Google (Pixel) EXIF Data Guide
Everything you need to know about EXIF metadata from Google (Pixel) cameras — including brand-specific MakerNote fields, popular models, and privacy considerations.
About Google (Pixel)
Google entered the smartphone hardware market with the Pixel line in 2016, and quickly established a reputation for producing some of the best smartphone cameras available. Google's approach emphasizes computational photography, using AI and machine learning to enhance image quality from relatively modest hardware. Features like Night Sight, Magic Eraser, and Real Tone have set industry standards.
Google Pixel phones are considered the benchmark for computational photography. While Pixel has a smaller market share than Apple or Samsung, its camera technology influences the entire smartphone industry. Google's image processing pipeline and Tensor chip produce distinctive photo characteristics.
Common EXIF Fields in Google (Pixel) Photos
These are the standard EXIF fields you will find in photos taken with Google (Pixel) cameras:
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| Make | Device manufacturer | |
| Model | Device model | Pixel 8 Pro |
| Software | Camera app and Android version | HDR+ 1.0.540104767zd |
| LensModel | Camera module identifier | Pixel 8 Pro back camera 6.9mm f/1.68 |
| FocalLengthIn35mmFilm | 35mm equivalent focal length | 24 |
| ImageDescription | Scene description tag |
Google (Pixel)-Specific MakerNote Fields
Beyond standard EXIF data, Google (Pixel) cameras embed proprietary metadata in the MakerNote section. These fields are unique to Google (Pixel) and contain additional technical details about how the photo was captured:
| Field | Description | Example Value |
|---|---|---|
| HDRPlusMode | HDR+ processing status | Enhanced |
| NightMode | Night Sight mode status | On |
| MotionPhoto | Whether motion photo (Top Shot) was captured | 1 |
| MicroVideoOffset | Offset of embedded micro-video data | 1234567 |
| BurstID | Unique identifier for burst sequence | abc123def456 |
| SpecialTypeID | Identifier for computational mode used | 3 |
Popular Google (Pixel) Camera Models
These are the most common Google (Pixel) cameras you will encounter when viewing EXIF data:
| Model | Type | Megapixels | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel 9 Pro | Smartphone | 50 MP | 2024 |
| Pixel 9 | Smartphone | 50 MP | 2024 |
| Pixel 8 Pro | Smartphone | 50 MP | 2023 |
| Pixel 8 | Smartphone | 50 MP | 2023 |
| Pixel 8a | Smartphone | 64 MP | 2024 |
| Pixel 7 Pro | Smartphone | 50 MP | 2022 |
| Pixel 7a | Smartphone | 64 MP | 2023 |
| Pixel Fold | Smartphone (Foldable) | 48 MP | 2023 |
Tips for Reading Google (Pixel) EXIF Data
- 1.Google Pixel EXIF shows 'HDR+ 1.0...' in the Software field, indicating Google's computational photography pipeline was used.
- 2.The MotionPhoto field indicates whether a short video clip was captured alongside the still image (similar to Apple's Live Photos).
- 3.Pixel phones embed GPS data by default. Disable it in the Camera app under Settings > Save location.
- 4.Night Sight processing is indicated in the metadata, helping identify low-light computational photos.
- 5.Google's DNG raw files from Pixel phones contain a linear DNG profile with minimal processing applied.
Have a photo from a Google (Pixel) camera?
Upload it to see all EXIF data including Google (Pixel)-specific MakerNote fields — 100% free and private.
Try the Photo Metadata ViewerFrequently Asked Questions
What EXIF data do Google Pixel phones record?
Pixel phones record standard EXIF fields plus Google-specific data including HDR+ processing mode, Night Sight status, motion photo indicators, burst sequence IDs, and the specific camera module used. The Software field identifies the Google Camera app version.
What is HDR+ in Google Pixel EXIF?
HDR+ is Google's computational photography system that captures multiple frames and merges them for improved dynamic range, noise reduction, and detail. The EXIF Software field shows the HDR+ version, and MakerNote data indicates whether standard or enhanced HDR+ was used.
Do Pixel phones save GPS in photos?
Yes, Google Pixel phones embed GPS coordinates in photos by default. To disable this, open the Camera app, go to Settings, and toggle off 'Save location'. The GPS data appears in standard EXIF GPSLatitude and GPSLongitude fields.
Related Guides
All Camera Brands
Browse EXIF guides for all camera manufacturers.
What Is EXIF Data?
Complete guide to photo metadata — what it is and how it works.
Photo Privacy Guide
What personal information your photos reveal and how to protect yourself.
Camera Settings in EXIF
Understand aperture, ISO, shutter speed, and other camera settings in metadata.