iPhone 16 VS Xiaomi 15 Ultra

84

iPhone 16

6.1-inch OLED 60Hz · A18 · 3561mAh · 48MP · IP68

$799

MSRP

92

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED 120Hz · Snapdragon 8 Elite · 5410mAh · 50MP · IP68

$1499

MSRP

$799

MSRP

Check price

$1499

MSRP

Check price

Our verdict

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra takes the performance lead, 10% ahead overall, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Elite and an AnTuTu score of 2,950,000.

On value the iPhone 16 stands out at $799, pairing a 48MP main camera with a 3561mAh battery.

For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter choice. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences.

Performance winner

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

10% faster overall

Best value for money

iPhone 16

0% better value per dollar

iPhone 16 best for

Value for money

0% better value per dollar

Overview

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes out ahead overall, scoring 92 to the iPhone 16's 84. Priced at $1499 against $799, the choice between them is as much about budget as specs, and each phone leans toward a slightly different buyer.

Performance

For raw speed the Xiaomi 15 Ultra takes the lead, with an AnTuTu score of 2,950,000 against 1,500,000, driven by its Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both feel quick in everyday use, but the gap shows up in demanding games and heavy multitasking where the faster chip pulls ahead.

Cameras

The iPhone 16 pairs a 48MP main camera with optical zoom and a 12MP front sensor. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra answers with 50MP, zoom and a 32MP selfie camera.

Battery and charging

Battery favours the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, with a 5410mAh cell against 3561mAh. For refills the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is quickest at 90W, spending less time tied to a charger.

Display

Both use high refresh rate OLED screens. The iPhone 16 measures 6.1" and peaks at 2000 nits, while the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is 6.73" and reaches 3200 nits. Screen size and outright brightness are where they separate most.

Which should you buy

Overall the iPhone 16 is the one we would steer most buyers toward. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Consider the Xiaomi 15 Ultra instead if longer battery life matters more to you.

battery

Battery
3561mAh
5410mAh
Wired charging
25W
90W
Wireless charging
25W
50W

camera

Main camera
48MP
50MP
Ultrawide
12MP
50MP
Front camera
12MP
32MP
Max video
4K60
8K30

display

Display size
6.1"
6.73"
Display type
OLED
LTPO AMOLED
Refresh rate
60Hz
120Hz
Peak brightness
2000 nits
3200 nits
Resolution
2556x1179
3200x1440

Performance

Chipset
A18
Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM
8GB
12GB
Storage
128GB
256GB

Physical

Weight
170g
213g
Thickness
7.8mm
9.35mm
Water resistance
IP68
IP68

Synthetic & compute benchmarks

Geekbench 6 (Multi-Core)
8,100 pts
9,500 pts
Geekbench 6 (Single-Core)
3,300 pts
3,050 pts
AnTuTu v11
1,500,000 pts
2,950,000 pts

Frequently asked questions

Is the iPhone 16 better than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

Overall the Xiaomi 15 Ultra scores 92 out of 100 against the iPhone 16's 84, so it edges ahead on our combined rating. Even so, the two are close enough that price, size and your preferred ecosystem should also guide the decision.

Which has the better camera, the iPhone 16 or the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra has the stronger camera on paper, leading with a 50MP main sensor and optical zoom. Both take excellent photos, but the Xiaomi 15 Ultra offers more reach and flexibility.

Which has better battery life, the iPhone 16 or the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra carries the larger 5410mAh battery against 3561mAh, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra charges fastest at 90W. For heavy all-day use the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the safer bet.

Which is faster, the iPhone 16 or the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

In benchmarks the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is quicker, posting an AnTuTu score of 2,950,000 against 1,500,000 thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite. Both handle everyday tasks smoothly, but the Xiaomi 15 Ultra pulls ahead in demanding games.

Should I buy the iPhone 16 or the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?

For most buyers the iPhone 16 is the smarter pick, balancing performance, features and price. One runs iOS and the other Android, so your existing apps, watch and ecosystem may matter more than the spec differences. Choose the Xiaomi 15 Ultra if longer battery life is your priority.

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