Redmi Note 15 5G Review

The Redmi Note 15 5G launches at ₹22,999 continuing the Note series tradition of balancing premium features with value pricing. Xiaomi focuses on refinement rather than radical innovation, delivering a curved AMOLED display, lightweight design, extended software support, and practical daily performance through Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor. The device targets mainstream users seeking reliable smartphones with premium aesthetics without flagship pricing.

Core Specifications:

• Display: 6.77-inch FHD+ curved AMOLED, 120Hz, 3200 nits peak brightness
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB, 8GB/256GB with microSD expansion
• Cameras: 108MP main + 8MP ultra-wide | 20MP front
• Battery: 5520 mAh with 45W fast charging
• Software: HyperOS 2 based on Android 15

This detailed review examines the Redmi Note 15 5G across design, display quality, software experience, performance capabilities, camera system, and battery endurance based on comprehensive real-world testing.

Design and Build Analysis

Premium Aesthetics at Mainstream Pricing

The Redmi Note 15 5G measures 164 x 75.42 x 7.35mm with 178g weight, making it among the slimmest and lightest offerings in the sub-₹25,000 segment. The curved AMOLED display flows into the frame naturally without sharp edges, improving grip comfort during extended usage. The frame design avoids the hand-stabbing sensation common in some curved-edge implementations.

Three color options include Glacier Blue, Black, and Mist Purple providing aesthetic variety. The overall construction feels premium despite plastic frame usage, with tight assembly and minimal flex. The curved display glass transitions smoothly into the frame creating cohesive premium appearance.

Water and Dust Protection

IP65 and IP66 ratings protect against dust ingress and water jets from multiple angles. While not matching IP68 submersion protection, the dual IP ratings handle rain, splashes, and dusty environments adequately. The protection level remains appropriate for the price segment without adding significant cost.

Design Highlights:

• Slim 7.35mm thickness profile
• Lightweight 178g construction
• Curved AMOLED display integration
• Dual IP65 + IP66 protection ratings
• Three color variants available
• Premium appearance execution

Display Quality Assessment

Curved AMOLED with High Brightness

The 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display delivers 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Peak brightness reaches 3200 nits ensuring excellent outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. The 12-bit color depth with 100% DCI-P3 coverage produces vibrant, accurate colors for media consumption and content creation.

The curved edges provide premium visual aesthetics though introducing minor glare at screen edges under direct lighting. The curvature remains subtle avoiding accidental touch issues plaguing aggressive curve implementations. The 240Hz touch sampling rate improves gaming responsiveness and general interface smoothness.

Display Technology Features

Wet Touch 2.0 support enables screen operation with wet fingers or in rain conditions. TÜV Eye Protection 2.0 certification indicates reduced blue light emission for extended viewing comfort. The adaptive 120Hz refresh rate adjusts from 60Hz to 120Hz based on content type, balancing smoothness with battery conservation.

HDR Playback Limitation

The display lacks HDR10 or HDR10+ certification preventing HDR content playback on Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming platforms. Content plays in standard dynamic range (SDR) regardless of source quality. This limitation affects users prioritizing premium video streaming experience.

Display Strengths:

• 6.77-inch curved AMOLED panel
• 3200 nits peak brightness for outdoors
• 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
• 12-bit color depth with DCI-P3
• Wet Touch 2.0 functionality
• In-display fingerprint sensor

Software Experience

HyperOS 2 on Android 15

HyperOS 2 based on Android 15 brings interface refinements over previous MIUI versions. The user interface feels lighter with improved responsiveness during navigation and app switching. Customization options remain extensive covering lock screen designs, icon styles, animations, and transition effects. The Theme store provides numerous wallpaper and visual customization choices.

The update commitment includes 4 years of Android OS upgrades and 6 years of security patches, exceptional for the price segment. This support duration ensures the device remains current through 2030, providing long-term value beyond typical 2-3 year smartphone lifecycles.

Limited AI Implementation

AI features remain basic with Circle to Search, Gemini assistant integration, and AI Beauty photo enhancement. The implementation lacks advanced AI capabilities including smart summarization, advanced photo editing, or contextual suggestions found in premium devices. Xiaomi maintains conservative AI approach prioritizing stability over experimental features.

Bloatware Concerns

Pre-installed applications include Block Blast, Bubble Shooter, TileFun, Scanner, PhonePe, and additional titles. The Indus App Store replaces Mi App Store as alternative marketplace to Google Play Store. While providing choice benefits some users, the bloatware volume feels excessive creating cluttered experience. Most pre-installed applications can be uninstalled though some core bloatware remains permanent.

Software Features:

• HyperOS 2 with customization depth
• Android 15 operating system
• 4 years OS + 6 years security updates
• Basic AI feature integration
• Extensive theme customization
• Gemini assistant built-in

Performance Evaluation

Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Capabilities

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor handles daily tasks including social media scrolling, web browsing, and video streaming smoothly. The 8GB LPDDR4X RAM manages moderate multitasking adequately. However, heavy multitasking with numerous simultaneous applications triggers occasional stutters and lags. The 256GB UFS 2.2 storage provides adequate speeds with microSD expansion supporting up to 1TB additional capacity.

Gaming Performance Analysis

Casual gaming including puzzle games and light titles runs smoothly. Call of Duty Mobile at Very High graphics and Max frame rates shows performance limitations with lag during extended sessions. Reducing to High graphics and High frame rates improves playability significantly. Thermal management remains acceptable with moderate warming during gaming without reaching uncomfortable levels.

The processor positioning targets general users rather than gaming enthusiasts. Users prioritizing gaming performance should consider alternatives with Dimensity 7300 or Snapdragon 7-series processors.

Benchmark Results

The benchmarks indicate entry-level to lower mid-range performance suitable for general usage rather than demanding applications or intensive gaming.

Performance Summary:

• Smooth daily task handling
• Adequate for casual gaming
• Heavy multitasking limitations
• LPDDR4X RAM impacting performance
• UFS 2.2 storage with microSD support
• Moderate thermal management

Camera System Performance

108MP Primary Sensor Results

The 108MP primary camera with f/1.7 aperture captures decent daylight photos with adequate detail retention. However, dynamic range remains limited in high-contrast scenes causing blown highlights or crushed shadows. Colors appear accurate in most situations though occasionally rendering slightly muted or shifting red tones toward pink.

The sensor bins to 12MP in standard mode for improved low-light performance and manageable file sizes. The lack of optical image stabilization affects low-light photography with motion blur in handheld shots. Digital zoom at 3x produces warmer tones and reduced detail compared to primary 1x shots.

Portrait and Ultra-Wide Performance

Portrait mode at 2x digital zoom produces natural bokeh effects with good edge detection. Skin tones remain accurate without excessive smoothing. The 8MP ultra-wide camera captures the most accurate colors among sensors though corner sharpness decreases noticeably. Ultra-wide shots lack the detail and dynamic range of the primary sensor.

Low-Light Photography

Low-light performance remains average with visible noise in darker areas. The primary sensor maintains acceptable color accuracy though struggling with glare management. The 3x digital zoom produces significant noise and soft details in low-light conditions. The ultra-wide sensor delivers weak low-light results with minimal detail retention.

Selfie Camera Quality

The 20MP front camera captures detailed selfies in daylight with accurate skin tones and natural colors. Edge detection in portrait mode performs well. Low-light selfies remain acceptable under adequate ambient lighting though extreme low-light conditions produce noise and soft details.

Camera Assessment:

• 108MP primary with decent daylight performance
• Limited dynamic range in complex scenes
• No optical image stabilization
• 8MP ultra-wide with accurate colors
• Average low-light capabilities
• 20MP front camera with good daylight results

Battery Life and Charging

5520 mAh Endurance

The 5520 mAh battery provides full-day usage with moderate to normal usage patterns including social media, browsing, video streaming, and photography. Power users engaging in gaming or extensive multimedia consumption achieve comfortable full-day runtime. The PCMark Work 3.0 Battery Life test resulted in 20 hours 45 minutes of continuous usage, appropriate for the segment.

Multi-day battery life remains achievable with light usage patterns. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor combined with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate optimizes power consumption effectively. Battery longevity meets expectations for mainstream users without exceptional standout performance.

45W Fast Charging Performance

The included 45W fast charger replenishes battery from 0% to 54% in 30 minutes. Full charge from empty requires 1 hour 8 minutes. While not matching 80W+ charging speeds in some competitors, the 45W charging proves adequate for daily usage patterns. The charger inclusion adds value compared to premium brands omitting charging adapters.

Battery Performance:

• 5520 mAh battery capacity
• Full-day usage for most users
• 20h 45min PCMark battery test
• 45W fast charging support
• 0-54% charge in 30 minutes
• Charger included in retail box

Competitive Positioning

Pricing Structure

The ₹22,999 starting price positions against Nothing Phone 3a Lite, Poco X7 Pro, OnePlus Nord CE5, and Moto G67 Power. Competitors offer varied advantages including superior processors, better cameras, or larger batteries at similar pricing.

Competitive Analysis

Redmi Note 15 5G Advantages:

• Curved AMOLED premium design
• 3200 nits peak brightness
• Extended 4+6 year software support
• Slim 7.35mm thickness
• 178g lightweight construction

Competitor Strengths:

• Nothing Phone 3a Lite: Dimensity 7300 Pro processor, cleaner software
• Poco X7 Pro: Dimensity 8400 Ultra, superior gaming performance
• OnePlus Nord CE5: Dimensity 8350, faster charging
• Moto G67 Power: 7000 mAh battery, Snapdragon 7s Gen 2

Verdict

The Redmi Note 15 5G delivers refined mid-range package prioritizing design, display quality, and software longevity over raw performance. The curved AMOLED display with 3200 nits brightness provides premium visual experience. The slim, lightweight construction combined with IP65/IP66 ratings ensures practical durability. The extended 4-year OS and 6-year security update commitment provides exceptional long-term value.

Performance limitations exist through Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor choice restricting gaming capabilities and heavy multitasking. The 108MP camera produces acceptable results though lacking dynamic range and low-light prowess. Bloatware presence detracts from otherwise refined software experience. Battery life remains adequate without standout longevity.

The Redmi Note 15 5G suits mainstream users prioritizing design, display quality, and long-term software support over maximum performance. Gaming enthusiasts and power users should consider alternatives with superior processors. The device represents solid value for general users seeking reliable daily drivers with premium aesthetics.

Also Read: Realme 16 Pro 5G Review

Final Rating: 7.5/10

Comparos Says: The Redmi Note 15 5G excels in design and display quality while delivering competent performance for everyday usage. The choice between this and competitors depends on priorities—premium build and extended software support versus maximum processing power or advanced camera capabilities.