I compared the cameras of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and the difference is significant.

      We’ve pitted two of the most powerful smartphone cameras against one another to determine which one produces superior photos. It's the Xiaomi 15 Ultra versus the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Both received high ratings in their respective reviews, but we need to establish which is the better choice for avid mobile photographers.

      **Camera Specifications**

      The Xiaomi 15 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra both feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Samsung claims its chip has been specially optimized for its devices, while Xiaomi worked with camera experts at Leica to enhance their camera's hardware and software, making it even more appealing than the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.

      Samsung's camera includes an impressive 200-megapixel main sensor, accompanied by a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 50MP 5x optical periscope zoom, and a 10MP 3x optical zoom. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra also sports a 200MP sensor but is capable of 4.3x optical zoom shots. Additionally, it comes with a 50MP main camera, a 50MP wide-angle lens, and a 50MP 3x zoom camera.

      For this comparison, we specifically analyzed the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 5x optical zoom alongside the Xiaomi’s 4.3x optical zoom, given their similar zoom levels. All photos were taken over several days in varying conditions and have been resized for easier online viewing.

      **Main Camera**

      To observe the differences between the 15 Ultra and 25 Ultra’s main cameras, the initial photo of a tree in a field serves as a good example. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra produces a warmer tone (all photos were taken with the Leica Vibrant setting), but its approach to exposure results in some subdued colors. Compare the grass and sky to see how each camera interprets the same scene.

      Personally, I prefer the Xiaomi's warmer shot over the cooler tones of the S25 Ultra. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra also showcases a more pronounced depth of field in its close-up photos compared to the S24 Ultra, which I find appealing, though it sometimes falls short on accurate focusing, as demonstrated in the photo of the daffodil. In specific situations and when cropping for details, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra pulls ahead.

      The shop interior image illustrates the superior HDR performance of the 15 Ultra, revealing more detail and less pixelation when examining items on the shelves. This is an issue observed with the Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera, which often adds haze and blur to details. This flaw cropped up frequently in the photos taken for this comparison, and while it requires a keen eye to notice, once you spot it, it becomes apparent. This gives the Xiaomi 15 Ultra a key victory.

      **Winner: Xiaomi 15 Ultra**

      **Wide-Angle Camera**

      Evaluating the wide-angle camera is more complex than the main camera, as each has its strengths and weaknesses. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra’s photograph of a church features significantly more detail compared to the S25 Ultra’s image, which again suffers from the same blurriness seen in the main camera photos. The stonework in the S25 Ultra's photo appears overly processed next to that of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

      This blurriness is also apparent in a wide-angle version of a picture from the main camera category, but I appreciate how the S25 Ultra manages color and exposure, adding some much-needed vibrancy to the sky, which is crucial for landscape photography. However, the warmer, earthier tones of the 15 Ultra's image feel more authentic.

      In more challenging lighting conditions, like indoors, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's wide-angle camera performs better than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The interior church photo highlights this, displaying significantly more detail, less blurriness, and better exposure from the S25 Ultra. Its superior indoor and low-light performance allows it to maintain parity here, but there's nothing wrong with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's photos.

      **Winner: Draw**

      **Zoom Cameras**

      We will progress through the zoom ranges in this category, starting with a 3x photo. The cat's fur serves as an excellent benchmark for sharpness and detail, and both cameras are closely matched. However, as in previous categories, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's hazy images detract from its performance, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's sharper 3x photo excels.

      Next is another 3x photo, showcasing the Xiaomi's strong depth of field and its warmer, more natural hues. The brickwork features greater texture and detail, and it captures light more effectively than the S25 Ultra. At 3x, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra clearly performs better.

      For the 5x and 4.3x photos, there is a wealth of detail in the aged metal in the first shot, where the S25 Ultra performs better. The colors appear more natural in the S25 Ultra's picture compared to the overexposed shot from