Godox Announces a New Magnetic A2 Flash for Your iPhone

Godox has announced the A2, a magnetic flash designed to attach to your smartphone. Unlike the LED flashes found on most phones, the A2 features a xenon flash tube similar to those used in traditional flashguns and digital cameras.

Most smartphones use LED flashes because they are compact and energy-efficient. However, they generally cannot match the light output of traditional xenon flash units. Godox designed the A2 to bring the power and look of conventional flash photography to smartphones.

The Godox A2 attaches magnetically to the back of a compatible phone for use with its rear camera. It operates wirelessly and can also be used for bounce flash or fill lighting. The flash connects via Bluetooth, with a stated range of up to 15 meters.

Godox A2 offers automatic and manual controls

Most native smartphone camera apps are not designed to work with external flashes. To address this, Godox has developed a dedicated app that offers both Auto and Manual modes.

In Auto mode, the app determines the appropriate flash output and adjusts exposure settings. Manual mode gives users full control over the available settings.

The A2 is compatible with the iPhone 15 and newer models running iOS 18 or later. Godox says Android and HarmonyOS versions of the app are in development. The flash also supports NFC-assisted setup.

High-speed sync and built-in LED lighting

The Godox A2 has a guide number of 15 at ISO 100, measured in meters. According to Godox, it provides sufficient output for close-up photography and works best when the subject is within 2 meters.

It also supports high-speed sync (HSS) at shutter speeds of up to 1/8000s. This lets photographers control ambient exposure while using flash to illuminate their subjects.

In addition to its xenon flash, the A2 features a 3W bi-color LED light with an adjustable color temperature ranging from 2800K to 6000K. Godox rates the light at CRI/TLCI 96 or higher, making it suitable for continuous illumination when shooting photos or video.

Magnetic design supports light modifiers

The A2’s magnetic attachment system lets users mount it on compatible smartphones, metal surfaces, or a stand. A magnetic ring on the front also accommodates optional light modifiers, including a honeycomb grid, barndoor, snoot, and CTO gels.

The flash measures 63.8 x 25.8mm and weighs 93g, making it small enough to carry in a pocket. It has a built-in 500mAh lithium battery that charges via USB-C.

Godox A2 pricing and availability

The Godox A2 is priced at $84.90 and is available to purchase through the Godox online store and B&H Photo.