Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 price review: Strong battery, weak software hold it back

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 is now available in global and Indian markets, positioning itself as a value-focused mid-range phone with strong hardware basics. The device promises long battery life, a bright AMOLED display, and modern design at a competitive price point. However, real-world use shows that software and performance issues limit its overall appeal.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 launched globally in December 2025, with India sales starting in early January 2026. Early reviews suggest Xiaomi is regaining balance in hardware priorities, but long-standing software problems remain unresolved.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 features and real-world performance

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 stands out first for its design and display quality. It features a 6.77-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate and very high peak brightness. Slim bezels and curved glass give the phone a premium look that exceeds expectations for its segment.

The device is also unusually thin and light for a phone with a large battery. At just over 7mm thick and under 180 grams, it is easy to handle for long periods. Xiaomi achieved this by using silicon-carbon battery technology, which allows higher capacity without increasing size.

Battery life is the strongest highlight. The 5,520mAh battery consistently lasts a full day, even with 5G usage and high screen brightness. Wired fast charging is supported, and Xiaomi still includes a charger in the box, which is becoming rare in this category.

Camera performance is solid but not exceptional. The 108MP primary sensor delivers sharp and vibrant photos in daylight. Sensor-based zoom works well up to moderate levels. Low-light images lose detail due to aggressive noise reduction, which is common in this class. The ultra-wide camera remains a weak point.

Expandable storage via microSD is another practical advantage. Many competitors have removed this option, but the Redmi Note 15 supports expansion up to 1TB using a shared SIM slot.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 price concerns and software limitations

Despite strong hardware, daily performance is where the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 struggles. The phone runs on the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, which feels underpowered during routine tasks. App switching, home screen navigation, and system animations often show noticeable lag.

Software plays a major role in this experience. The device ships with Android 15 and HyperOS 2 at a time when newer Android versions are already available. Heavy customization and pre-installed apps place additional strain on the processor.

Xiaomi has promised long-term update support, but starting one version behind reduces the real value of that commitment. Even after updates, the overall software experience feels busy and less optimized than cleaner Android alternatives.

At its current pricing, spending slightly more can unlock phones with smoother performance and newer software. Competitors such as Nothing and OnePlus offer better long-term usability, even if they sacrifice some hardware features.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 price reflects solid hardware value, but performance and software polish remain concerns. It is best suited for users who prioritize battery life and display quality over speed. Until Xiaomi improves optimization, the Redmi Note 15 remains good, but not class-leading.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Is the Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 battery good?

Yes. The phone delivers reliable all-day battery life with normal to heavy use. Its thin design does not compromise endurance.

Does Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 support fast charging?

Yes. It supports fast wired charging and includes a charger in the box. This is uncommon in its price segment.

Is Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 good for long-term use?

Hardware durability is solid, but software lag may worsen over time. Users planning multi-year use may prefer alternatives.