Google Pixel 8 vs Xiaomi 15 Ultra
The Verdict
Google Pixel 8 delivers exceptional value at $699 with Google's refined AI features and reliable performance through Tensor G3, while Xiaomi 15 Ultra commands premium positioning at $999 with flagship specifications across every dimension. Pixel 8 features a compact 6.2-inch Actua OLED display at 2400x1080 resolution with 2000 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh, paired with 8GB RAM and up to 256GB storage. Its 50MP main camera with f/1.68 aperture and optical image stabilization excels in computational photography. The 4575mAh battery supports 27W charging and wireless capabilities. Xiaomi 15 Ultra substantially upgrades the experience: larger 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED at 3200x1440 with 3200 nits peak brightness, Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 16GB RAM, and up to 1TB storage. The camera system is genuinely superior, featuring a 1-inch 50MP main sensor, 200MP 5x periscope telephoto, and 50MP ultrawide, supporting 8K video and 4K@120fps. Battery reaches 5810mAh with aggressive 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. Build quality favors Xiaomi with titanium framing versus aluminum. For most users, Pixel 8 offers intelligent software and AI features with solid hardware at reasonable pricing. Xiaomi 15 Ultra justifies its premium for those prioritizing camera versatility, raw performance, and battery endurance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Google Pixel 8 if…
- →Compact and comfortable design
- →Seven years of updates
- →Excellent main camera
Buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra if…
- →200MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom rivals Galaxy S25 Ultra
- →1-inch main sensor with Leica optics produces stunning photos
- →Titanium frame gives a premium, durable build
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Google Pixel 8
Pros
- Compact and comfortable design
- Seven years of updates
- Excellent main camera
- Bright Actua OLED display
- On-device AI features
Cons
- No telephoto lens
- Tensor G3 thermals can be inconsistent
- Only 8 GB RAM
- Slow charging vs rivals
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Pros
- 200MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom rivals Galaxy S25 Ultra
- 1-inch main sensor with Leica optics produces stunning photos
- Titanium frame gives a premium, durable build
- 4K@120fps video recording is industry-leading
- 90W fast charging and 50W wireless on a huge 5810 mAh battery
Cons
- Heavy at 229 g and thick at 9.17 mm
- Very expensive at $999 with limited global availability
- HyperOS software experience lags behind iOS and One UI
- Camera bump is extremely large
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel 8 | Xiaomi 15 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Android 14 | Android 15 (HyperOS 2) |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 187 g | 229 g |
| Material | Aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus | Titanium frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
| IP rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| Dimensions | 150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm | 161.1 x 75.2 x 9.17 mm |
| Camera | ||
| Main camera | 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS | 50 MP, f/1.63, OIS (1-inch sensor) |
| Front camera | 10.5 MP, f/2.2 | 32 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 4K@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP, f/2.2, 125.8-degree | 50 MP, f/2.0, 128-degree |
| Telephoto | — | 200 MP, f/2.6, 5x periscope optical zoom, OIS |
| Memory | ||
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage options | 128 GB, 256 GB | 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB |
| Battery | ||
| Capacity | 4575 mAh | 5810 mAh |
| Charging | 27W wired | 90W wired |
| Wireless charging | 18W (Pixel Stand) | 50W wireless |
| Display | ||
| Size | 6.2 inches | 6.73 inches |
| Type | Actua OLED | LTPO AMOLED |
| Resolution | 2400 x 1080 | 3200 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 1-120Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 2000 | 3200 |
| Processor | ||
| CPU | Nona-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X3 & 4x2.45 GHz Cortex-A715 & 4x2.15 GHz Cortex-A510) | Octa-core (2x4.32 GHz + 6x3.53 GHz) |
| GPU | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 830 |
| Chipset | Google Tensor G3 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
| Connectivity | ||
| 5G | ||
| NFC | ||
| USB | USB-C 3.2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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