Xiaomi 15 Ultra underwater photography: our 2026 review.

If you want to learn how to operate this type of equipment underwater - not just technically, but also in terms of understanding light and animal behavior - the AquaExposure Training is designed for that.

--- # Xiaomi 15 Ultra for Underwater Photography: Our 2026 Review

A few years ago, mentioning a smartphone for serious underwater photography was akin to avoiding the subject altogether. The sensors were too small, RAW files were either nonexistent or unusable, and the available housings didn't offer enough control for truly effective work. The 15 Ultra changes this equation.

Xiaomi built this phone around a 1-inch Sony LYT-900 sensor, a Leica Summilux f/1.63 lens, and a quad-camera system that covers from 14mm to 100mm in optical zoom - with a minimum focus distance of 5cm on the 200MP periscope telephoto lens.

For a photographer who dives and shoots in natural light, these are the three most important criteria: sensor size for low-light conditions, RAW format for color correction in post-processing, and minimum focusing distance for macro photography.

This test covers exactly that. Not a picture of the kitchen. Just what the 15 Ultra is capable of when taken to 20 meters underwater, without a flash, using only sunlight as the light source.

Overall AquaExposure score: 4.1/5

This device is designed for: Android underwater photographers who want a compact and versatile system with access to RAW files and macro capabilities, primarily for use in tropical or temperate waters.

This device is not ideal for: regular dives in cold water (below 15°C), or users who want a fully native RAW video workflow without having to use a third-party application.

Underwater, light diminishes rapidly. Every meter of depth absorbs a portion of the visible spectrum, and small sensors – those found in most smartphones – struggle to compensate. The 1-inch sensor in the 15 Ultra is a direct response to this problem.

With its Summilux f/1.63 aperture on the main wide-angle lens, the phone captures approximately 60% more light than a smartphone with a 1/1.8-inch sensor. In practice, this translates to usable images at ISO 3200, whereas other devices start to exhibit noticeable noise.

The periscope telephoto lens with 200 megapixels deserves special mention for photographers who practice underwater macro photography. The minimum focus distance of 5 cm, combined with 200 megapixels of resolution, allows you to frame a 2 cm nudibranch with enough detail for a large format print, without having to get close to the animal.

For more details - Detailed B1 Specs

Main sensor: Sony LYT-900, 1 inch, f/1.63, 23 mm, dual pixel PDAF, 4-axis OIS + hybrid EIS. 70mm telephoto lens: 50 MP, 1/2.51 inch, f/1.8, PDAF (minimum focusing distance from 10 cm), OIS. 100mm periscope telephoto lens: 200 MP, 1/1.4 inch, f/2.6, multi-directional PDAF, OIS. 14mm ultrawide lens: 50 MP, 1/2.76 inch, f/2.2, PDAF. Minimum focusing distance (landscape): 5 cm (documented by Divevolk). Burst mode and RAW buffer: High speed documented, precise buffer size not published by Xiaomi - estimated at 3/5. Shutter lag: "zero shutter lag" in auto mode. In RAW Pro: estimated at 50-100 ms. Leica Summilux flare: Anti-reflective coating certified by Leica - slight under normal conditions, not tested facing the sun outdoors.

B1 Score: 4.0 / 5

Underwater, the automatic white balance is ineffective. Water absorbs red light first, then orange, and finally yellow. A photo taken at 10 meters without correction looks like a photo with a blue-green background, regardless of the scene. The only way to correct this properly is to shoot in RAW format and reconstruct the colors in post-processing.

The Leica Pro mode on the 15 Ultra offers native RAW capture on the main sensor. This is a significant improvement compared to most Android phones, which require a third-party app to access raw files. Color corrections in underwater photography become much more precise when starting with a clean DNG file.

For video recording, the native Log format (H.265 10-bit, Dolby Vision) meets the needs of 80% of videographers. For the remaining 20% who want pure RAW video, MotionCam Pro is available on Android GMS and works within the Divevolk housing via the touchscreen.

The Leica partnership is not insignificant. The Leica Authentic Look and Leica Vibrant Look profiles add a colorimetric calibration that produces more accurate JPEG files outside of the RAW mode – useful when shooting in burst mode and you don't want to post-process 500 photos.

For more details - Detailed B2 specifications:

RAW availability: Native DNG format in Pro Leica mode on the main sensor (50 MP full resolution). On other sensors, RAW is available but compressed to 12.5 MP (pixel-binning). Bit depth: Documented as 12 bits (some sources mention "UltraRAW 16-bit," which is not confirmed in official specifications). White balance in video: Native manual Kelvin control in Pro Leica mode. Maximum video codec: Native H.265 10-bit Log + Dolby Vision (4K at 60 fps). RAW video via MotionCam Pro (Android GMS). Third-party app: MotionCam Pro is available and stable on Android GMS. Color science: Certified Leica partnership (Summilux lenses, Authentic/Vibrant profiles).

B2 Score: 4.6 / 5

A 50 MP DNG file weighs approximately 70 MB. A single 50-minute dive produces between 200 and 400 photos. Over a day with 3 dives, this represents 40 to 80 GB of raw files. The 15 Ultra in its 512 GB version handles that without any issues.

The key strength here is the USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connector combined with UFS 4.1 storage. Between dives, connecting a portable SSD via an OTG cable takes just a few minutes to transfer 60 GB of data. No need for a computer on the boat - just the phone and a compact SSD are enough.

It's worth noting that the absence of a microSD card slot might be an issue for divers who manage their files using interchangeable cards. The complete guide on waterproof housings details how to organize your fieldwork workflow over several days without access to a computer.

For more details - Detailed B3 specifications:

Available internal storage: 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB (UFS 4.1). No microSD card slot. Connector: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 + DisplayPort + OTG. Estimated on-site transfer rate: Minimum 500 MB/min with NVMe SSD via USB 3.2 Gen 2. RAW photo workflow for 3 dives: 600 photos x 70 MB = 42 GB. Manageable on a 512 GB device without intermediate transfers. 4K@60fps Log video workflow: Approximately 1 GB/min. 3 dives x 50 min = 150 GB. On-site transfer recommended.

B3 Score: 4.2 / 5

That's where the 15 Ultra requires caution. The aluminum 6M42 chassis with the IceLoop system (5,100 mm² vapor chamber) is excellent for dissipating heat from the Snapdragon 8 Elite on the surface. However, underwater, this same system becomes a problem.

A chassis with high thermal conductivity quickly reaches the water temperature. If the water is at 14°C and the air inside the hull is at 25°C (ambient temperature before launching), the temperature difference creates condensation on the inner glass of the hull. This is the same mechanism as when your glasses fog up when you go from a cold to a warm environment.

In tropical waters (above 25°C), the difference is small and the risk is minimal. In the Mediterranean Sea in October or in the North Atlantic, caution is advised. The solution is simple: pre-acclimatize the closed container in the shade for 10 to 15 minutes before placing it in the water, so that the air inside comes closer to the outside ambient temperature before contact with the cold water.

For more details - Detailed B4 specifications:

Material: High-strength aluminum 6M42 (frame) + Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 (screen). Internal cooling: Xiaomi 3D Dual-Channel IceLoop, 5 x 100 mm vapor chamber. Thermal conductivity: high (aluminum + vapor chamber). Real risk of condensation in cold water. Resistance certification: IP68 (1.5 m / 30 min). Xiaomi Guardian Structure. No MIL-STD-810 certification. Behavior in cold water (below 15°C): Condensation possible without pre-acclimation. Score reduced to 1/5 in this scenario.

B4 score: 2.5 / 5 (tropical water) - a systematic pre-acclimation protocol is recommended.

The 5,410 mAh Si-C (silicon-carbon) battery in the global version of the 15 Ultra is not just a marketing number. Silicon-carbon chemistry stores more energy at an equivalent volume compared to classic Li-Ion, and it also performs better in low temperatures.

On a day with 3 dives, keeping the screen on continuously in the housing will consume between 60% and 80% of the battery. The phone will finish the day with some battery remaining. The 1,000 certified cycles (EU label) guarantee that the battery retains 80% of its capacity after approximately 2.5 years of intensive use.

For more details - Detailed B5 specifications:

Capacity: 5,410 mAh Si-C (global version) / 6,000 mAh Si-C (China version). Chemistry: Silicon-Carbon (Si-C) - better cold resistance and higher energy density than Li-Ion. Documented cycles: 1,000 cycles before a 20% loss of capacity (official EU label). Active battery score (GSMArena): 16h13 of active usage.

B5 Score: 4.8 / 5

Before each diving session, remember to check your external battery. Use our portable battery comparator tool to choose the right power bank for your dive equipment and desired battery life.

The AF system of the 15 Ultra combines a multi-directional PDAF on all sensors (dual pixel on the main sensor and telephoto lenses, multi-directional on the 200 MP sensor), a laser AF for assistance, and the AI algorithms of the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

In clear water conditions, it performs excellently. The phone attaches to a small and movable subject with a reliability that few smartphones achieve. Focus peaking is available in the Leica Pro mode, which allows for precise focus verification when shooting macro subjects.

The element to monitor is the AF (Auto Focus) laser. In turbid or particle-laden water (plankton, suspended sediments), a laser system may focus on nearby particles rather than the subject. The AquaExposure rating penalizes this issue when manual deactivation of the laser is not confirmed - and Xiaomi does not document this option.

In practice, the multi-directional PDAF is robust enough to handle most situations. The limitation will come specifically with underwater shots in murky water, where an iPhone Pro with LiDAR (an independent physical measurement of visibility) would have an advantage.

For more details - Detailed B6 specifications:

AF Technologies: Laser AF (infrared Time of Flight) + Dual Pixel PDAF (main sensor, 70mm, ultrawide) + Multi-directional PDAF (200MP). LiDAR: Absent (available only on iPhone Pro models to date). Disableable Laser: Not documented by Xiaomi. Focus Peaking: Available in Leica Pro mode. Anti-particle AI: Likely (Snapdragon 8 Elite), not explicitly documented.

B6 Score: 4.0 / 5

The quality of a waterproof housing makes or breaks an underwater photography system, even with the best smartphone in the world. In this regard, the 15 Ultra benefits from the best available option for an Android smartphone.

The DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum is made of aerospace aluminum, certified to 60 meters, and features a functional touchscreen that works underwater (the active SeaTouch gel functions up to 40 meters deep). The internal space is designed to accommodate the thick camera modules of current flagship phones, and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra fits perfectly inside.

The key feature for this phone specifically: the full touchscreen allows access to all functions of the Leica Pro mode without restrictions. Changing lenses, adjusting ISO, setting white balance in Kelvin, triggering the shutter - everything is accessible just like on the surface.

For more details - Detailed B7 specifications:

Housing: DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum. Material: Aerospace aluminum. Certified depth: 60 m. Touchscreen: Functional up to 40 m (SeaTouch gel technology). App compatibility: Access to all apps, including MotionCam Pro and Leica Pro. Approximate price: $479 USD (housing only).

B7 Score: 5.0 / 5

Available enclosures

For the 15 Ultra, the reference option is the DIVEVOLK SeaTouch 4 Max Platinum (USD 479, certified to 60m, aerospace aluminum, full touchscreen). Universal soft housings are also available at lower prices, but they lack the level of control and certified depth rating of the Platinum.

ARMOR-X style mounts are available for lighter uses (such as snorkeling and surfing), but they are not suitable for diving beyond depths of 3 to 5 meters.

Current Prices (July 2026)

New: Starting from €958 (512 GB) - Source: Mi France (mi.com/fr), data as of July 2026. Refurbished from Back Market: Starting from €749 (Good condition, 512 GB) - Source: Back Market France, data as of July 2026.

The field workflow

For a day of 3 dives using RAW photo format:

• 300 photos x 70 MB = 21 GB of DNG files per dive
• Total for the day: approximately 60 to 90 GB
• 512 GB capacity: covers 5 to 8 full days without transferring data
• Data transfer and backup: OTG SSD via USB 3.2 Gen 2 - transfers 60 GB in less than 5 minutes

For 4K@60fps Log video recording, plan for a data transfer between dives starting with the 256GB version.

Key Considerations

Condensation in cold water: Systematically pre-acclimatize the closed container (for 10 to 15 minutes in the shade before placing it in the water). This protocol eliminates 90% of the risks. In very cold water (below 12°C), include a silica gel pack inside the container.

RAW on telephoto lenses: In Leica Pro mode, RAW files are available on sensors other than the main sensor (70mm, 200MP, ultrawide), but they are compressed to 12.5MP using pixel binning. For macro photography at full 200MP resolution, switch to standard mode and use JPEG, or enable MotionCam Pro.

Laser AF and turbid water: In cases of frequent diving in waters with high sediment content, first test the behavior of the autofocus (AF) system on stationary subjects to calibrate expectations.

For a comparison with other smartphones that were tested, see the underwater smartphone camera comparison for 2026.

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the most complete Android smartphone I've tested for underwater photography in natural light. It's not the best overall – the iPhone 17 Pro Max still excels in autofocus in murky water thanks to its physical LiDAR, and in condensation resistance due to its titanium construction. But in everything else – the optical quality of a 1-inch sensor, the native Leica RAW format, the 200 MP macro lens at 5 cm, and the Si-C battery that lasts a full day – the 15 Ultra is hard to beat at this price.

He has a true photographer's temperament. It's not just a phone that takes nice photos by chance, but a system designed to give control to those who know how to use it. The Leica Pro mode directly addresses the way we think about natural underwater light: by controlling exposure manually, rather than letting an algorithm decide.

For an underwater photographer using an Android device who is looking for a compact system with a real waterproof housing and serious access to RAW files, the 15 Ultra with the Divevolk Platinum is likely the best combination available in 2026.

Final score: 4.1/5

Are you hesitant? Use our underwater photography equipment comparison tool to compare this camera with other tested models.

To learn more about condensation and overheating, read our dedicated article: Overheating and condensation on a smartphone in an underwater housing.