Buying Guide: which Redmi Note 15 model to buy and why?

The Redmi Note series has long been among the best-selling Android phones worldwide. Xiaomi builds this success on a simple recipe: offer maximum value for reasonable money. This year’s Redmi Note 15 generation brings five models that, at first glance, differ only by numbers in their names – but in reality, there are vast differences in features and price among them.

If you have a clearly defined budget, the choice can be easy. It gets trickier when you ask, if it’s worth paying a few hundred more for a better model. That’s why this article was created – we’ll go through each phone and discuss who each one makes sense for.

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Five Models, Two Categories

Similar to last year, Xiaomi has again divided the series into models with 5G and without. The complete lineup looks like this:

• Redmi Note 15
• Redmi Note 15 5G
• Redmi Note 15 Pro
• Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G
• Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G

Compared to last year’s generation, the Note 15 series brings several interesting improvements. The most significant is the implementation of silicon-carbon (SiC) batteries in higher-end models – a technology that allows for higher capacity while maintaining a reasonable thickness. Xiaomi promises that the battery will retain 80% of its capacity even after 1,600 charging cycles, which corresponds to approximately six years of use.

Another new feature is significantly increased durability. The Pro 5G and Pro+ 5G models carry IP66, IP68, and IP69K certifications – they can withstand immersion in two meters of water for up to 24 hours. This is above standard for the mid-range.

Specifications Overview

Model	Processor	Display	Camera	Battery / Charging	Durability	Price
Redmi Note 15	Helio G100-Ultra (6nm)	6.77″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, 3,200 nits	108+5+2 Mpx	6,000 mAh / 33 W	IP64	from 4,299 CZK
Redmi Note 15 5G	Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 (4nm)	6.77″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, 3,200 nits	108+8 Mpx (OIS)	5,520 mAh / 45 W	IP65/IP66	from 6,699 CZK
Redmi Note 15 Pro	Helio G200-Ultra (6nm)	6.77″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, 3,200 nits	200+8+5 Mpx (OIS)	6,580 mAh / 45 W	IP64–IP66	from 5,999 CZK
Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G	Dimensity 7400-Ultra (4nm)	6.83″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, 3,200 nits, Victus 2	200+8 Mpx (OIS)	6,580 mAh / 45 W	IP68/IP69K	from 7,499 CZK
Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G	Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 (4nm)	6.83″ AMOLED, 120 Hz, 3,200 nits, Victus 2	200+8 Mpx (OIS)	6,500 mAh / 100 W	IP68/IP69K	from 9,099 CZK

Redmi Note 15 – The Basic for Undemanding Users

The cheapest model in the series targets users who don’t expect miracles from a phone. The MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra processor can handle social media, web browsing, and casual games without major issues. However, don’t expect extra smooth multitasking or easy video editing.

The main advantage is the 6,000mAh battery, which lasted almost 20 hours in web browsing tests. Charging (33W) isn’t the fastest, but you can’t expect more at this price. The display is surprisingly good quality – AMOLED with brightness up to 3,200 nits and a 120Hz refresh rate. It’s also newly curved and offers a solid Full HD+ resolution.

The camera isn’t entirely bad. While it has 108 Mpx, it lacks both optical stabilization and an ultrawide lens. The macro and depth sensors are more for show. So, the main camera will take decent photos in good light, but don’t expect miracles. Xiaomi also removed the 3.5mm jack, which some users will find disappointing.

For whom: Undemanding users who want long battery life for minimal money and don’t need 5G or an extra high-quality camera.

Redmi Note 15 5G – Thin and Light, but at the Cost of Compromises

The 5G version primarily surprises with its design. With a thickness of 7.35 mm and a weight of 178 grams, it is one of the thinnest phones at this price point.

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 offers decent performance, with responsiveness roughly comparable to, for example, the Galaxy A36 from Samsung. The display is excellent, with thin bezels and vibrant colors; it’s actually the same panel as in the cheaper 4G version, which is not a complaint.

The problem is the smaller battery (5,520 mAh) compared to the 4G version and poorer video – 4K recording lacks stabilization. The camera is decent in daylight, but the ultrawide is rather average. Given the current price, I would confidently skip it and opt for the Pro models, which are better in most respects and cost similarly.

For whom: Users who appreciate a thin design and need 5G, but are not primarily buying the phone for photography or video recording.

Redmi Note 15 Pro – Premium Look Without 5G

The Pro model without 5G is an interesting choice for those who want a 200Mpx camera and a huge battery, but don’t need the highest possible performance and 5G networks. With a capacity of 6,580 mAh and silicon-carbon technology, it offers two days of battery life with normal use.

The main camera with the new HPE sensor takes detailed photos with pleasant color reproduction. Compared to last year’s Note 14 Pro, a slight improvement is visible, especially in portraits and night shots. However, the ultrawide (8 Mpx) is still a weaker link.

The disadvantage is the Helio G200-Ultra processor, which lags behind the 5G versions in performance. It’s sufficient for everyday use, but demanding games or multitasking will strain it.

For whom: Photographers on a limited budget who don’t need 5G and appreciate enormous battery life.

Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G – Best Price/Performance Ratio

Similar to last year’s Note 14 Pro 5G, I consider this version to be the most sensible choice in the entire series this year as well. It combines a modern 4nm Dimensity 7400-Ultra processor, a high-quality 200Mpx camera, a huge battery, and full IP68/IP69K water resistance – all for a price under 8,000 CZK during promotions.

The display has grown to 6.83 inches and is now completely flat. A brightness of 3,200 nits ensures readability even in direct sunlight. Xiaomi used Gorilla Glass Victus 2, so scratch resistance is at a very high level.

The performance of the Dimensity 7400-Ultra is more than sufficient for the mid-range. The phone runs smoothly, doesn’t overheat, and can handle even demanding games. The 6,580 mAh battery, combined with an efficient chip, can last easily two days with normal use.

The camera is solid – the main sensor produces quality photos in daylight and at night, and the 2× crop zoom is usable. The 8Mpx ultrawide remains a weakness, significantly losing quality in poorer lighting conditions.

For whom: For most users looking for a balanced mid-range phone with 5G, good battery life, and a decent camera.

Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G – For Those in a Hurry

The top model in the series differs from the Pro 5G version in two ways: a more powerful Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor and, most importantly, 100W charging.

The Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 offers noticeably higher performance than the Dimensity in the Pro 5G model – the difference is approximately 20% in benchmarks. In practice, this will be noticeable in more demanding games and video editing. However, in everyday use, you won’t feel the difference. The camera and display are practically identical to the Pro 5G version.

And, of course, we cannot overlook the artificial leather, which is pleasant to hold and feels more premium in hand than the other versions.

For whom: Users who need maximum charging speed and higher performance for games or more demanding tasks.

Verdict: Which one to choose?

If you have a clear budget, the decision is simple – just buy the best model you can afford. It gets more complicated when you’re hesitating between several variants.

The basic Redmi Note 15 only makes sense with a strictly limited budget. For a few hundred extra, you get a significantly better phone.

I would rather skip the Redmi Note 15 5G – the price difference compared to the Pro 5G version isn’t that big, and the loss of the 200Mpx camera and larger battery hurts.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro (without 5G) is an interesting choice for those who want a top-notch camera and long battery life, but don’t need the fastest networks. However, the weaker processor might be a drawback in a few years.

The Redmi Note 15 Pro 5G seems the most sensible to me. It offers an ideal combination of performance, battery life, camera, and price. If you primarily charge your phone overnight, paying extra for 100W charging on the Pro+ version doesn’t make much sense.

Only buy the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G if charging speed is crucial for you or if you need extra performance for games.

Which Redmi Note 15 series model caught your attention the most?