Xiaomi has officially launched its 15 Ultra flagship phone in China, boasting a significant upgrade to its camera capabilities with a 200-megapixel periscope lens. The new device, priced at 6,499 yuan (approximately $893), is set to debut internationally at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 2nd.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's camera system is its most notable feature, with a quad-rear camera setup that includes the 200-megapixel periscope lens, three 50-megapixel sensors, and a dedicated camera module designed in partnership with Leica. The periscope lens, similar to those found in Vivo's X100 Ultra and X200 Pro, as well as Honor's Magic 7 Pro, is designed to excel in low-light conditions, making it an attractive option for photography enthusiasts.

Xiaomi's focus on low-light photography is evident in the phone's internal codename, "Night God." The company claims that the larger sensor, faster aperture, and higher resolution of the periscope lens result in improved zoom photography, particularly in lower light conditions. The main camera has also undergone changes, dropping the variable aperture technology in favor of a fixed f/1.63 aperture.

Beyond the camera upgrades, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra features a 6.73-inch display with a peak HDR brightness of 3,200 nits, an IP68 rating, and a larger 6,000mAh battery. The device is powered by the current-generation Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and supports 90W wired and 80W wireless charging. Notably, the phone does not adopt Qi2 wireless charging technology, a feature that has become increasingly common in recent Android flagships.

Xiaomi's Photography Kit, an optional accessory, has also received an update. The kit now includes a case, camera grip, and a slightly larger internal battery, which can be used as a small power bank for the phone. The core camera controls remain unchanged, featuring a shutter button, video button, zoom lever, and exposure dial.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's release follows the success of its predecessor, the 14 Ultra, which was praised for its exceptional camera capabilities. With the new device's iterative upgrades and focus on low-light photography, Xiaomi aims to maintain its position as a leader in the Android flagship market.

As the global launch of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra approaches, tech enthusiasts will be eager to see whether the device's upgraded camera system can live up to the high standards set by its predecessor. With the phone's international availability still uncertain, fans of the brand will be watching closely for further announcements from Xiaomi.