The Google Pixel 8a (2024) shoots in DNG RAW via Pro mode and has no mechanical shutter — the image counter stored in each DNG file records total electronic captures. Drop a Pixel RAW DNG file to read it instantly.
Check Image Counter →The Google Pixel 8a (released May 2024) is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip — the same silicon as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro — and features a dual-camera setup: a 64 MP main camera (f/1.89, OIS, PDAF) and a 13 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, 120°). The 6.1-inch OLED display runs at up to 120 Hz with 2700 nits peak brightness. Unlike earlier “a” models, the Pixel 8a matches the Pixel 8 in chip performance and core AI capabilities, with the main differences being a polycarbonate back and the higher-resolution but slightly narrower-aperture main camera.
Like all Pixel smartphones, the 8a uses CMOS electronic readout only. There is no mechanical focal-plane shutter. Every photo increments the persistent electronic image counter embedded in RAW DNG files.
| Model | Release | Chip | Main Camera | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 8a | 2024 | Tensor G3 | 64 MP (f/1.89, OIS) | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Pixel 8 | 2023 | Tensor G3 | 50 MP (f/1.68, OIS) | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Pixel 8 Pro | 2023 | Tensor G3 | 50 MP (f/1.68, OIS) | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Pixel 7a | 2023 | Tensor G2 | 64 MP (f/1.89, OIS) | DNG (Pro mode) |
DCIM/Camera alongside the JPEG (if RAW+JPEG is selected).DCIM/Camera and copy the .dng file. Alternatively use Google Photos to back up RAW and download from photos.google.com.exiftool -ImageNumber yourfile.dng to read the counter directly from the metadata.The image counter is a useful indicator of how intensively the device was used, but it carries no mechanical wear significance. Focus on these factors:
| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Battery health | Settings → Battery → Battery health & charging. A used 8a in good condition should be above 80%; the 4492 mAh battery degrades with charge cycles |
| Display condition | Inspect the 6.1-inch OLED for burn-in (especially in the status bar area and navigation bar) and test touch responsiveness across the full screen |
| Polycarbonate back | Check the matte plastic back for cracks or deep scratches; the 8a’s polycarbonate is more resistant to shattering than glass, but UV degradation can cause yellowing on lighter colour variants |
| Camera lenses | Test both cameras (64 MP main and 13 MP ultrawide) for focus accuracy and sharpness; check the camera glass for chips or fogging |
| Titan M2 security chip | Verify the device passes Google’s Play Integrity (formerly SafetyNet) check; a compromised device may show bootloader unlock warnings |
| Image counter | High count (>30,000) indicates heavy use — context, not a failure indicator |
The Pixel 8a’s Pro mode RAW output bypasses Google’s computational photography stack and delivers minimally processed sensor data in DNG format, compatible with Lightroom, Capture One, darktable, and any DNG-capable editor. The 64 MP main sensor outputs full-resolution DNG files, giving more cropping flexibility than the 50 MP Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in exchange for a slightly narrower f/1.89 aperture.
The image counter is stored in the DNG EXIF metadata under the ImageNumber field. This persistent hardware counter increments with every capture across both cameras and cannot be reset by a factory restore, OS update, or any user action.
The Pixel 8a’s 64 MP Samsung ISOCELL sensor produces full-resolution DNG files at 64 MP (approximately 9,000 × 7,000 pixels). The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro’s 50 MP sensor outputs at 50 MP. Both use 4-in-1 pixel binning for JPEG standard mode (resulting in ~12 MP JPEGs), but in Pro RAW mode, the full sensor resolution is available.
No. All Pixel smartphones use CMOS electronic readout. There is no focal-plane shutter mechanism and no rated mechanical lifespan. The image counter in the DNG file tracks electronic captures only.
Open Google Camera, switch to Pro mode, tap the settings icon, and enable RAW or RAW+JPEG. Only Pro mode offers DNG output — standard Photo, Portrait, and Night modes capture JPEG only.
No. The image counter is stored in persistent hardware memory and cannot be reset by a factory reset, OS update, or any user action.
A casual user accumulates roughly 5,000–20,000 captures per year; an active photographer or content creator may exceed 30,000 per year. There is no mechanical wear threshold — evaluate battery health and display condition as the primary indicators.
The Pixel 8a is well-regarded for its camera performance, guaranteed 7 years of OS and security updates from Google, and the strong Tensor G3 AI processing. On the used market, check battery health carefully — two or more years of daily charging is the main degradation concern. The polycarbonate back is more durable than glass-backed alternatives at this price point.