Xiaomi 15 vs iPhone 16 Camera Test – Who Wins?
When it comes to phone comparison in 2025, few debates are as heated as the Xiaomi 15 vs iPhone 16 showdown. Both devices have set high standards for mobile phone comparison fans, particularly in the area of phone camera comparison. With the iPhone 16 iOS bringing new imaging algorithms and the Xiaomi 15 pushing computational photography further, the question is clear: who takes the crown? This review will cover camera performance, video stabilization, processor comparison, and even a price comparison, so you know exactly which device fits your needs — whether you’re chasing the perfect shot, the smoothest footage, or just phones with best battery life.
Design & Build – Setting the Stage
Before diving into the lenses, the two phones take different approaches to design. The Xiaomi 15 leans into a minimalistic metal frame with an edge-to-edge display, while the iPhone 16 maintains its iconic form with subtle refinements. Both are comfortable to hold, but the Xiaomi feels lighter — a bonus for long photography sessions.
Camera Specs
In terms of raw specs for this phone camera comparison:
Component | Xiaomi 15 | iPhone 16 |
|---|---|---|
Main Lens | 50 MP • f/1.6 • OIS | 48 MP • f/1.6 • Sensor-shift OIS |
Ultra-Wide | 50 MP • f/2.2 • 115° field | 12 MP • f/2.2 • 120° field |
Telephoto | 50 MP • f/2.0 • ~2.6× optical zoom • OIS | No physical lens; ~2× crop zoom via main sensor |
AI Features | Leica optics, HyperAI, Dolby Vision, Movie Mode | Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 5, Action & Cinematic modes, Camera Control |
On paper, the Xiaomi 15 boasts slightly higher megapixels, but the iPhone 16’s image processing on iOS often produces cleaner, more natural tones.
Photo Performance – Flare, Exposure, and Color
In real-world tests, the Xiaomi 15 delivers vibrant colors and handles high contrast scenes exceptionally well. Its flare control is improved compared to previous generations, though it still occasionally struggles with direct light sources. The iPhone 16, on the other hand, nails exposure almost every time, giving a more balanced image in tricky lighting. If you’re into portraits, the iPhone 16 produces a warmer, more cinematic look, while the Xiaomi 15 gives sharper details.
Do you think Xiaomi 15 beats iPhone 16 in flare control?
Video Stabilization – Smooth vs Cinematic
When shooting handheld videos, video stabilization is critical. The Xiaomi 15 uses hybrid optical and electronic stabilization, which works well for walking shots and vlogging. However, the iPhone 16’s iOS-driven cinematic stabilization is simply more refined, with fewer micro-jitters and better horizon lock. If you shoot a lot of moving content, the iPhone edges ahead.
Which feels better to watch?
Processor Comparison
Processing power matters for compare phone specs, especially in photography. The Xiaomi 15 runs on Snapdragon’s latest flagship chip, while the iPhone 16 uses the A18 Bionic. In benchmarks, the A18 leads in single-core performance, but the Snapdragon holds its own in multi-core workloads. For post-processing RAW images, the iPhone 16 is a touch faster, but for gaming and multitasking, both are neck and neck.
For Single-Core:
For Multi-Core
Battery Life
While our focus is on cameras, phones with good battery life matter when you’re shooting all day. The Xiaomi 15 is one of the big battery phones this year, easily lasting a full day with heavy camera use. The iPhone 16 performs well but slightly lags behind under the same conditions. If endurance is a top priority, Xiaomi gets the win here.
Battery Life
While our focus is on cameras, phones with good battery life matter when you’re shooting all day. The Xiaomi 15 is one of the big battery phones this year, easily lasting a full day with heavy camera use. The iPhone 16 performs well but slightly lags behind under the same conditions. If endurance is a top priority, Xiaomi gets the win here.
Price Comparison
Which Camera Reigns Supreme?
In this review, the iPhone 16 wins in exposure, flare handling, and video stabilization, making it ideal for creators who prioritize consistency and cinematic quality. The Xiaomi 15, however, fights back with a slightly sharper sensor, phones with best battery life, and a more aggressive price comparison advantage.
Ultimately, your choice depends on priorities. If you want uncompromising video quality and iOS-level image processing, the iPhone 16 is your pick. If you value sharper details, better endurance, and a friendlier price, the Xiaomi 15 delivers incredible value. Either way, both are standout performers in today’s phone comparison landscape.
iPhone 16 Dominates For:
✅ Cinematic Video
Best-in-class exposure & flare control
Silky-smooth stabilization (perfect for reels/vlogs)
iOS color science = effortless editing
✅ Consistency
Reliable performance in all lighting (day or night)
ProRes support for advanced creators
Xiaomi 15 Fights Back With:
✅ Sharpness & Value
20% sharper sensor for crisp details (great for macros)
2-day battery life vs. iPhone’s 1.5-day
30% cheaper with similar flagship specs
✅ Pro-Level Extras
Faster charging (100W vs. 30W)
Customizable camera settings
Verdict:
- Pick iPhone 16 if: You prioritize video quality, ecosystem, and polish
- Choose Xiaomi 15 if: You want sharpness, battery, and savings