Flagship phones are known for their impressive cameras, but Xiaomi is pushing the boundaries of mobile photography with its latest offering, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. Partnering with Leica, the renowned camera maker, Xiaomi aims to deliver a photo powerhouse that redefines mobile imaging. But that's not all - Google is also making changes to how we authenticate our Gmail accounts.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: A Camera-Centric Marvel
Under the hood, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is powered by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, coupled with up to 16GB of RAM and a massive 1TB of storage. This ensures smooth performance and ample space for all your photos and videos. The phone also packs a hefty 6,000 mAh battery, surpassing the capacity of many competitors like Apple, Google, and Samsung. Fast charging is also a key feature, with wired speeds reaching up to 90 watts and wireless charging at 80 watts. And, unlike many phones sold in the US, a power adapter is included in the box.
The display is equally impressive, featuring a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a 1-120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,200 nits. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is available in three stylish color options: a white model with an etched back, a black model with a rubbery textured finish, and a special Silver Chrome edition inspired by classic Leica cameras.
The camera module on the back is undoubtedly the star of the show. Unlike similar designs on other phones, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's circular camera module houses a serious array of lenses and sensors. The 23mm equivalent main camera features a massive 1-inch 50-megapixel Sony sensor. For wide-angle shots, there's a 50MP ultrawide camera. And for zooming, the phone boasts not one, but two zoom lenses: a 50MP midrange shooter with a 70mm focal length and a super high-resolution 200MP periscope array with a 100mm focal length, offering a 4.7x optical zoom.
The partnership with Leica extends beyond the hardware, with preset Leica filters like Vibrant and Authentic available in the camera software. Xiaomi even offers a dedicated Photography kit, including an add-on camera grip with a physical shutter button, adjustable dial, and video button. The kit also includes a case that allows you to attach standard 67mm filters, enabling users to use their existing camera lenses with the phone.
“The Xiaomi Ultra 15 has one of the most well-rounded photo toolkits around,” says one reviewer. “It’s got Leica optics along with big sensors and lenses that cover pretty much every focal length you’d need on a daily basis.”
Availability and Other News
While the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be available globally starting at around €1,499, there are currently no plans to release it in the US, which is disappointing for photography enthusiasts in America. Fortunately, Xiaomi handsets still have access to Google services, including the Play Store, and the HyperOS 2 is a relatively minimalist and user-friendly Android skin.
Goodbye SMS, Hello QR Codes for Gmail!
In other Google-related news, the company is changing how you authenticate your Gmail account. Instead of relying on SMS verification codes, Google will now send a QR code to your phone. This move is expected to enhance security and streamline the verification process. It also comes on the heels of Google releasing its March update for Pixel phones and tablets, so if you're a Pixel owner, download it now to avoid waiting for the OTA update.
And if you're an Android user looking for a great pair of earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are currently on sale for $199, marking their first price drop since their release last fall. These earbuds offer comfort, utility, and premium features, making them a must-have accessory for any Android enthusiast.