Xiaomi has officially launched its latest T-series duo — the Xiaomi 15T and the Xiaomi 15T Pro. While the Pro version has already grabbed attention with premium features, the non-Pro Xiaomi 15T is the one that sits in a tricky position. It comes at a lower price, but the question is: do the compromises Xiaomi made still make it a worthy competitor in today’s crowded mid-range market?
Quick Take
- What we like: Bright display, solid main camera, super-fast wired charging
- What we don’t like: Midrange chipset, no wireless charging, slightly overpriced
Xiaomi 15T Specs
Before diving into performance and design, here’s a quick overview of the Xiaomi 15T compared to its Pro sibling:
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 1,800 nits peak brightness
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen series (non-Pro)
- Main Camera: 50MP primary + 2x telephoto
- Front Camera: 32MP
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 120W wired charging
- Charging: Wired only (no wireless)
- Material: Glass fiber back, plastic frame
- Price: €649 (vs €799 for Pro)
Design and Display
At first glance, the Xiaomi 15T looks nearly identical to the Pro model. The curved edges, glass fiber back, and glossy finish give it a premium feel despite the switch to a plastic frame. Interestingly, the lighter weight actually makes the phone more comfortable to hold.
On the display side, Xiaomi didn’t cut many corners. The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen remains one of the brightest in its class, ensuring sunlight readability and smooth scrolling with its 120Hz refresh rate. Whether you’re binge-watching shows or scrolling social media, the display is easily a highlight.
Camera
This is where the first noticeable compromise comes in. Unlike the Pro version, which features a periscope zoom camera, the Xiaomi 15T relies on a 2x telephoto lens. While it works fine for portraits, it feels a bit redundant, as most smartphones today achieve 2x zoom using software cropping.
That being said, the 50MP main sensor delivers crisp and detailed shots in daylight, with decent low-light performance thanks to Xiaomi’s software tuning. The 32MP selfie camera is also solid for social media and video calls. However, if long-range zoom photography matters to you, the Pro still has a clear edge.
Performance
Inside, the Xiaomi 15T runs on a Snapdragon 7 Gen chipset, which is capable but not on par with flagship processors. Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming run smoothly, but you may notice a difference when handling heavy 3D games or multitasking compared to the Pro.
Still, considering its price, it holds its ground against rivals like the Pixel 9a and OPPO Find X8 Lite, but it doesn’t exactly outperform them either.
Software
The Xiaomi 15T ships with HyperOS based on Android 15. The interface is fluid, with lots of customization options, but also includes Xiaomi’s typical bloatware. Thankfully, most pre-installed apps can be uninstalled. Regular updates and security patches are promised, which adds trustworthiness to its longevity.
Battery and Charging
One area where Xiaomi shines is charging speed. The 5,000mAh battery is paired with a 120W fast charging system, meaning you can fully charge the phone in under 25 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest-charging phones in its class.
However, the lack of wireless charging might be a deal-breaker for some, especially when competitors like Samsung and Google offer it at similar price points.
Audio
Dual stereo speakers are present, and while they get loud enough, the quality is average. They lack the depth you’ll find in premium models, making them good for YouTube and casual listening but not the best for audiophiles.
Should You Buy the Xiaomi 15T?
The Xiaomi 15T is a curious mix of strengths and compromises. Its bright display, reliable main camera, and industry-leading fast charging make it attractive. But the midrange chipset, missing periscope zoom, and no wireless charging might leave power users wanting more.
If you’re after a phone with excellent charging speed, good display quality, and decent photography without spending Pro-level money, the Xiaomi 15T is worth a look. However, for those who want long-term performance and a more complete feature set, stretching to the Pro or looking at rivals might be a smarter move.
Final Verdict
The Xiaomi 15T sits in an awkward spot — not cheap enough to be budget-friendly, but not powerful enough to compete with higher-end mid-range flagships. It’s a good phone with a few standout features, but whether it’s the right one for you depends entirely on your priorities.
