It’s rough out here for tiny smartphone lovers. The mini edition of the iPhone came and went. The ASUS Zenfone couldn’t get enough traction. And the vivo X200 Pro mini is barely available anywhere. Enter the Xiaomi 15. With a 6.36-inch display, it’s one of the tiniest smartphones out there. Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, it’s also one of the mightiest.
Those who prefer a smaller form factor smartphone have either just adjusted to the 6.5-inch and up slates that are abundant today or have switched to the Flip ones that are larger when opened but are easy to carry when folded.
The iPhone choosing to discontinue the mini was also a sign. Perhaps the mini smartphone market is, well, small. However, that hasn’t stopped Xiaomi from releasing them.
Around this time last year, they released the Xiaomi 14. It was an even smaller smartphone than the Xiaomi 15. We loved its pocketability and general performance.
The Xiaomi 15 is more of the same.
Here are specs.
Display:
- 6.36” LTPO OLED
- 120Hz Refresh Rate
- Dolby Vision
- HDR10+
- 3200 nits
- Shatterproof Glass
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM & Storage: 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM, UFS 4.0
Cameras:
- 50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1/1.31″, 1.2µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
- 50 MP, f/2.0, 60mm (telephoto), PDAF (10cm – ∞), OIS, 3x optical zoom
- 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide)
- 32 MP, f/2.0, 22mm (wide), 0.7µm front camera
Battery & charging:
- 5240mAh
- 90W wired, PD3.0, QC3+
- 50W wireless
- 10W reverse wireless
Colors: Black, White, Silver, Green, Lilac
Pocket- friendly
The Xiaomi 15, owing to its size, fits nearly every kind of pocket. This makes it an unbelievably easy carry. You’ll never find yourself putting your phone down and forgetting where you put it because you’re sure it’ll always be in whichever pocket is available to you.
I’ve mentioned this on the most recent Xiaomi smartphones I’ve reviewed but the size also makes it really handy for capturing content.
Whether you’re taking videos to post as reels/shorts or snapping photos for social media, it’s a relatively hassle-free experience.
Triple 50 rear shooter
Speaking of the cameras, the Xiaomi 15 has a triple 50MP camera setup. That makes for great detail retention whether you’re shooting wide, zoom, or ultra-wide.
The brand’s partnership with Leica also persists so you can still choose between Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant shots along with the many high-character, mood-setting filters available on the default camera app.
Here are some sample shots:
Pint-sized powerhouse
Pint-sized powerhouse is a term I often use to describe someone or something that is perceived to be tiny but delivers great impact. The Xiaomi 15 fits the bill.
Equipped with the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, the Xiaomi 15 is every bit as capable as any recent flagship out there.
Casual browsing, scrolling, and swiping will be no issue.
You also get Gemini baked in with Gemini live being available like in most Android phones by long pressing the power button.
You also get the improved Circle to Search function that also lets your device listen and identify music as well as translate what’s on screen.
Playing titles like my go-to mobile game Honkai Star Rail is a breeze.
And multi-tasking is also a generally smooth experience.
However, this is where the Xiaomi 15’s smaller display may be a disadvantage. Granted, this depends entirely on the measurables of the person using it.
I’m a dude with large, tubby hands, which is why I prefer larger devices. It’s also why I naturally gravitate towards book-style foldables especially now that they’re better than ever.
Some might find themselves wanting more screen real estate if they tend to work a lot on their smartphones.
Battery and charging
Despite its diminutive figure, Xiaomi managed to cram a 5400mAh battery on the Xiaomi 15. Having to power a smaller screen, we found that the smartphone lasts about 15% to 20% longer than its larger counterparts.
You can also juice it up pretty quickly as it supports 90W fast wired charging and 50W fast wireless charging.
I don’t do extensive charge tests like my other members. But know that as a generally anxious person, I typically start charging once the battery drops to 40-50%.
With wired charging, I’m able to get to the 90-98% range after watching an episode of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man on Disney+ which typically has a run time of just under 30 minutes.
It’s worth noting that the unit provided for us for the purposes of this review was the European variant which does not include a power brick. We were told that retail units in some territories will have a power brick included.
HyperOS 2
Xiaomi HyperOS 2 is mostly unchanged. The switching apps layout is what we’ve come to expect from Xiaomi which is spread out instead of the usual stacked implementation.
The default way to access the notifications and control center is by swiping down from the top left and the top right of the screen respectively.
One puzzling implementation is how to edit folders on your home screen. Unlike most other Android skins, simply pressing and holding folder icons make them shake and lets you edit the name of the folder.
On the Xiaomi 15, you have to press and hold, and then select Edit on a pop up menu before you can apply changes.
It feels like an unnecessary step and much less intuitive than the implementations on HONOR’s MagicOS and OPPO’s ColorOS.
Like those other Android skins, there’s now also an option to enlarge folders allowing for more flexibility and customizability depending on your preferences.
Accessing this on the Xiaomi 15 also requires the same press-hold-tap-edit method instead of the more straight-forward one from other brands.
Is the Xiaomi 15 your GadgetMatch?
Whether you Swipe Right or Left on the Xiaomi 15 depends largely on your device size preference. Pound-for-pound performance-wise, it can go toe-to-toe with any decent flagship smartphone.
The experience will only vary because of the smaller screen real estate and the overall smaller device footprint.
Once again, we encourage that if you’re able, go to a physical store and get a feel for it for yourself. Maybe even compare it with something from Xiaomi with a larger screen and wide frame but still light like the Xiaomi 14T series.
Only then will you really know for yourself if the size of the Xiaomi 15 is to your liking.
Everywhere else, well, it’s a pint-sized powerhouse.
We got hands-on time with the revolutionary NXTPAPER 4.0 technology, quirky portable projectors, smartphones, smart glasses, and the tiny but mighty 5G device LinkPort.
Curious to see ’em all?
Watch our TCL @ MWC 2025 feature to see our favorites — that you might also like and use in the future.
MWC 2025
TECNO officially debuts CAMON 40 series, MEGABOOK S14, AI Glasses
Setting new standards in the AI era
TECNO has officially unveiled the CAMON 40 series, MEGABOOK S14 laptop, and AI Glasses Pro during its AI Ecosystem product launch in Day 2 of the MWC 2025 in Barcelona.
The manufacturer was joined by key representatives from MediaTek, Google Cloud, DXOMARK, and Qualcomm for the presentation.
The latest products all represent the best of TECNO AI, which aims to make such technologies more accessible especially for emerging markets.
For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages.
Users can take advantage of a full suite of AI-enhanced features on each of the devices to improve productivity, mobile photography, gaming, and more.
TECNO CAMON 40 series
Introduced first were the TECNO CAMON 40 series, the latest smartphones which all cost just under US$ 600.
With the help of MediaTek Dimensity Ultimate processors, the CAMON 40 devices leverage Google Cloud capabilities, and comes with groundbreaking new features like Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate.
They also boast of One-Tap FlashSnap, which uses AI to enhance imaging capabilities. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise and high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios.
TECNO CAMON 40 Premier 5G cameras
On the upper end of the series are the TECNO CAMON 40 Premier 5G and TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G, with the Premier variant boasting four 50MP cameras.
First, the CAMON 40 Premier uses a 50MP Sony LYT-701 Ultra Night Camera for better light absorption and crystal-clear shots. A super-tuned shutter also captures over 2,600 times faster than the blink of an eye.
The handset also has a 50MP Ultra-wide angle camera for more detail, a 50MP Periscope Telephoto camera for long-distance captures, and a 50MP eye-track selfie camera.
Aside from premium mobile photography, the Premier model can support 4K 60fps Pre-ISP Ultra-Night Video with its independent filming chip.
All phones under the CAMON 40 series are likewise the first to feature TECNO’s updated Universal Tone Imaging technology. They also support even more AI features related to photography, like AI Eraser 2.0, AIGC Portrait 2.0, AI Perfect Face and AI Sharpness Plus.
Aside from capable mobile photography, the CAMON 40 series also features IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance ratings on the higher models.
These models likewise have Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for even better protection, as well as SGS 5-Star Certification and 360-degree Drop Resistance. The CAMON 40, meanwhile, has IP66 rating.
Users can also take advantage of the CAMON 40 series’ AMOLED screens, Stereo Dual Speakers, Dolby Atmos, long-lasting battery, and ample storage and memory.
MEGABOOK S14
The latest TECNO MEGABOOK S14 laptop also comes with the brand’s Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multi-lingual support.
All these advanced features underscore TECNO’s goal to make the MEGABOOK S14 the ideal notebook for next-gen AI productivity. The MEGABOOK S14 is also perfect to pair with the TECNO CAMON 40 handsets for multi-device collaboration, when needed.
The MEGABOOK S14 is powered by a Snapdragon X Elite computer processor, Qualcomm’s flagship chipset for AI PCs. It also integrates TECNO’s self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model for AI-enhanced multitasking.
An External Graphics Dock equipped with an NVIDIA card also delivers scalable high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and cotnent creation.
In front, the MEGABOOK S14 flaunts a 2.8K OLED 120Hz display for exceptional visuals, complemented by DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers. And yet, the laptop weighs only 899 grams, making it the lightest 14-inch OLED notebook.
Other key features of the MEGABOOK S14 include Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, a fingerprint login, and PC Manager for optimized user experience.
Aside from the S14, TECNO also unveiled the likewise capable MEGAOOK T14 Air and MEGABOOK K15S. Both feature high-speed storage and smarter and longer-lasting user experience. They also have similar AI capabilities, like AI Album and AI Voice Assistant.
TECNO AI Glasses series
And for the first time, TECNO let the world see its foray into the AR scene with the launch of the TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses.
The AI Glasses completes the troika of TECNO AI Ecosystem devices, serving as a stylish complement to the CAMON 40 series and MEGABOOK S14.
These wearables have cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. Particularly, the AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style.
Both variants under the series come with a 50MP camera with an OV50D sensor and a 100-degree field of view.
Along with an AI ISP imaging chip, this camera allows for mobile-grade imaging, letting users capture high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities.
As these wearables are also part of TECNO’s AI Ecosystem, they support real-time translation with support for over 100 languages, thanks to the TECNO Ella Assistant.
Users can also utilize the glasses for voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries.
Specifically on the AI Glasses Pro is a microLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology. It has a 30-degree field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The display is meant for features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
The display is paired with an advanced ultra-linear speaker with bass enhancement and spatial sound. Connectivity support includes Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4.
Furthermore, both glasses offer up to 11 hours of music playback or eight hours of mixed use on just 30 minutes of charging.
Editors' Choice
Best of MWC 2025: Concepts, AI, and many things mobile
Promising and intriguing innovations
Xiaomi and realme had eyes widening as both brands showcased interesting takes on expanding a smartphone camera’s capabilities. HONOR debuted a new CEO and a bold plan built on the promise of AI. And there were plenty of gadgets readily available for everyone to sink their teeth into.
There was a lot going on at MWC 2025 in Barcelona, Spain but here are the ones you should take note of. This GadgetMatch’s Best of MWC 2025.
Xiaomi Modular
In a nutshell, Xiaomi wants to combine the capabilities of its latest flagship series with the optical power of traditional camera lenses.
At the showcase, this concept modular camera lens was easily fastened onto the back of the custom Xiaomi 15 unit.
Not much has been detailed yet but Xiaomi mentioned using “proprietary technology” to make the concept work.
realme Interchangeable-lens Concept
realme unveiled its own interchangeable lens concept. But unlike Xiaomi’s design which just magnetically snaps onto the back of its custom Xiaomi 15, realme’s concept simply focuses on putting the extra lens on top of the realme phone’s camera island at the back.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Xiaomi is slowly but surely owning this camera-grip-on-a-flagship-smartphone thing. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra builds on what the company has already started for this form factor adding the necessary upgrades on the smartphone.
The result is what many are now calling the best smartphone for mobile photography. Ask anyone who has spent enough time with the device and they’ll tell you it might just now be the king of the hill in smartphone photography.
Xiaomi 15
Whether you Swipe Right or Left on the Xiaomi 15 depends largely on your device size preference. Pound-for-pound performance-wise, it can go toe-to-toe with any decent flagship smartphone. The experience will only vary because of the smaller screen real estate and the overall smaller device footprint.
It’s rough out here for tiny smartphone lovers. But the situation is a little better thanks to the pint-sized powerhouse that is the Xiaomi 15.
Xiaomi Pad 7 Series
The Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, bundled with its Pro suite of accessories is a Super Swipe. The whole set is exactly what many would want and need for a tablet. The 11.5-inch display and overall footprint is the sweet spot in terms of size. The IPS LCD display can be better, sure, but it’s adequate for what it is. And the performance is just what the doctor ordered for an all-rounder tablet.
If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you might want to just get the same set but opt for the Xiaomi Pad 7 instead. It’s more than decent for what you need a tablet to do, all the while coming with a suite of accessories that offer great value to the product.
HONOR Earbuds Open
The HONOR Earbuds Open is a SuperSwipe. It can immediately become a go-to pair of pocket earbuds owing to its combination of being comfortable to wear, sounding great, and its cool extra AI translation feature.
Of course, if circumstances allow, it’s still best to go to a store and try one for yourself. Comfort and fit matter a lot for a device like this and you have to make sure it’s to your liking.
HONOR Magic series to get 7 years of Android OS
HONOR will introduce seven years of Android OS and security updates for its flagship HONOR Magic series, starting in the European Union markets.
Specifically, HONOR Magic7 Pro users in the EU will become the first to benefit from the support extension.
In the future, HONOR will offer the same extended support to more flagship models. This covers both HONOR bar phones, like the Magic7 Pro, and foldables, like the Magic V3.
Infinix SolarEnergy Reserving Technology
Much like how solar panels provide a sustainable (and budget-friendly) power source for households, the Infinix SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology likewise operates on a simple premise.
A specialized case will harness energy from sunlight and direct it towards the phone. Other light sources can also be utilized.
In the future, Infinix is also looking to have its smartphones’ back covers have the innate capability to do just that.
Infinix plans to debut the SolarEnergy-Reserving Technology on its mobile devices. But in the future, broader applications may include other digital devices and wearables. It will signal a new direction for sustainable consumer tech.
TECNO CAMON 40
Headlining the pack of new devices are TECNO’s latest CAMON 40 series smartphones. A total of four variants are set to be unveiled soon: the CAMON 40, CAMON 40 5G, CAMON 40 Pro, and Camon 40 Premier.
TECNO’s latest flagship imaging smartphones offer innovative features, including One-Tap FlashSnap. This dynamic image capture function helps users shoot fast-moving movements with greater speed clarity.
The CAMON 40 phones also come with AI functions to improve efficiency and convenient daily usage.
TECNO SPARK Slim
World’s thinnest smartphone. For now, at least. We’ve been covering tech for a while now and brands have the tendency to chase superlatives like this. TECNO, at MWC 2025, is just the latest in the line to do that with the TECNO SPARK Slim.
@gadgetmatch Meet the TECNO Spark Slim! 🫶🏼 #tecno
It is incredibly thin, incredibly shiny, and has a camera module that resembles Baymax from Big Hero 6.
TCL NXTPAPER 11 Plus
Should all displays be like this? This is the NXTPaper 11 Plus and it features the latest generation of TCL’s NXTPaper technology. It’s built not just for video viewing, but also for e-reading, and has everything necessary to care for your precious eyes.
NXTPaper 4.0 takes into account all the ways tablet displays are used and has modes optimized for each use-case.
But it’s more than just its display. You also good AI-related features like real-time subtitles, Smart Translator, Writing Assist, and more.
TCL also has this concept case that looks like a fancy bag, making the NXTPaper 11 Plus even more interesting to carry.
TCL Linkport
Public Wi-Fi isn’t always reliable and it can be challenging to look for one when you’re always on-the-go. Enter the TCL Linkport.
This tiny apparatus can get you a 5G connection whenever, wherever. No more scurrying around, looking for a place with Wi-Fi. Pick a spot, set up your Linkport, and get your work done worry free. Because you’re getting both a reliable and secure connection.
OPPO partners with Google, MediaTek for more AI
OPPO hosted an AI Tech Summit at MWC 2025 to share its progress in its respective AI space. The presentation introduced Google and MediaTek as key partners for OPPO’s future developments.
For Google, OPPO is working hand-in-hand with the company to deliver Gemini across OPPO’s native apps. These apps, including Notes, Calendar, and Clock, will integrate the AI platform to increase efficiency for users.
MediaTek, on the other hand, will help OPPO with hardware optimization for better high-efficiency AI processing. Both companies will focus on AI Productivity, AI Creativity, and AI Imaging.
Nothing Phone 3a, 3a Pro
During MWC 2025, the Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro arrived. In terms of progress, the new series does follow the trend. It features a load of improvements over both the Phone (2) and the Phone (2a).
These include better specs for performance and also better cameras to serve your smartphone photography needs. The Phone (3a) series gets a 50-megapixel main sensor paired with a Sony ultra-wide sensor.
Meanwhile, the Pro will come with a 1/1.95-inch Sony LYTIA 600 sensor capable of a powerful periscope zoom.
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