‘Flagship killer’ sounds like an empty slogan these days, but the new Xiaomi 15T Series appears to be making the disruptor label meaningful again. It delivers Leica glass, offline voice calls without a network, and displays brighter than most Ultras, all while keeping prices between SGD 599 and SGD 899.
Flagship cameras without the flagship price
Both models feature Leica Summilux optics on a 50MP main sensor, tuned to balance detail and colour even in low light. The 15T Pro goes further, pairing that lens with the Light Fusion 900 sensor and its 13.5 EV dynamic range, which holds highlights and shadows with far more nuance than you’d expect under SGD 1,000.
Telephoto is where you find added value. The 15T Pro debuts the Leica 5x Pro telephoto at 115mm, which can be cropped to get a 230mm equivalent optical-level zoom. The base 15T settles for a 46mm telephoto, but that’s still a reach rarely seen at this price tier (the norm is to do a digital crop). Both feature 50MP sensors. Ultra-wide shooters aren’t left out either — both phones cover a versatile 15mm field of view, albeit with a modest 12MP sensor.
Video creators also receive serious upgrades. The 15T Pro supports 8K recording at 30fps and 4K at 120fps, while both models support HDR10+ across all focal lengths and 10-bit Log with LUT import, a type of workflow typically reserved for professional tools. The 32MP front camera holds its own for video calls and selfies with a wide 90° field of view.
And because optics alone don’t cut it, Xiaomi’s AISP 2.0 computational platform refines portraits and colours. Master Portrait now features new bokeh styles — Wide and Bubbles — and adjustable aperture effects, while Leica Street Mode provides one-tap shortcuts to iconic focal lengths, including a Pro-only 135mm option for close-ups.
Connectivity goes off-grid
The 15T lineup
While rivals are busy selling AI as their big differentiator, Xiaomi slipped in a rather interesting feature that could matter more day-to-day: Xiaomi Offline Communication. It enables two 15T devices to make voice calls directly over a distance of 1.9km on the Pro (1.3km on the 15T) without requiring cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity. It’s not meant for emergencies, as this requires an open, unobstructed environment to work properly, but it’s a clever tool for hikers, travellers, or even urban areas where networks fall short, like a walkie-talkie-lite.
That’s only part of the new Astral Communication suite. Between the Surge T1S Tuner and Super Antenna Array, the 15T series switches between GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular with AI-driven efficiency to maintain a stronger signal. In practice, this should mean steadier connections for streaming, gaming, and navigation.
Displays that outshine the Ultras
Both phones feature Xiaomi’s largest T-series screen yet: a 6.83-inch AMOLED that peaks at a blazing 3,200 nits, brighter than many TVs and well ahead of the ~2,500–3,000 nit ceilings of Apple and Samsung flagships. Resolution sits at 1.5K (2772 × 1280) with 447 ppi density.
The 15T Pro makes it cinematic with ultra-narrow 1.5mm bezels enabled by LIPO technology, creating an edge-to-edge feel without upsizing the device. It also supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz, featuring DC dimming and advanced eye-care features to ensure comfort during prolonged use. The 15T dials refresh down to 120Hz, but add 3840Hz PWM dimming—better for night reading or low-light scrolling.
Power and endurance that last
Inside, both models feature a 5,500mAh battery, optimised for longevity with 1,600 charge cycles (approximately 4-5 years of daily use), while retaining 80% of its original capacity. The 15T Pro charges at 90W wired and 50W wireless, while the 15T hits 67W wired — fast enough to get you back in action without an overnight plug-in. They even promise a cold boot in under four seconds when the phone is flat.
Performance comes via MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400+ (Pro, 3nm) and Dimensity 8400-Ultra (4nm) on the base 15T, paired with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.1 storage. Thermal load is handled by Xiaomi’s 3D IceLoop system, which separates vapour and liquid and adds a bulge for the CPU, dispersing heat more evenly across the chassis. Translation: sustained performance without the hot-plate effect in your palm.
Design and durability
The 15T Pro lineup
The 15T Series keeps a refined look with a unified glass fibre back and flat frame, softening the edges for grip comfort. The Pro steps up with a 6M13 aluminium alloy frame for extra drop protection. Corning Gorilla Glass 7i covers the display, promising double the scratch resistance over the last generation. Both models are IP68-rated, withstanding immersion in up to three metres of fresh water.
Colours: the Pro arrives in Black, Gray, and Mocha Gold for a more classic palette; the 15T goes lighter with Black, Gray, and Rose Gold.
The bottom line
The Xiaomi 15T Series isn’t just cheaper — it’s chipping away at the premium segment. Leica-approved quality at SGD 599 and a 115mm telephoto lens for SGD 799, a quality display, batteries that promise to last five years, and even a novel off-grid communication trick — while there are always trade-offs (e.g. 12MP ultrawide only), they’re getting smaller and smaller.
Price and availability:
Xiaomi 15T Pro: SGD 799 (12GB+256GB), SGD 899 (12GB+512GB)
Xiaomi 15T: SGD 599 (12GB+256GB), SGD 699 (12GB+512GB)
Pre-orders will run from September 25 to October 10, 2025. Bonuses include a free Xiaomi Watch S4 (Pro) or Xiaomi OpenWear Stereo (15T), plus service perks like a screen replacement within six months.
