Xiaomi 15s Pro Drawbacks: Battery Life, Camera Issues, and More

Based on reviews and user feedback released on May 22, 2025, the Xiaomi 15S Pro, as the first device equipped with the in-house developed Xuanjian O1 chip, shines in areas like performance and battery life but still has several notable drawbacks:

### I. Chip Efficiency and Gaming Optimization Challenges
1. **Underwhelming GPU Efficiency**
The GPU of the Xuanjian O1 (a 16-core Immortalis-G925) struggles to match the power efficiency of competitors like the Snapdragon 8 Ultra and MediaTek Dimensity 9400, especially under high load scenarios. For instance, during testing with *Genshin Impact*, there were noticeable fluctuations in the lowest 1% frame rate, and its average power consumption was 0.2W higher than the Snapdragon 8 Ultra.

2. **Pending Game Compatibility Improvements**
Some users have reported occasional frame rate drops when running high-quality games for extended periods. Third-party game developers will need to optimize their titles specifically for the Xuanjian O1’s architecture, which could lead to initial compatibility issues.

### II. Hardware Design and User Experience Shortcomings
1. **External Modem and Communication Power Consumption**
The Xuanjian O1 uses an external MediaTek T800 modem, increasing motherboard space usage and raising communication module power consumption compared to integrated SoCs like the Kirin 9000S. While the overall battery life remains impressive, this external solution inherently compromises energy efficiency.

2. **Subpar Build Quality Details**
The metal frame tends to attract fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning. Additionally, image quality from the telephoto lens deteriorates significantly beyond 10x zoom, particularly in low-light conditions where detail retention is poor.

3. **Sound Quality and Connectivity Limitations**
The speaker output lacks depth, with weak instrument separation and spatial awareness. Moreover, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage options limits flexibility for audiophiles and power users alike.

### III. Software and System Experience
1. **Pre-installed Apps and Ads**
The system comes preloaded with 12 third-party apps that must be manually uninstalled. Furthermore, certain MIUI applications continue to display ads, detracting from the overall clean user experience.

2. **Limited AI Assistant Functionality**
Xiao Ai, Xiaomi’s voice assistant, occasionally falters in complex scenarios. For example, it might incorrectly suggest taking a high-speed train instead of a flight when planning intercity travel.

### IV. Supply Chain and Production Risks
1. **Manufacturing Dependency and Output Constraints**
The Xuanjian O1 relies heavily on TSMC’s 3nm process technology, with an initial production run of only 2-3 million units. This limitation may cause supply shortages for the Xiaomi 15S Pro.

2. **Controversy Over Architectural Independence**
Despite being based on ARM’s public architecture framework, the chip does not achieve full core IP autonomy, leading critics to label it as “modular innovation.” In comparison to Huawei’s Kirin series, which boasts more proprietary designs, this raises questions about true technological independence.

### V. Pricing and Competitor Comparison
The 16+512GB variant is priced at 5,499 yuan (or 4,999 yuan after subsidies), slightly cheaper than the Xiaomi 15 Pro. However, when stacked against similarly priced rivals featuring chips like the Snapdragon 8 Ultra, hardware nuances such as modem integration and thermal management reveal some gaps.

### Conclusion and Purchase Recommendation
While the Xiaomi 15S Pro marks a significant milestone in self-developed chip technology and overall user experience, its shortcomings may impact real-world usability for some consumers. If you prioritize stable gaming performance, superior audio quality, or a cleaner system interface, models powered by the Snapdragon 8 Ultra or Kirin processors might be better suited.

On the other hand, if you value advancements in domestic chip technology and long-lasting battery life, the Xiaomi 15S Pro remains a highly competitive option offering excellent value for money.