First look at Redmi 15 — a big upgrade in design and battery life

The Redmi 15 has finally landed, and its first impressions reveal a strong focus on endurance, size, and simplicity. Out of the box, Xiaomi’s latest mid-range model aims to impress UK buyers looking for a practical, long-lasting smartphone that doesn’t break the bank. From packaging to performance, here’s what stands out in the first hands-on experience.

The retail box continues Xiaomi’s minimalist style — clean white packaging with orange accents and the Redmi 15 branding on top. Inside, you get the phone, a transparent TPU case, a 33W fast charger, and a USB-C cable. The inclusion of the charger in the box is a welcome move, as many brands have started omitting it from mid-range phones.

The first thing you notice when unboxing the Redmi 15 is its size. The 6.9-inch display immediately dominates attention, making it one of the largest screens in its segment. The phone feels substantial but not uncomfortably heavy, thanks to Xiaomi’s balanced weight distribution and slightly curved edges. Despite the big battery inside, the design remains reasonably sleek.

Powering it on reveals the Full HD+ LCD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate. The screen looks sharp and fluid, delivering smooth animations and crisp scrolling. Colours appear bright indoors, and while not as deep as AMOLED, the display holds its own for watching videos and browsing. Initial impressions suggest a strong improvement in brightness and clarity over the previous Redmi 14.

One of the biggest highlights right from the start is the battery. The 7,000mAh capacity stands out immediately as a defining feature. Combined with the efficient Snapdragon 685 processor, this setup promises exceptional longevity — easily two days of typical UK usage. Even in the short setup period, the phone’s cool temperature and fast boot time leave a positive impression.

Build quality feels sturdy, with a matte finish on the back that resists fingerprints. The device carries an IP64 rating, offering light protection against dust and splashes — another useful addition for daily reliability. The camera module features a simple dual-lens layout with a 50MP main sensor and an AI depth sensor, keeping the design minimal and modern.

During the first few minutes of use, Xiaomi’s new HyperOS 2 interface based on Android 15 feels refined and lightweight. Navigation is smooth, and pre-installed apps are minimal compared to older MIUI builds. Features like split-screen and gesture control are responsive, and setup is quick and intuitive.

The fingerprint scanner, embedded in the power button, responds swiftly, and stereo speakers provide good clarity for calls and media playback. Connectivity options include dual SIM support, expandable storage, and a 3.5mm headphone jack — a welcome inclusion for many UK users.

Overall, the Redmi 15 leaves a strong first impression as a well-rounded mid-ranger focused on endurance, performance, and practicality. It doesn’t chase flashy features but delivers consistent quality in the areas that matter most. The huge battery, smooth display, and refreshed design make it one of the most balanced launches in Xiaomi’s lineup.

For UK buyers looking for a reliable everyday phone with serious battery backup and a large display, the Redmi 15 feels like a standout choice right from unboxing. It’s practical, polished, and promises long-term value — exactly what most mid-range users need today.