Pixel 10 Pro Hidden Features Google Didn’t Tell You About

Pixel 10 Pro hidden features?
Among the Pixel 10 Pro hidden features that Google quietly included, one stands out for content creators: the ability to shoot 12-bit 4K RAW video. A Reddit user named RagSaucy discovered this capability that’s never been available on any previous Pixel phone, and it’s exclusive to the Pro models.

Pixel 10 Pro hidden features : Why This Hidden Feature Matters

Higher bit-depth means more information captured in each frame. Think of it as having more room to work with when editing—you get richer shadow details and brighter highlights without blown-out whites or crushed blacks. Earlier Pixel flagships topped out at 10-bit video, and that’s still what you’ll get using the standard Pixel Camera app on the new models.

How to Access This Pixel 10 Pro Hidden Feature

You’ll need to download a third-party camera app with advanced video controls, like MotionCamPro. The native Google camera app won’t give you access to this feature, which makes the whole thing feel a bit like finding a bonus level in a video game.

The Technology Behind the Magic

This capability exists thanks to the Samsung ISOCELL GNV sensor inside the Pixel 10 Pro. It uses something called Smart-ISO Pro—Samsung’s version of Dual Conversion Gain (DCG) technology.

Here’s what makes DCG different: instead of taking multiple photos at different times and stitching them together (the typical HDR approach), DCG captures two images with different ISO settings at the exact same moment. The sensor hardware combines data from two separate ISO circuits simultaneously, eliminating motion blur while pulling in vibrant colors from the low-ISO shot and shadow detail from the high-ISO shot. The final output? A 12-bit RAW file packed with data for post-production work.

This Tech Isn’t Exactly New

Samsung isn’t alone in this approach. Omnivision uses straightforward DCG, while Sony’s LYTIA sensors employ Hybrid Frame-HDR technology—all aiming to expand dynamic range. The concept has been around for years; it appeared in the Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra back in 2020, and dedicated cameras have used similar techniques even longer. Many current flagship phones probably already use these methods behind the scenes to boost image quality, even if they don’t expose the raw data to users.

What About the Regular Pixel 10?

Only the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL support this feature. Both phones use the 50MP Samsung ISOCELL GNV sensor with 12-bit Smart-ISO Pro. The standard Pixel 10 has a Samsung GN8 sensor that technically supports DCG and 12-bit output, but apparently lacks the bandwidth needed for 4K video capture. The smaller sensor might also face quality or power consumption issues that make it impractical to enable.

Pixel 10 Pro hidden features : Why Google Kept This Quiet

The strangest part about these Pixel 10 Pro hidden features? Google never mentioned them during the launch event. For content creators who want maximum flexibility in post-production, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL just became significantly more attractive. It’s worth hoping that phone manufacturers will start building these high bit-rate options directly into their default camera apps rather than making users hunt for third-party solutions.