Xiaomi K80 Ultra vs. iPhone 15 Pro Max: A Deep Dive into Flagship Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi K80 Ultra arrives as a potent challenger to the established iPhone 15 Pro Max, representing a shift in Android flagship strategy – prioritizing raw performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on their chipsets, displays, cameras, and battery capabilities to determine which phone delivers the best experience for different user needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing a seamless ecosystem, long-term software support, and refined camera processing, the iPhone 15 Pro Max remains the superior choice. However, the Xiaomi K80 Ultra delivers comparable processing power with the Dimensity 9400+ and significantly faster charging, making it a compelling option for power users and gamers.

PHONES
Phone Names Xiaomi Redmi K80 Ultra Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 48, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 48, 53, 66 - A3106
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 53, 66, 70, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 - A3106
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2025, June 262023, September 12
StatusAvailable. Released 2025, June 26Available. Released 2023, September 22
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum frameGlass front, glass back, titanium frame (grade 5)
Dimensions163.1 x 77.9 x 8.2 mm (6.42 x 3.07 x 0.32 in)159.9 x 76.7 x 8.3 mm (6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + eSIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time; International)· eSIM + eSIM (8 or more, max 2 at a time; USA)· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China)
Weight219 g (7.72 oz)221 g (7.80 oz)
Display
ProtectionScratch/drop-resistant glassCeramic Shield glass
Resolution1280 x 2772 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~447 ppi density)1290 x 2796 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~460 ppi density)
Size6.83 inches, 114.5 cm2 (~90.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~89.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeOLED, 68B colors, 144Hz, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR Vivid, 1800 nits (HBM), 3200 nits (peak)LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000 nits (typ), 2000 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x3.63 GHz Cortex-X925 & 3x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720)Hexa-core (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 9400+ (3 nm)Apple A17 Pro (3 nm)
GPUImmortalis-G925Apple GPU (6-core graphics)
OSAndroid 15, HyperOS 2iOS 17, upgradable to iOS 26.1
Memory
Card slotNoNo
Internal256GB 12GB RAM, 256GB 16GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 16GB RAM, 1TB 16GB RAM256GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM, 1TB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/1.55", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesColor spectrum sensor, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama)
Triple-48 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.28", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, sensor-shift OIS 12 MP, f/2.8, 120mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, dual pixel PDAF, 3D sensor‑shift OIS, 5x optical zoom 12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
Video8K@30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120/240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps), ProRes, 3D (spatial) video, stereo sound rec.
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR, Dolby Vision HDR
Single20 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm12 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS SL 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Video1080p@30/60fps4K@24/25/30/60fps, 1080p@25/30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
35mm jackNoNo
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.4, A2DP, LE, LHDC 55.3, A2DP, LE
Infrared portYes-
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), BDS (B1I+B1C+B2a+B2b), GALILEO (E1+E5a+E5b), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC, GLONASSGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6/7, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, tri-band, hotspot
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, ultrasonic), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFace ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging100W wired, PD3.0 Bypass chargingWired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min 15W wireless (MagSafe) 15W wireless (Qi2) - requires iOS 17.2 update 4.5W reverse wired
TypeSi/C Li-Ion 7410 mAhLi-Ion 4441 mAh
Misc
ColorsGray, White, Blue, GreenBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium
Models-A2849, A3105, A3106, A3108, iPhone16,2
PriceAbout 310 EUR€ 758.79 / $ 579.87 / £ 628.29
SAR-1.07 W/kg (head)     1.11 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.98 W/kg (head)     0.98 W/kg (body)

Xiaomi Redmi K80 Ultra

  • Significantly faster 100W wired charging
  • Potentially superior multi-core CPU performance with Dimensity 9400+
  • PD3.0 and bypass charging for optimized battery health

  • Uncertainty regarding camera performance and image processing
  • Android ecosystem fragmentation and software update longevity

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

  • Industry-leading camera system with exceptional video capabilities
  • Polished user experience and seamless ecosystem integration
  • Long-term software support and security updates

  • Slower charging speeds compared to the K80 Ultra
  • Higher price point

Display Comparison

The iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a peak brightness of 1787 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. While the K80 Ultra’s display specs are currently unavailable, Xiaomi typically employs high-quality AMOLED panels. The iPhone’s advantage lies in its color accuracy and potentially its LTPO technology, enabling variable refresh rates for power efficiency. The iPhone’s display is likely to have a more refined calibration out of the box, while the K80 Ultra may offer a higher refresh rate for smoother gaming, pending further specifications.

Camera Comparison

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is renowned for its computational photography and video capabilities. While specific sensor details are missing for the K80 Ultra, Xiaomi often focuses on high megapixel counts. The iPhone’s strength lies in its image processing pipeline, delivering consistent and natural-looking results. The K80 Ultra may excel in specific scenarios, such as low-light photography, depending on its sensor size and aperture. The iPhone’s video recording capabilities are industry-leading, offering ProRes and Cinematic mode. The K80 Ultra will need to demonstrate comparable video quality to compete effectively.

Performance

Both devices utilize 3nm chipsets, but their architectures differ significantly. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro features a hexa-core CPU (2x3.78 GHz + 4x2.11 GHz), prioritizing single-core performance. The K80 Ultra’s Dimensity 9400+ employs an octa-core configuration (1x3.63 GHz Cortex-X925 & 3x3.3 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.4 GHz Cortex-A720), potentially offering better multi-core performance. The Dimensity 9400+’s inclusion of the Cortex-X925 suggests a focus on sustained performance, while the A17 Pro’s efficiency may translate to better thermal management. The K80 Ultra’s RAM configuration (likely LPDDR5x) will be crucial in maximizing the Dimensity 9400+’s potential.

Battery Life

The iPhone 15 Pro Max achieves an impressive 16:01h active use score and an endurance rating of 118h, indicating excellent battery life. The K80 Ultra’s battery capacity is unknown, but its 100W wired charging is a significant advantage. The iPhone 15 Pro Max supports 50% charge in 30 minutes with PD2.0, while the K80 Ultra’s 100W charging promises a much faster top-up. The K80 Ultra also supports PD3.0 and bypass charging, minimizing heat during prolonged charging sessions. The iPhone 15 Pro Max adds 15W wireless charging via MagSafe and Qi2 (requiring iOS 17.2), and 4.5W reverse wired charging.

Buying Guide

Buy the Xiaomi Redmi K80 Ultra if you need uncompromising CPU performance for demanding tasks, prioritize incredibly fast 100W charging, and value a high refresh rate display for gaming. Buy the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max if you prefer a polished user experience, a mature camera system with consistent results, and the security of Apple’s ecosystem with guaranteed software updates for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Dimensity 9400+ in the K80 Ultra generate excessive heat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 9400+'s 3nm process and octa-core architecture are designed for efficiency. However, sustained performance will inevitably generate heat. Xiaomi will likely employ advanced cooling solutions to mitigate throttling, but real-world testing is needed to assess its effectiveness compared to the A17 Pro's thermal management.
❓ How does the iPhone 15 Pro Max's MagSafe charging compare to the K80 Ultra's wireless charging capabilities?
MagSafe offers a secure and convenient wireless charging experience with 15W speeds, while the K80 Ultra supports standard Qi2 wireless charging (also 15W with iOS 17.2). MagSafe also enables accessory attachment. The K80 Ultra’s advantage lies in its significantly faster wired charging, making wireless charging a secondary consideration.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs for the K80 Ultra a cause for concern?
While megapixel counts are important, sensor size, aperture, and image processing algorithms are equally crucial. Xiaomi has a track record of producing capable camera systems, but the K80 Ultra will need to demonstrate competitive image quality and video stabilization to challenge the iPhone 15 Pro Max.