it down.
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Unboxing and Packaging: Bigger Box, Bigger Statement
The Xiaomi 15S Pro comes in a strikingly oversized box, a rarity reminiscent of the Mi 10 Ultra’s 10th Anniversary Edition. It’s not just for show—inside you’ll find a silver-finished 90W charger (still USB-A), a USB-C cable, a custom case, and even a red fabric lanyard with a metal tag that clips between the case and phone.
It’s flashy and functional, clearly positioned to make the unboxing feel premium. The phone itself sits hidden at the bottom, nestled like a collector’s piece. Xiaomi is making sure this launch feels special, even before you power the device on.
Processor – XR01: Xiaomi’s Leap into the Chip Game
The headlining feature of the 15S Pro is the XR01 chip—Xiaomi’s first self-developed flagship-tier SoC. Manufactured by TSMC on its 3nm Gen 2 process, this chip clocks in at 3.9GHz and is designed to rival Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite and Dimensity 9400.
It’s not the first time a smartphone brand made its own chip—Apple has M-series and A-series, Google has Tensor, and Huawei had Kirin—but for Xiaomi, this marks a return to a dream it first chased with the Surge S1 back in 2014. And now, it has reached performance parity with today’s top-tier processors. For consumers, more chipmakers means more innovation and better options.
Performance and Experience: Familiar Yet Remarkable
On paper and in early real-world tests, the 15S Pro feels nearly identical to the Snapdragon-powered 15 Pro. Navigation is fluid, apps launch without a hitch, and multitasking is smooth. Xiaomi’s optimization with HyperOS helps squeeze every bit of performance from XR01.
Gamers may not notice a huge difference just yet—Xiaomi still needs time to fully exploit XR01’s graphics capabilities. However, the real win here is stability. No crashes, no compatibility issues, and a smooth user experience across major apps including those dependent on Google Mobile Services. This isn’t just a beta test—it’s a full-fledged launch.
Camera & ISP: A New Brain, A Familiar Eye
Swapping SoCs also means a new ISP and reworked camera algorithms. Xiaomi has experience here thanks to its previous Surge C-series ISP chips used in models like the Mi Mix Fold and Mi 11 Ultra. That experience shows. Early test shots from the 15S Pro exhibit excellent dynamic range, true-to-life colors, and competent low-light handling.
While we’re still preparing a full camera comparison with the 15 Pro, initial impressions suggest parity at worst, with a few situations where the new ISP edges ahead. The triple-lens system includes a main wide sensor, ultra-wide, and 3x telephoto—identical to the 15 Pro, but running new computational photography software. Xiaomi’s tuning seems more natural and less processed this time around.
Design Differences vs. Xiaomi 15 Pro: Spot the 4 Subtle Tweaks
At a glance, the Xiaomi 15S Pro is nearly indistinguishable from the 15 Pro. But look closer, and four small yet symbolic differences emerge. First, the flash module has a decorative ring highlighting the XR01 logo. Second, there are two new finishes—carbon fiber and a vivid blue.
Third, the screen protector now includes an anti-reflective coating. Fourth, the power button has a tiny metallic accent as a nod to the phone’s special status. These changes won’t affect usability, but they’re the kind of subtle signals that collectors and fans will appreciate. The overall feel, size, and ergonomics are identical.
Hardware & Specs: Nearly a Mirror of the 15 Pro
Apart from the XR01 and a faster UFS module for internal storage, the Xiaomi 15S Pro mirrors the 15 Pro in hardware. That means a 6.73-inch AMOLED panel at 2K resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision support, an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, and 5000mAh battery with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging.
Dual stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon return, and there’s IP68 certification as well. Simply put, everything you loved about the 15 Pro—except the Snapdragon chip—is still here. Buy on Giztop now!
Market Position & Verdict: A Flagship for the Faithful
Xiaomi isn’t targeting the average consumer with the 15S Pro. This is an enthusiast phone, an engineering statement, and a flex to the rest of the tech industry. If you already own a Xiaomi 15 Pro, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade—performance and experience are nearly identical.
But if you’re a Xiaomi loyalist, a developer, or someone who wants to support the growth of alternative SoCs, this phone is worth your attention. The XR01 proves that Xiaomi can go toe-to-toe with Qualcomm and MediaTek. And while this isn’t yet a must-buy, it is a must-watch. The future of Xiaomi’s chips just got real. Buy on Giztop now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What is the XR01 chip in the Xiaomi 15S Pro?
- The XR01 is Xiaomi’s first self-developed flagship smartphone processor, built on TSMC’s 3nm Gen 2 process, offering performance close to Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Elite.
Is the Xiaomi 15S Pro better than the 15 Pro?
- Performance is nearly identical, but the 15S Pro features Xiaomi’s new in-house chip and minor design tweaks, making it ideal for enthusiasts.
Does the Xiaomi 15S Pro support Google apps?
- Yes, it runs HyperOS with full Google Mobile Services support and no app compatibility issues.
- Buy on Giztop now!
