The Republic Day 2026 sales are live across Amazon and Flipkart, and while there are many deals, one offer is grabbing all the headlines. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, which launched as a premium super-flagship last year, has received a massive price cut, making it one of the most attractive deals for photography lovers in India right now.
With the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Xiaomi 16 Ultra just around the corner, this price drop seems to be a strategic move to clear stock. But the big question remains: Is the 2025 “Camera King” still worth buying in 2026?
Here is everything you need to know about the new price, the latest HyperOS 3.0 update, and why this phone is trending again.
The Deal: How Much Does It Cost Now?
Launched in March 2025 at a steep price of โน1,09,999, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has seen a significant dip.
- Current Offer Price: During the ongoing January sales, the phone is listed around โน84,999 (inclusive of bank offers and coupons).
- Exchange Bonuses: Select platforms are offering an additional โน5,000 to โน8,000 off on exchange, potentially bringing the effective price under โน80,000.
For a phone that packs a 1-inch sensor and the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, this pricing makes it a direct threat to the upcoming “Pro” models from other brands.
Why Is It Still Trending in 2026?
Apart from the price, there are two major reasons why tech enthusiasts are rushing to buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra this week:
Read more: Samsung Galaxy S25ย
1. The HyperOS 3.0 Update (Android 16)
Just last month (December 2025), Xiaomi started rolling out the stable HyperOS 3.0 update based on Android 16 for the 15 Ultra in India.
- This update brings smoother animations, better battery optimization for the 5,410mAh battery, and new AI camera features that were previously exclusive to newer prototypes.
- Users are reporting that the phone feels “brand new” with this software refresh.
2. The Unbeatable Camera Setup
Even in 2026, the Xiaomi 15 Ultraโs camera hardware is hard to beat.
- Main: 50MP Sony LYT-900 (1-inch sensor) โ still the gold standard for natural bokeh and low light.
- Periscope: 200MP Lens with 4.3x Optical Zoom. This is the feature that allows you to take crystal clear shots of concerts or the moon.
- Comparison: Leaks suggest that the upcoming Galaxy S26 Ultra will have a similar zoom setup, meaning the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is effectively offering “future specs” at a discounted price.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra vs. Waiting for Xiaomi 16 Ultra?
Should you save money on the 15 Ultra or wait for the 16 Ultra expected later this year?
| Feature | Xiaomi 15 Ultra (2025) | Xiaomi 16 Ultra (Expected 2026) |
| Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 |
| Price | ~โน85,000 (Deal Price) | Est. โน1,15,000+ |
| Camera | 200MP Periscope | Improved AI + Variable Aperture |
| Battery | 5,410 mAh | 6,000 mAh (Rumoured) |
Verdict: If you want the absolute latest tech and budget is no bar, wait for the 16 Ultra. However, if you want 95% of the performance for โน30,000 less, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the smarter buy today.
What Happens Next?
The stock for the “Silver Chrome” variant is reportedly running low on major e-commerce sites due to high demand. If you are planning to buy one, check the warranty terms carefully, as these units might be from the 2025 manufacturing batch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra available in India?
Yes, it launched in India in March 2025 and is currently available on Amazon, Mi.com, and offline retail stores.
Q2: What is the current price of Xiaomi 15 Ultra in the Republic Day Sale?
The effective price has dropped to around โน84,999 with bank offers, down from its launch price of โน1.1 Lakh.
Q3: Does Xiaomi 15 Ultra have the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor?
Yes, it is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite (Gen 1), which is still one of the fastest chipsets in the world in 2026.
Q4: Has the Xiaomi 15 Ultra received the Android 16 update?
Yes, the phone recently received the HyperOS 3.0 update based on Android 16 in India.
Q5: Is the camera better than the Samsung S25 Ultra?
Many reviewers prefer the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for portrait shots and low-light photography due to its massive 1-inch main sensor, though the S25 Ultra has a slight edge in video stability.
