iPhone 17 vs Xiaomi 15T Pro: Why the Xiaomi 15T Pro Outshines the iPhone 17

The iPhone 17 has garnered widespread acclaim as a top contender in this year’s smartphone market. While many echo this sentiment, I find it to be a statement that overlooks Apple’s history of releasing underwhelming base models. This latest iPhone introduces notable features like a 120Hz display and upgraded cameras, yet it maintains the familiar design that many have come to expect. I currently have one at home, and while it performs well, I am left unenthused. In my experience, there are Android alternatives that are not only more affordable but also offer superior performance. One such device is the newly launched Xiaomi 15T Pro, which has captivated me to the point where I’m reconsidering my iPhone usage.

Xiaomi 15T Pro: An Elegant Design

The Xiaomi 15T Pro impresses with its aesthetically pleasing design, drawing visual parallels to the iPhone Pro series. This device embraces a refined approach, featuring an aluminum back and sleek edges reminiscent of the 14T series. Its camera module is designed to sit more flush against the body, thanks to rounded corners and a contoured cut, resulting in a premium appearance. My personal unit, adorned in mocha gold, stands out for its stunning looks. Furthermore, with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, this phone is built to withstand rugged environments.

At its core, the Xiaomi 15T Pro is equipped with the Dimensity 9400+ chipset, the successor to last year’s 14T Pro processor. Regardless of being a year behind the latest MediaTek release (the 9500), this chipset more than meets the demands for versatile performance across various tasks. Consumers can choose between 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage configurations of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB utilizing UFS 4.1 technology.

Display quality is another key attraction. The phone sports a 6.83-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 1, 280 x 2, 772 pixels, achieving peak brightness levels of up to 3, 200 nits. While this is slightly less than the 14T Pro’s 4, 000 nits, it still ensures vibrant visibility. The Xiaomi 15T Pro features DC dimming for flicker-free brightness control.

Comparatively, the iPhone 17 features a 6.3-inch display with 3, 000 nits of peak brightness. In addition, the 15T Pro supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, combined with Dolby Atmos audio for a robust stereo experience. Notably, its 144Hz refresh rate provides an ultra-smooth interaction that Apple has yet to replicate with its current offering. Scrolling and animations on this display feel seamless, providing rich colors, sharp details, and excellent viewing angles.

Exceptional Camera Performance

Collaborative ventures between brands can often lead to lackluster outcomes, but the partnership between Xiaomi and Leica stands out as a successful collaboration. Their collective efforts have resulted in a remarkable camera system that surpasses many of Apple’s offerings. While Xiaomi’s Ultra series is rapidly becoming a staple for mobile photographers, the Xiaomi 15T Pro positions itself as a formidable alternative.

Equipped with the same OmniVision Light Fusion 900 image sensor customized in partnership with Leica, the 15T Pro boasts a main 50-megapixel wide camera (23mm equivalent) that excels in detail retention and low-light capabilities. The device also includes a 50-megapixel “super telephoto” lens (5x zoom, 115mm equivalent) with an f/3.0 aperture and optical image stabilization, as well as a 12-megapixel ultra-wide shooter (15mm equivalent) featuring a 120-degree field of view.

This camera system impresses with its versatility, consistently delivering vibrant images across diverse shooting conditions. Expect sharp images with accurate colors and depth. The Fastshot mode is particularly efficient for action photography, yielding crisp outcomes. The telephoto lens achieves stunning results with its precise stabilization and beautifully blurred backgrounds, while the ultra-wide camera caters to sweeping vistas, despite minor edge distortion.

Outstanding Battery Life and Charging Speed

For many users, battery life and fast charging are critical criteria when selecting a smartphone. Unfortunately, the iPhone 17 falls short in this area. Even with the Pro variants, charging remains capped at 40W—a figure that simply does not stand out in today’s competitive market. Android competitors like Samsung and Google offer similar limitations, but some brands, including Xiaomi, are pushing the envelope.

The Xiaomi 15T Pro features an impressive 90W wired charging capability along with 50W wireless charging. Additionally, it houses a robust 5, 500mAh battery that easily surpasses a day’s usage on a single charge. During my tests, I achieved over 8 hours of screen time, and charge times were astoundingly quick—reaching 30 percent in approximately 10 minutes and achieving a full charge in just 36 minutes.

This device has certainly raised the bar for me. At a starting price of €800/£650 for the base model (12/256GB), it is poised for availability in the EU and UK.

Unfortunately, U. S.consumers may find purchasing this model challenging. Before selecting any new smartphone, it’s crucial to assess whether you truly need an Android device or an iPhone as many users fail to consider their needs and end up regretting their decisions.

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