Xiaomi has officially launched its latest flagship phones, the 15 and 15 Ultra, in Europe, marking a significant expansion of its global presence. However, the Chinese tech giant has surprisingly opted to skip the US market for now. The announcement comes just days after the 15 Ultra's debut in China.

The 15 and 15 Ultra are available for order in the UK and Europe, with prices starting at £1,299 / €1,499 (around $1,600) for the Ultra and £899 / €999 (around $1,100) for the 15. Both phones are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and feature large batteries, fast wired and wireless charging, and IP68 ratings.

The key differentiator between the two phones lies in their camera capabilities. While both phones boast similar 50-megapixel main, telephoto, and ultrawide cameras, the Ultra features different sensors on every lens, promising superior image quality. Additionally, the Ultra includes a fourth lens – a 200-megapixel, 4.3x periscope lens that dominates the phone's camera module. Xiaomi is also offering a Photography Kit add-on for £179 (around $225), which includes a functional camera grip accessory with a shutter button, zoom lever, and exposure dial.

Alongside the phones, Xiaomi has launched two new tablets, the Pad 7 and Pad 7 Pro, featuring 11.2-inch Android displays with 3.2K 144Hz resolution. The Pro model boasts a faster Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip and higher-resolution cameras. Prices for the tablets start at £369 (around $465) and £449 ($565) respectively, with a "Matte Glass" version of the Pro available for £549 ($690).

Xiaomi has also expanded its wearable lineup with the Smart Band 9 Pro, which offers improved health tracking compared to its predecessor, and the Watch S4, a simple smartwatch with swappable bezels. Rounding out the new product lineup are the Buds 5 Pro earbuds, available in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi versions, with the latter offering improved quality when paired with a compatible Xiaomi phone.

While Xiaomi's decision to skip the US market for now may come as a surprise, it's likely a strategic move to focus on establishing a strong presence in Europe before expanding further. The company's aggressive pricing and feature-packed products are likely to appeal to European consumers, and its growing ecosystem of devices and accessories could pose a significant challenge to established players in the market.

As Xiaomi continues to expand its global footprint, it will be interesting to see how the company navigates the complexities of different regional markets and consumer preferences. With its latest product lineup, Xiaomi has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and quality, and it's clear that the company is poised to make a significant impact in the European market.