Galaxy S25
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
🏆 Verdict
Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the better pick overall by 14.8 points, leading in Charging, Battery and Display. Galaxy S25 remains a strong contender elsewhere.
Galaxy S25 offers more for the money ($799 vs $1,619 at launch).
By category
Performance
Xiaomi 15 Ultra is faster with the Snapdragon 8 Elite (performance index 100 vs 96). You notice it in heavy games and video editing, less in daily use. Xiaomi 15 Ultra has more RAM (16 GB vs 12 GB), which helps multitasking.
Camera
Xiaomi 15 Ultra zooms further optically (4.3× vs 3×). Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the higher-resolution selfie camera (32 MP vs 12 MP).
Battery
Xiaomi 15 Ultra's battery is 1,410 mAh larger (5,410 vs 4,000 mAh), about 35% more. Real battery life also depends on chip and display efficiency.
Charging
Xiaomi 15 Ultra charges faster over cable (90W vs 25W). Wireless charging is faster on Xiaomi 15 Ultra (80W vs 15W).
Display
Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the larger screen (6.73" vs 6.2"). Xiaomi 15 Ultra's screen gets brighter (3,200 vs 2,600 nits), which shows outdoors. Xiaomi 15 Ultra's screen is sharper (521 vs 416 ppi).
Build & durability
Galaxy S25 is 64 g lighter.
Updates
Galaxy S25 should get OS updates for longer (7 vs 4 years, per the maker's policy at launch).
Specifications
| Galaxy S25 | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Snapdragon 8 Elite | Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| 12 GB | RAM | 16 GB |
| 128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB | Storage | 512 GB / 1 TB |
| 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X | Display | 6.73" LTPO AMOLED |
| 120 Hz | Refresh rate | 120 Hz |
| 2340×1080 (416 ppi) | Resolution | 3200×1440 (521 ppi) |
| 2,600 nits | Peak brightness | 3,200 nits |
| 50 MP | Main camera | 50 MP |
| 12 MP | Ultrawide | 50 MP |
| 10 MP · 3× | Telephoto | 200 MP · 4.3× |
| 12 MP | Front camera | 32 MP |
| 4,000 mAh | Battery | 5,410 mAh |
| 25 W | Wired charging | 90 W |
| 15 W | Wireless charging | 80 W |
| IP68 | Water & dust rating | IP68 |
| aluminium | Frame | aluminium |
| 162 g | Weight | 226 g |
| 7 years | OS updates (estimated) | 4 years |
| $799 | Launch price | EUR 1,499 (≈ $1,619) |
| 2025-01 | Released | 2025-02 |
Official source: Galaxy S25 · Official source: Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Galaxy S25
Pros
- Light at 162 g
- 7 years of updates
- Lower price ($799)
Cons
- Smaller battery
- Slower charging (25W)
- Dimmer screen
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Pros
- 16 GB RAM
- 4.3× optical zoom
- 5,410 mAh battery
- 90W charging
- 3,200 nits peak
Cons
- Heavier (226 g)
- Shorter update window
- Pricier ($1,619)
How is the score calculated?
Each phone gets 0–100 points in seven categories (performance, camera, battery, charging, display, build, updates), computed only from its published specs, then combined with fixed, published weights. A gap under 2.5 points counts as a tie. The performance index is an estimate based on benchmark results published at launch.
Figures come from the manufacturers’ official pages. Some specs vary by market. We do not sell devices or earn commissions.