Why Consider the Redmi Note 15?

• Bright 6.77-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
• Premium, slim design with IP65 and IP66 protection
• Reliable Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 performance for daily use
• Natural-looking 108MP camera for photos and videos
• Long battery life with steady 45W charging
• Balanced experience compared to OnePlus CE 5, Nothing Phone 3a Lite, and Realme P3 Ultra

Buying a smartphone under ₹25,000 in 2026 feels less like shopping and more like filtering noise. Every new launch promises flagship comfort, AI magic, and camera brilliance. Yet, many of these phones stumble in daily use. The Redmi Note 15 enters this crowded space at ₹22,999 with a different pitch. Without going after the shock value, it promises stability and comfort.

This is a phone built for people who live on their screens. It is for long commutes, late-night scrolling, and endless video calls. Redmi positions it as an all-day companion rather than a spec-sheet champion. But in a segment dominated by the OnePlus CE 5, Nothing Phone 3a Lite, and Realme P3 Ultra, does the Redmi Note 15 have enough substance to stand out?

A design that feels calm and premium

The Redmi Note 15 looks subtle yet refined. The Mist Purple finish shows a soft wave pattern under light. It feels mature, the colour is easy on the eyes and avoids flashy textures. At 7.4mm thick and 178 grams, the phone feels light, sits well in the hand and never feels bulky.

The back resists fingerprints better than expected. The frame blends smoothly into the rear panel. Buttons offer a firm click. Ports and grills align neatly. Redmi still includes an IR blaster, which many users appreciate. The front shows slim bezels and a centered punch-hole camera.

The 92 percent screen-to-body ratio gives a modern look. The addition of IP65 and IP66 protection adds real value. Few phones in this range offer such durability. Compared to the OnePlus CE 5, the Redmi feels more polished. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite stands out visually, but feels playful. The Realme P3 Ultra looks bold but the Redmi feels composed.

A display built for daily comfort

The 6.77-inch AMOLED display defines the experience. It offers Full HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and 3,200 nits peak brightness. Outdoor visibility remains excellent. Scrolling feels smooth. Reading long articles stays comfortable.

The panel supports 12-bit colors and the DCI-P3 gamut. Images look rich without appearing artificial. TÜV certifications and high-frequency PWM dimming reduce eye strain at night.

The OnePlus CE 5 delivers a clean AMOLED experience, but falls short in brightness. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite feels vibrant, yet its bezels look thicker. The Realme P3 Ultra competes closely. Still, the Redmi Note 15 remains easier to read under harsh sunlight. That matters in real use.

HyperOS feels more settled now

The Redmi Note 15 runs HyperOS 2 based on Android 15. It feels calmer than earlier Xiaomi skins. Animations appear smoother. Visual consistency has improved. Most preloaded apps remain removable.

Android 15 brings better privacy controls and smarter background management. The system learns usage patterns and optimizes performance quietly. AI works in the background. It adjusts camera output and power usage without demanding attention.

OxygenOS on the OnePlus CE 5 feels cleaner. Nothing OS focuses on visual identity. Realme UI stays functional but less refined. HyperOS sits between them. It offers features without becoming heavy.

Performance stays consistent

The Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 powers the phone. It uses a 4nm process. The review unit includes 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. Daily tasks feel smooth. Apps open quickly. Multitasking remains stable.

Geekbench scores reflect steady performance. The phone scores around 1015 in single-core and 2933 in multi-core. These numbers suit this segment. The goal here is efficiency, not raw speed.

Games run well at medium to high settings. The Adreno GPU handles visuals smoothly. Heat remains controlled during long sessions. The phone warms slightly but never feels uncomfortable.

The OnePlus CE 5 offers higher peak output. Yet, it can heat up sooner. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite feels fast, but struggles to sustain performance. The Realme P3 Ultra pushes harder, which impacts battery life. The Redmi Note 15 feels the most balanced.

Cameras focus on natural results

The phone features a 108MP main camera and an 8MP ultra-wide lens. A 20MP camera handles selfies. In daylight, photos look clean and honest. Colors stay close to reality. The phone avoids heavy saturation.

Details appear sharp without looking artificial. Processing remains subtle. Skies look natural. Skin tones appear believable. This restraint gives photos a grounded feel.

Low-light performance remains competent. The camera preserves shadows and highlights without forcing brightness. It captures the scene as it appears. Portrait mode handles edges well. Background blur looks natural.

The front camera delivers pleasing selfies. Skin tones remain accurate. Details stay soft and flattering. Video remains stable at 1080p. The rear camera also supports 4K.

The OnePlus CE 5 produces warmer tones. The Nothing Phone 3a Lite adds contrast. The Realme P3 Ultra boosts vibrancy. The Redmi Note 15 stays honest.

Battery that fits real routines

A 5,520mAh battery powers the phone. It lasts a full day with ease. Many users will reach a day and a half. Streaming, browsing, and photography remain efficient.

The 45W charger does not lead the class. Still, it remains dependable. A short charge delivers hours of use. The balance suits everyday life without stress.

Verdict: A phone that gets the basics right

The Redmi Note 15 does not chase extremes. It focuses on consistency with a design that feels premium. The display stands among the best in its class. Performance remains smooth. The camera stays dependable.

It lacks the minimalist charm of the OnePlus CE 5, avoids the bold personality of the Nothing Phone 3a Lite. It does not push limits like the Realme P3 Ultra. Instead, it delivers balance.

For buyers seeking a refined daily companion under ₹25,000, this phone makes sense. Alternatives like Lava Agni 4 and iQOO Neo 10R bring their own strengths. Yet, the Redmi Note 15 remains the most complete option in this crowded space.