Xiaomi 15 Ultra vs OnePlus 13s: A Deep Dive into Snapdragon 8 Elite Flagships

Both the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and OnePlus 13s represent the pinnacle of Android performance, powered by the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm). However, these devices diverge significantly in their approach to battery technology and charging, creating a compelling choice for users prioritizing different aspects of the smartphone experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which flagship best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For users demanding maximum battery longevity and the convenience of ultra-fast wireless charging, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra emerges as the winner. Its 58:58h endurance and 80W wireless capabilities provide a significant advantage. However, the OnePlus 13s remains a strong contender, offering comparable performance in a potentially more refined package.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 15 Ultra OnePlus 13s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71 - International1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA - International1, 3, 5, 8, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, February 272025, June 05
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, February 27Available. Released 2025, June 12
Body
BuildGlass front, fiber-reinforced plastic back or silicone polymer back (eco leather), aluminum frameGlass front, aluminum alloy frame
Dimensions161.3 x 75.3 x 9.4 mm (6.35 x 2.96 x 0.37 in)150.8 x 71.7 x 8.2 mm (5.94 x 2.82 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)
Weight226 g or 229 g (7.97 oz)185 g (6.53 oz)
Display
ProtectionXiaomi Shield Glass 2.0, Mohs level 6Crystal Shield Glass
Resolution1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~522 ppi density)1216 x 2640 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.73 inches, 108.9 cm2 (~89.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.32 inches, 97.9 cm2 (~90.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeLTPO AMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 3200 nits (peak)LTPO AMOLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 2160Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 1600 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M)
ChipsetQualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3 nm)
GPUAdreno 830Adreno 830
OSAndroid 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, HyperOS 2Android 15, OxygenOS 15
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.0, (telephoto), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, 2x optical zoom, PDAF
FeaturesLaser AF, color spectrum sensor, Leica lenses, Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama, 67mm filter ring holder (optional)Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad50 MP, f/1.6, 23mm (wide), 1.0"-type, 1.6µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.8, 70mm (telephoto), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, dual pixel PDAF (10cm - ∞), OIS, 3x optical zoom 200 MP, f/2.6, 100mm (periscope telephoto), 1/1.4", 0.56µm, multi-directional PDAF, OIS, 4.3x optical zoom 50 MP, f/2.2, 14mm, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D, (depth)-
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/480/960/1920fps, gyro-EIS, Dolby Vision HDR 10-bit rec. (4K@60fps, 1080p)4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps, gyro-EIS, OIS, Dolby Vision HDR
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR, panorama
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/3.14", 0.7µm32 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/3.1", 0.7µm, AF
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth6.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, LHDC 56.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5
Infrared portYesYes
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASSGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASS
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e/7, dual-band or tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass, barometerFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging90W wired, PD3.0, QC3+ 80W wireless 10W reverse wireless80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 18W QC 5W reverse wired
TypeMarket-dependent versions:· Si/C Li-Ion 5410 mAh - Global· Si/C Li-Ion 6000 mAh - China5850 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, White, Silver Chrome, GreenGreen Silk, Black Velvet, Pink Satin
Models25010PN30GCPH2723
Price$ 1,328.84 / £ 889.00 / € 1,099.00₹ 52,999
SAR EU1.00 W/kg (head)     1.00 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery58:58h endurance, 1000 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass C (90 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

  • Exceptional battery endurance (58:58h)
  • Ultra-fast 80W wireless charging
  • Versatile charging options (PD3.0, QC3+, Reverse Wireless)

  • Potential for larger size due to battery capacity
  • Xiaomi's MIUI software can be polarizing

OnePlus 13s

  • Comparable Snapdragon 8 Elite performance
  • Potentially more refined software experience (OxygenOS)
  • Fast 80W wired charging

  • Significantly slower wireless charging (33W PPS)
  • Limited reverse wired charging (5W)

Display Comparison

While both devices are expected to feature high-refresh-rate AMOLED displays, the provided data doesn't detail screen specifications. However, given their flagship status, both will likely boast vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The absence of display data necessitates relying on brand reputation; OnePlus typically prioritizes color accuracy, while Xiaomi often aims for maximum brightness. Expect both to utilize LTPO technology for adaptive refresh rates, optimizing battery consumption.

Camera Comparison

The provided data lacks camera specifications, making a direct comparison impossible. However, Xiaomi's Ultra series historically focuses on camera innovation, suggesting the 15 Ultra may feature a more advanced camera system with larger sensors and more sophisticated image processing. OnePlus has also significantly improved its camera capabilities in recent generations, but typically prioritizes a more natural image profile. Without sensor details, it's difficult to assess which device will excel in low-light performance or dynamic range.

Performance

Both the Xiaomi 15 Ultra and OnePlus 13s are equipped with the Qualcomm SM8750-AB Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration of (2x4.32 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix L + 6x3.53 GHz Oryon V2 Phoenix M). This means raw processing power will be virtually identical. Performance differences will likely stem from thermal management and RAM optimization. The 3nm process node promises improved thermal efficiency, reducing throttling during sustained workloads. The absence of RAM specifications prevents a definitive comparison, but both are expected to utilize LPDDR5x for fast memory access.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts a significant advantage in battery endurance, achieving 58:58h compared to the OnePlus 13s' unspecified endurance. The 16:13h active use score for the Xiaomi further highlights its superior battery performance. This is coupled with a more versatile charging ecosystem: 90W wired, 80W wireless, and 10W reverse wireless for the Xiaomi versus 80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD/QC, and 5W reverse wired for the OnePlus. The Xiaomi’s 80W wireless charging is a standout feature, offering significantly faster wireless top-ups than the OnePlus’s 33W PPS. The Xiaomi also supports both PD3.0 and QC3+ for wider wired charging compatibility.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra if you need exceptional battery life, prioritize wireless charging speed, and frequently engage in power-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing. Buy the OnePlus 13s if you value a streamlined software experience, prefer a potentially more compact design (based on brand history), and are comfortable with a slightly less extensive charging ecosystem, focusing on wired speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's 90W wired charging significantly reduce battery lifespan compared to the OnePlus 13s' 80W?
While higher wattage charging *can* theoretically accelerate battery degradation, modern smartphones employ sophisticated charging management systems to mitigate this effect. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's 90W charging is likely paired with features like dynamic voltage control and temperature monitoring to ensure safe and efficient charging, minimizing long-term battery health impact. The 1000 cycle rating suggests Xiaomi has confidence in its battery longevity.
❓ How does the reverse wireless charging on the Xiaomi 15 Ultra compare to the OnePlus 13s in practical use cases?
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra's 10W reverse wireless charging is more useful for topping up accessories like earbuds or smartwatches, while the OnePlus 13s' 5W reverse charging is limited to emergency situations. The higher wattage on the Xiaomi allows for a more substantial charge transfer, making it a more practical feature for users who frequently rely on wireless accessories.
❓ Given both phones have the same Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, will gaming performance differ noticeably?
While the core processing power is identical, sustained gaming performance could vary due to differences in thermal management. The Snapdragon 8 Elite's 3nm process should improve efficiency, but the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's larger size might allow for a more robust cooling system, potentially leading to less thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions. However, software optimization also plays a crucial role.