Xiaomi 15T vs Xiaomi 17 Series: Camera Specs, Features, and Key Differences

Xiaomi 15T vs Xiaomi 17 Series: Detailed Camera Comparison and Key Differences

Xiaomi has just launched two of its most anticipated smartphone lineups of the year – the Xiaomi 15T series and the Xiaomi 17 lineup. While both sit at the higher end of the company’s portfolio, the real distinction between the two families lies in their camera hardware and imaging capabilities. Let’s break down what sets them apart.

Launch Timeline and Market Position

Both lineups made their debut last week, but in different regions. The Xiaomi 17 series is being positioned as a more premium flagship line, while the Xiaomi 15T series caters to users who want flagship-level performance at a more affordable price point.

Xiaomi has consistently emphasized its commitment to camera innovation, and the latest models reinforce that narrative, though in very different ways depending on the serie

Xiaomi 17 Series Camera Hardware

Xiaomi 17 (Standard Model)

The standard Xiaomi 17 comes with a 1/1.31-inch 50 MP Light Hunter 950 sensor as its primary camera. This is accompanied by:

A 1/2.76-inch Samsung ISOCELL JN5 sensor beneath a 2.6x telephoto zoom lens,

A 50 MP OV50M sensor that serves dual purposes as the ultra-wide-angle lens and the front-facing selfie camera.

This balanced combination ensures high-quality shots across different photography scenarios, from wide landscapes to detailed portraits.

Xiaomi 17 Pro and Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

The Pro and Pro Max models step things up with more advanced zoom capabilities:

Both feature 5x periscope telephoto lenses, but with different sensors.

Xiaomi 17 Pro: Uses the JN5 sensor.

Xiaomi 17 Pro Max: Upgrades to the larger 1/1.95-inch ISOCELL GN8, offering improved low-light performance and detail.

Both phones employ the 1/1.28-inch Light Hunter A950L as their main camera,

Alongside the OV50M sensor for ultra-wide and selfie photography.

This makes the Pro Max especially appealing for photography enthusiasts who demand flagship-level detail and versatility.

Xiaomi 15T Series Camera Hardware

Compared to the Xiaomi 17 lineup, the 15T series is clearly less premium, but still impressive for its tier.

Xiaomi 15T (Standard Model):

1/1.55-inch OVX8000 as the main camera,

12 MP OV13B for ultra-wide,

32 MP S5KKDS for selfies,

JN5 sensor beneath a 2x zoom lens.

Xiaomi 15T Pro:

Upgraded 1/1.31-inch OVX9100 as the main sensor,

Same secondary sensors as the vanilla model,

A more advanced 5x periscope zoom lens for long-distance photography.

This means the 15T Pro offers a big step up in zoom versatility, making it better suited for users who want premium camera performance without paying the price of a Xiaomi 17 Pro Max.

Key Takeaways: Xiaomi 15T vs Xiaomi 17 Cameras

1. Main Camera Quality – The Xiaomi 17 series uses Light Hunter and GN8 sensors, while the 15T relies on OVX series sensors, which are still strong but slightly less advanced.

2. Zoom Capability – The 17 Pro/Pro Max offer 5x periscope zoom, whereas the base 15T is limited to 2x (though the 15T Pro also includes 5x zoom).

3. Selfie and Ultra-Wide – The Xiaomi 17 lineup standardizes on the OV50M for both roles, while the 15T uses separate sensors, including a 32 MP selfie shooter.

4. Market Position – The 17 series targets users looking for professional-grade photography, while the 15T series balances features with affordability.