OnePlus 13 vs Xiaomi 15: Ultimate Camera Comparison (2025)

The Ultimate 2025 Camera Comparison: OnePlus 13 vs Xiaomi 15

Introduction

The smartphone camera race has never been more intense, with flagship devices pushing the boundaries of computational photography, sensor technology, and AI enhancements. Two of the most anticipated devices of 2025—the OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 15—promise groundbreaking camera performance.

But which one truly stands out? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll analyze every aspect of their camera systems, from hardware specs to real-world performance, helping you decide which phone is the better shooter.

---

Camera Hardware: Sensor Showdown

OnePlus 13 Camera Setup

The OnePlus 13 continues OnePlus’s partnership with Hasselblad, refining its imaging system with the following setup:

• Primary Camera:

  • 50MP Sony IMX989 (1-inch sensor, f/1.7 aperture, OIS, Laser/PDAF)

  • Hasselblad color calibration

• Ultra-Wide Camera:

  • 48MP Sony IMX858 (f/2.2, 120° FoV, macro support)

• Periscope Telephoto:

  • 64MP OmniVision OV64B (3.6x optical zoom, OIS, up to 120x digital zoom)

• Front Camera:

  • 32MP Sony IMX709 (f/2.0, autofocus, 4K video)

Xiaomi 15 Camera Setup

Xiaomi, known for pushing hardware limits, equips the Xiaomi 15 with Leica-tuned optics:

• Primary Camera:

  • 50MP Sony IMX989 (1-inch sensor, f/1.6 aperture, OIS, Dual-PD AF)

  • Leica Authentic & Vibrant color modes

• Ultra-Wide Camera:

  • 50MP Samsung JN1 (f/2.2, 128° FoV, macro mode)

• Telephoto:

  • 50MP Sony IMX858 (2.6x optical zoom, OIS, up to 100x digital zoom)

• Front Camera:

  • 32MP Samsung GD2 (f/2.0, fixed focus, 4K video)

Key Hardware Differences

• Primary Camera: Both use the 1-inch IMX989, but Xiaomi’s f/1.6 aperture lets in slightly more light than OnePlus’s f/1.7.

• Telephoto: OnePlus offers a higher-resolution 64MP sensor with longer zoom (3.5x vs 3.2x).

• Ultra-Wide: Xiaomi’s 50MP JN1 is slightly smaller than OnePlus’s 48MP IMX858, but both perform well.

• Software Tuning: Hasselblad (OnePlus) vs Leica (Xiaomi)—two iconic brands with different color philosophies.

---

Daylight Photography: Detail & Color Science

Primary Camera (50MP Mode)

• OnePlus 13:

  • Hasselblad’s natural tones excel in accurate skin tones and balanced contrast.

  • Slightly warmer hues, better shadow recovery.

• Xiaomi 15:

  • Leica’s signature look—higher contrast, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors.

  • More aggressive sharpening in default mode.

Verdict: If you prefer natural colors, OnePlus wins. For punchier, cinematic shots, Xiaomi is better.

Ultra-Wide Shots

• OnePlus 13:

  • Better edge sharpness, less distortion.

  • Superior macro mode (thanks to autofocus).

• Xiaomi 15:

  • Slightly wider FoV (128° vs 120°).

  • More saturated colors.

Verdict: OnePlus has better detail, Xiaomi offers wider framing.

Zoom Performance

• 3x-5x Zoom:

  • Both perform well, but OnePlus’s 64MP sensor retains more detail.

• 10x+ Zoom:

  • Xiaomi’s AI upscaling is impressive, but OnePlus’s 120x digital zoom is slightly cleaner.

Verdict: OnePlus wins in long-range zoom, Xiaomi is better at mid-range.

---

Low-Light & Night Mode Performance

Primary Camera (Night Mode)

• OnePlus 13:

  • Brighter shadows, but sometimes overexposes lights.

  • Hasselblad’s nightscape mode reduces noise effectively.

• Xiaomi 15:

  • More controlled highlights, better dynamic range.

  • Leica’s night filter adds a moody, film-like tone.

Verdict: Xiaomi handles highlights better, OnePlus keeps shadows brighter.

Ultra-Wide & Telephoto Night Shots

• OnePlus 13:

  • Telephoto performs surprisingly well in low light.

  • Ultra-wide suffers from noise but remains usable.

• Xiaomi 15:

  • More noise in ultra-wide shots.

  • Telephoto struggles beyond 5x in dim lighting.

Verdict: OnePlus has the better night zoom, Xiaomi’s ultra-wide is weaker.

---

Portrait Mode & Bokeh

• OnePlus 13:

  • More natural bokeh, accurate edge detection.

  • Hasselblad’s X-Pan mode adds a unique film-style crop.

• Xiaomi 15:

  • More dramatic background blur (Leica-style).

  • Sometimes over-processes skin tones.

Verdict: OnePlus for realistic portraits, Xiaomi for artistic effects.

---

Video Recording

• Stabilization: Both have excellent OIS + EIS, but Xiaomi’s HyperOIS+ is slightly smoother.

• 8K Video:

  • OnePlus supports 8K@30fps with Hasselblad tuning.

  • Xiaomi offers 8K@24fps with Leica filters.

• 4K/60fps:

  • Xiaomi has better dynamic range.

  • OnePlus has superior audio recording.

Verdict: Xiaomi for videography, OnePlus for balanced performance.

---

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the OnePlus 13 if you:

✅ Prefer natural, true-to-life colors (Hasselblad tuning).
✅ Need better zoom performance (64MP telephoto).
✅ Want superior macro and ultra-wide shots.

Choose the Xiaomi 15 if you:

✅ Love Leica’s contrast-rich, cinematic look.
✅ Prioritize low-light dynamic range.
✅ Need better video stabilization.

Conclusion

Both phones are flagship killers in camera performance, but the OnePlus 13 edges out in zoom and color accuracy, while the Xiaomi 15 excels in low-light and videography.

https://www.mi.com/in/

Winner?

• Photographers → OnePlus 13
• Videographers → Xiaomi 15

Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments!