The Google Pixel 9 (2024) captures RAW images in DNG format and has no mechanical shutter — the image counter stored 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 is the base model of Google’s 2024 flagship lineup, powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip. Its camera system is more modest than the Pixel 9 Pro: a 50 MP Samsung GNK main sensor (f/1.68, OIS) — the same as the Pro — paired with a 10.5 MP ultrawide (f/2.2, fixed focus) and no telephoto lens. The 6.3-inch Actua OLED display runs at up to 120 Hz.
Like all Pixel phones, the Pixel 9 uses CMOS electronic readout only. There is no mechanical focal-plane shutter. RAW capture is available via Pro mode, producing DNG files that embed an image counter in the EXIF metadata.
| Model | Release | Main Sensor | Telephoto | RAW Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 9 | 2024 | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) | None | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro | 2024 | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | 2023 | 50 MP (f/1.68) | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) | DNG (Pro mode) |
| Google Pixel 9a | 2025 | 48 MP (f/1.7) | None | DNG (Pro mode) |
exiftool -ImageNumber yourfile.DNG on any desktop platform.The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro share the same Tensor G4 chip and main camera. The differences matter for reach and video:
| Spec | Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) | 50 MP GNK (f/1.68) |
| Ultrawide | 10.5 MP (f/2.2, fixed-focus) | 48 MP (f/2.2, autofocus) |
| Telephoto | None | 48 MP 5× (f/2.8) |
| Display | 6.3-inch Actua OLED 120 Hz | 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO 120 Hz |
| Video Boost | No | Yes |
| RAW / DNG | Yes (Pro mode) | Yes (Pro mode) |
For image counter purposes, both models produce identical DNG files with the same ImageNumber field. The counter reflects all captures from all active lenses.
| What to Check | How |
|---|---|
| Battery health | Settings → Battery → Battery usage; third-party apps like AccuBattery can show design capacity vs current capacity |
| Display condition | Inspect the 6.3-inch Actua OLED for burn-in or dead pixels; check screen at low brightness for uniformity |
| Camera glass | Inspect the main and ultrawide lenses for scratches or chips; test autofocus and focus accuracy |
| Polished finish | Pixel 9 has a polished back in some colours; check for micro-scratches that show heavily in light |
| Fingerprint sensor | Test the under-display optical fingerprint sensor; dirty screens significantly degrade recognition |
| Image counter | High count (>30,000) indicates moderate-to-heavy use; request a Pro mode DNG file from the seller and check via shuttercount.app |
No. All Pixel smartphones use CMOS electronic readout. There is no focal-plane shutter mechanism and no rated mechanical lifespan. The image counter in DNG files records electronic captures only.
Open the Camera app, swipe up to see all modes, and tap Pro. In Pro mode, a RAW toggle appears at the top of the viewfinder. Tap it to enable DNG output. Note that RAW is only available in Pro mode on the base Pixel 9, not in standard Photo mode.
No. The image counter is stored in persistent hardware memory and cannot be reset by a factory reset, Android update, or any user action. This makes it a reliable indicator of total device usage history.
The Pixel 9’s 50 MP main sensor produces excellent RAW files for wide-angle and normal-perspective shots. The lack of a telephoto means you are limited to digital crop zoom for distant subjects. For telephoto RAW capture, consider the Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel 9 Pro XL, both of which include a dedicated 48 MP 5× telephoto.