Redmi 15 aims to redefine budget performance

Xiaomi’s Redmi 15 has arrived as one of the most ambitious budget phones of the year, packing specs that push the limits of what low-cost smartphones can offer. With a 7000 mAh battery, a massive 6.9-inch 144 Hz display, and IP64 dust and water resistance, it’s aiming to bring premium-like features to an affordable segment.

The design of the Redmi 15 looks modern but still carries its budget roots. The plastic build feels sturdy but lacks the metal and glass refinement seen on flagship models. The device does, however, feel comfortable in hand, and the large display provides an immersive experience, especially for gaming and video content.

Performance-wise, the phone runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 processor, coupled with up to 8 GB RAM and 256 GB of storage. It handles everyday tasks with ease, offering smooth scrolling and reliable multitasking. Yet when it comes to gaming or demanding apps, it doesn’t quite match flagship performance, showing occasional stutters under pressure.

The display is one of the standout features. The 6.9-inch Full HD+ panel with a 144 Hz refresh rate delivers sharp visuals and fluid motion. Brightness levels are impressive for the price, making it usable even outdoors. The combination of high refresh rate and large screen gives the Redmi 15 a premium viewing feel that few budget phones achieve.

Battery life is another strong point. With its 7000 mAh cell, users can expect nearly two full days of moderate use. Charging is capped at 33 W, which is modest compared to today’s flagship fast-charging standards, but it still replenishes the phone quickly enough for most users. Efficiency remains one of the Redmi 15’s greatest selling points.

Camera performance is decent for a budget phone, featuring a 50 MP main sensor and an 8 MP selfie shooter. Daytime shots come out detailed and vibrant, though low-light performance struggles with noise and sharpness. The camera app is straightforward, but the results clearly mark this as a budget shooter rather than a flagship rival.

On the software front, the Redmi 15 runs Xiaomi’s HyperOS based on Android 15, promising two years of major updates and four years of security patches. It feels polished, smooth, and loaded with useful customisation options, though some users may find the preinstalled apps unnecessary.

Connectivity options are solid with 5G support, dual speakers, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and IP64 splash resistance. These features make the Redmi 15 feel more premium than its price suggests and add real-world convenience.

Where it falls short is in areas like raw performance, camera finesse, and material finish — places where true flagship phones still hold an edge. However, given its price range, the Redmi 15 balances performance and features exceptionally well.

In the end, the Redmi 15 doesn’t dethrone flagships but narrows the gap impressively. For buyers who want a reliable, long-lasting, and feature-rich phone without paying premium prices, this device stands out as one of the best options in the budget category.