The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (2024) captures RAW images in DNG format with no mechanical shutter — the image counter in each DNG file records total electronic captures. Enable Pro mode RAW and drop a DNG file to read it instantly.
Check Image Counter →The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the largest and most capable phone in the 2024 Pixel lineup, featuring the same triple-camera system as the Pixel 9 Pro in a larger chassis. It is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip and combines a 50 MP Samsung GNK main sensor (f/1.68, OIS), a 48 MP ultrawide with autofocus (f/2.2), and a 48 MP 5× telephoto (f/2.8) for a comprehensive RAW capture system across all focal lengths.
The 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display (up from 6.3 inches on the Pixel 9 Pro) and larger 4700 mAh battery make this the top choice for extended shooting sessions. Video Boost — Google’s cloud-based video enhancement pipeline — is included but applies to video only and has no effect on RAW still capture or the image counter.
| Model | Release | Display | Telephoto | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 Pro XL | 2024 | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Pixel 9 Pro | 2024 | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Pixel 9 | 2024 | 6.3-inch OLED | None | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Pixel 8 Pro | 2023 | 6.7-inch LTPO OLED | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) | DNG (Pro mode) |
exiftool -ImageNumber yourfile.DNG on any desktop platform.| Spec | Pixel 9 Pro XL | Pixel 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO | 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO |
| Battery | 4700 mAh (~31 h playback) | 4700 mAh (~24 h playback) |
| Weight | ~221 g | ~198 g |
| Main camera | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) |
| Ultrawide | 48 MP AF (f/2.2) | 48 MP AF (f/2.2) |
| Telephoto | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) |
| Video Boost | Yes | Yes |
| RAW / DNG | Yes (Pro mode) | Yes (Pro mode) |
For image counter purposes both models are identical — the DNG format and ImageNumber field behave the same on both.
| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Battery health | Settings → Battery; third-party apps (AccuBattery, BatteryGuru) can show remaining design capacity as a percentage |
| Display uniformity | Test the 6.8-inch LTPO OLED at full brightness and at very low brightness for burn-in or uniformity issues from heavy usage |
| Camera glass | Check all three camera lenses for scratches or chips; inspect the ultrawide for autofocus responsiveness (new AF module in Pixel 9 Pro generation) |
| Temperature throttling | Run a short video at 4K 60fps to confirm the device does not overheat and throttle; this can indicate past heavy video use |
| Image counter | Request a Pro mode DNG from the seller and check the counter via shuttercount.app — above 40,000 indicates intensive use |
No. All Pixel smartphones use CMOS electronic readout. There is no focal-plane shutter and no rated mechanical lifespan. The image counter in DNG files reflects total electronic captures.
Yes. DNG files captured with the 48 MP 5× telephoto in Pro mode contain the same ImageNumber field as those from the main or ultrawide cameras. The counter is device-wide, not per-lens, so all three cameras contribute to the same total.
Yes. The full triple-camera system with a high-resolution 48 MP telephoto and 48 MP autofocus ultrawide provides more creative flexibility than the base Pixel 9. The larger battery and 6.8-inch display make extended outdoor shoots more comfortable. Check the image counter for usage intensity and the battery health for capacity degradation.
No. The counter is stored in persistent hardware memory and cannot be cleared by factory reset, Android re-flash, or any user-level action.