Nothing Phone (1) vs Xiaomi 15 Pro

The Verdict

Nothing Phone (1) and Xiaomi 15 Pro represent vastly different market positions. The Nothing Phone (1) strikes an appealing balance at $399 with its distinctive transparent design, 6.55-inch 120Hz OLED display (1200 nits), and solid Snapdragon 778G+ performance. Its 50MP main camera with OIS and 15W wireless charging serve everyday needs well. However, the Xiaomi 15 Pro ($699) significantly outperforms across nearly every dimension: a superior Snapdragon 8 Elite chip delivers roughly 40% more processing power, while the 6.73-inch LTPO AMOLED screen offers 3200x1440 resolution (2.67x sharper) and exceptional 3200-nit peak brightness. Camera capabilities strongly favor the Pro with its 1-inch sensor, dedicated 3x telephoto lens with OIS, and 8K video recording versus the Nothing's basic ultrawide setup. Battery differences are substantial: 6100 mAh versus 4500 mAh, paired with 90W wired charging and 50W wireless charging versus 33W and 15W respectively. Build quality improves with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and IP68 dust resistance compared to IP53. For budget-conscious buyers, the Nothing Phone (1) delivers excellent value with stylish design and capable performance. The Xiaomi 15 Pro justifies its $300 premium through flagship specifications, superior imaging, and future-proofing. Xiaomi 15 Pro wins decisively for performance and features, though Nothing Phone (1) excels as a value option.