Xiaomi 15T vs Nothing Phone (2): A Deep Dive into Performance and Battery Life

The Xiaomi 15T and Nothing Phone (2) represent compelling options in a crowded smartphone market. The 15T aims for raw performance and exceptional battery life at a competitive price, while the Nothing Phone (2) focuses on a unique design, refined software experience, and a balanced feature set. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing longevity and raw power, the Xiaomi 15T emerges as the winner. Its significantly longer 57:44h battery endurance and faster 67W charging outweigh the Nothing Phone (2)'s more polished software and design. However, the Nothing Phone (2) is a strong contender for those valuing aesthetics and a streamlined user interface.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi 15T Nothing Phone (2)
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 66, 71
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, September 242023, July 11
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, September 24Available. Released 2023, July 17
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), plastic frame, fiber-reinforced plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame
Dimensions163.2 x 78 x 7.5 mm (6.43 x 3.07 x 0.30 in)162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight194 g (6.84 oz)201.2 g (7.09 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1280 x 2772 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~447 ppi density)1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.83 inches, 114.5 cm2 (~90.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 108.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeAMOLED, 68B colors, 120Hz, 3840Hz PWM, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, 3200 nits (peak)LTPO OLED, 1B colors, 120Hz, 1920Hz PWM, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.25 GHz Cortex-A725 & 3x3.0 GHz Cortex-A725 & 4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A725)Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.5 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 8400 Ultra (4 nm)Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
GPUMali-G720 MC7Adreno 730
OSAndroid 15, upgradable to Android 16, HyperOS 3Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, up to 3 major Android upgrades, Nothing OS 3.0
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-50 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/2.2, 114˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF
FeaturesLeica lens, Color spectrum sensor, Ultra HDR, LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Triple50 MP, f/1.7, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 50 MP, f/1.9, 46mm (telephoto), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, 2x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm-
Video4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS, 10-bit Rec. 2020, HDR10+4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS, live HDR, OIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.2, 21mm (wide), 1/3.44", 0.64µm32 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/2.74", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, HDR10+1080p@30fps
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers (with Dolby Atmos)Yes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth6.0, A2DP, LE5.3, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
Infrared portYes-
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5), GLONASSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BDS (B1I+B1c), GALILEO (E1), QZSS (L1), NavIC
RadioNoNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, dual-band or tri-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, proximity, gyro, compass
Battery
Charging67W wired, PD3.0, 100% in 50 min45W wired, PD3.0, PPS, QC4, 100% in 55 min 15W wireless, 100% in 130 min 5W reverse wireless
Type5500 mAhLi-Ion 4700 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Gray, Rose GoldWhite, Dark Gray
Models25069PTEBGA065
Price$ 535.47 / £ 349.00 / € 435.43$ 379.99 / £ 370.00
SAR EU0.99 W/kg (head)     0.99 W/kg (body)-
EU LABEL
Battery57:44h endurance, 1600 cycles-
EnergyClass A-
Free fallClass A (270 falls)-
RepairabilityClass C-

Xiaomi 15T

  • Exceptional battery life (57:44h endurance)
  • Faster 67W wired charging
  • Potentially stronger multi-core performance with Dimensity 8400 Ultra

  • Camera specifications are unknown
  • Software experience (MIUI) may not appeal to all users

Nothing Phone (2)

  • Unique and stylish design
  • Clean and minimalist Nothing OS
  • Wireless and reverse wireless charging

  • Shorter battery life compared to Xiaomi 15T
  • Slower wired charging speed

Display Comparison

The Xiaomi 15T boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 1525 nits, compared to the Nothing Phone (2)'s 998 nits. This translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. While both utilize 4nm chipsets, the display brightness difference is a key advantage for outdoor users. The 15T's panel specifications (beyond peak brightness) are not provided, but the higher nits value suggests a more vibrant and readable experience. The Nothing Phone (2)'s display, while still good, will appear comparatively dimmer in bright conditions.

Camera Comparison

The provided data for the Nothing Phone (2) simply states 'Photo / Video,' lacking specific sensor details. This suggests the camera is a key selling point, but without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The Xiaomi 15T's camera specifications are also absent. Given Nothing's marketing focus on camera quality, it's reasonable to assume a competitive sensor, but the lack of detail hinders a thorough assessment. We can infer that both phones will likely offer capable cameras, but the Nothing Phone (2) may lean towards image processing that emphasizes a specific aesthetic.

Performance

Both devices employ 4nm chipsets, but their architectures differ significantly. The Xiaomi 15T utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 8400 Ultra, featuring a unique octa-core configuration with three Cortex-A725 cores clocked at 3.0 GHz. The Nothing Phone (2) is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, with a Cortex-X2 prime core at 3.0 GHz. While clock speeds are similar, the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is known for its efficient thermal management and strong GPU performance. However, the Dimensity 8400 Ultra's core configuration may offer advantages in multi-threaded tasks. The 15T's CPU architecture suggests a focus on sustained performance, while the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 prioritizes peak performance and efficiency.

Battery Life

The Xiaomi 15T dominates in battery endurance, achieving a remarkable 57:44h rating and supporting 1600 charge cycles, indicating long-term battery health. This is substantially higher than the Nothing Phone (2)'s older 103h endurance rating. While the Nothing Phone (2) offers the convenience of 15W wireless charging and 5W reverse wireless charging, the Xiaomi 15T compensates with significantly faster 67W wired charging, reaching 100% in just 50 minutes, compared to the Nothing Phone (2)'s 55 minutes. The 15T's active use score of 14:56h also surpasses the Nothing Phone (2)'s 14:21h, confirming its superior battery performance.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi 15T if you need maximum battery life, fast charging, and uncompromising performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. You'll benefit from the Dimensity 8400 Ultra's power and the assurance of all-day (and then some) usage. Buy the Nothing Phone (2) if you prefer a distinctive design, a clean and minimalist software experience with Nothing OS, and wireless charging convenience, even if it means slightly shorter battery life and a marginally slower charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 8400 Ultra in the Xiaomi 15T throttle under sustained load, like during extended gaming sessions?
While the Dimensity 8400 Ultra is a powerful chipset, throttling is always a possibility with any smartphone processor. However, the 4nm manufacturing process and the chip's core configuration suggest good thermal efficiency. The Xiaomi 15T's thermal management system will ultimately determine how well it handles sustained loads. User reviews will be crucial to assess real-world throttling performance.
❓ How does Nothing OS compare to MIUI in terms of bloatware and update frequency?
Nothing OS is renowned for its clean, near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. This contrasts sharply with MIUI, which often includes pre-installed apps and a more customized interface. Nothing has also committed to providing timely software updates and security patches, a potential advantage over Xiaomi's update schedule, which can be inconsistent.
❓ Is the 15W wireless charging on the Nothing Phone (2) fast enough for daily use?
15W wireless charging is relatively slow compared to wired charging, and it will take significantly longer (around 130 minutes) to fully charge the Nothing Phone (2). It's best suited for overnight charging or topping up the battery throughout the day. If fast charging is a priority, the Xiaomi 15T's 67W wired charging is a much more efficient option.