Xiaomi 15 Series Launched: Featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Gaming, Price Hike, and Strong Domestic Supply Chain

Xiaomi 15 Series Launched: Featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Gaming, Price Hike, and Strong Domestic Supply ChainXiaomi held a launch event on the evening of October 29th, unveiling the Xiaomi 15 series alongside their new Xiaomi Surge OS 2. The new products showcase improvements in design, performance, and other aspects, albeit with a price increase compared to their predecessors

Xiaomi 15 Series Launched: Featuring Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Gaming, Price Hike, and Strong Domestic Supply Chain

Xiaomi held a launch event on the evening of October 29th, unveiling the Xiaomi 15 series alongside their new Xiaomi Surge OS 2. The new products showcase improvements in design, performance, and other aspects, albeit with a price increase compared to their predecessors. Notably, A-share companies play a crucial role in the Xiaomi 15 series' supply chain, demonstrating the robust strength of the domestic mobile phone industry chain.

The Xiaomi 15 series encompasses two models: the standard version and the Pro variant. The standard version comes in four configurations: 12GB+256GB, 12GB+512GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB. The Pro series offers three variants: 12GB+256GB, 16GB+512GB, and 16GB+1TB. All versions will be officially available for purchase starting at 10:00 AM on October 31st.

Regarding pricing, the base model with 12GB+256GB configuration is priced at 4499 yuan, a 200 yuan increase over the equivalent configuration of the Xiaomi 14. The top-tier Pro model with 16GB+1TB costs 6499 yuan, marking a 500 yuan increase compared to the same configuration of the Xiaomi 14 Pro.

In terms of design, the standard version of the Xiaomi 15 series features a 6.36-inch screen on the front and comes in five color options: Lilac Purple, Light Green, Black, White, and Silver. The Pro version boasts a 6.73-inch front screen and is available in four colorways: Rock Grey, White, Spruce Green, and Bright Silver.

Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Gaming, the Xiaomi 15 series boasts a second-generation 3nm process technology from TSMC, combined with a self-developed micro-architecture scheduler. On the photography front, the Xiaomi 15 series features three Leica high-speed lenses: a 50MP main camera, an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a telephoto lens. It also integrates the upgraded Xiaomi AI large model computational photography platform 2.0, supporting UltraZOOM-20X super zoom.

The Xiaomi 15 series' supply chain is a point of interest. According to multiple sources in the industry chain, the Xiaomi 15 series phones will exclusively have screens supplied by TCL Technology's subsidiary, TCL CSOT. The Xiaomi Pad 7 series will be jointly supplied by TCL CSOT and Tianma Micro-electronics. Since the Xiaomi 14 series, Xiaomi has fully adopted domestic screens, demonstrating its emphasis on the domestic supply chain and its consideration for supply chain security.

In terms of assembly, the Xiaomi 15 series models continue to be manufactured by Lens Technology (Xiangtan) Co., Ltd., ensuring high-quality product output. Lens Technology previously also handled the assembly of the Xiaomi 14 series.

It's important to note that the Xiaomi 15 series' ultrasonic fingerprint technology is likely supplied by Goodix Technology, according to industry insiders. Goodix Technology's securities department confirmed that their ultrasonic fingerprint products have been commercially available since the first half of this year, already being used by Vivo and iQOO.

The securities department of Goodix Technology also mentioned that Q3 typically marks a peak season for consumer electronics, but the company's net profit witnessed a decline in Q3 of this year. This is attributed to the delayed release of new models by clients.

Regarding ultrasonic fingerprint technology, Qiu Yubin, senior research vice president of TrendForce, stated that in-display ultrasonic fingerprint technology isn't a particularly new concept, as Qualcomm had introduced it in the past. Goodix Technology emphasizes that its architecture and design differ from Qualcomm's, resulting in comparable performance but potentially lower costs.

Qiu Yubin further added that innovation in the mobile phone industry is becoming increasingly limited, prompting some manufacturers to incorporate ultrasonic fingerprint technology as a new selling point.

IDC data reveals that the Chinese smartphone market shipped approximately 68.78 million units in the third quarter of 2024, representing a 3.2% year-on-year increase. Xiaomi secured fourth place domestically with a 14.8% market share, achieving a year-on-year increase in shipments for five consecutive quarters. However, in Q2 of this year, Xiaomi's ASP (average selling price) dropped from 1112.2 yuan in the same period last year to 1103.5 yuan, with the gross profit margin declining from 13.3% to 12.1%, highlighting the lingering shadow of low profits.

The launch of the Xiaomi 15 series showcases Xiaomi's unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and enhancing product competitiveness in the smartphone market. The significant role played by the domestic supply chain in the Xiaomi 15 series underscores the substantial strength and future growth potential of the domestic mobile phone industry chain.