Godox Picks Up Where Profoto Left Off With Magnetic Xenon Flash for iPhone

The xenon flash “look” is extremely popular right now. Many young customers are buying up old, used point-and-shoot cameras largely because of the look of a proper, real flash. Godox is bringing that same xenon flash look to smartphones with its new magnetic A2 flash.

The Godox Smartphone Xenon Flash A2 promises professional-quality, nostalgic xenon flash for smartphone photography, plus a customizable LED for video.


Per Godox, the new A2 works with a wide range of iPhone models, including all iPhone 15 Series and newer devices, including standard, e-series, Plus, Pro, and Pro Max. It also works with the iPhone Air. Android and HarmonyOS support is in development.

“Smartphone cameras keep getting better, but low light, backlighting, and mixed lighting can still challenge your shots,” Godox says. “Godox A2 brings professional lighting to your phone, giving you greater control over light and more creative possibilities.”

The company says the A2’s “brief, powerful” xenon flash burst can freeze action while delivering the classic camera-flash look. The A2 has a guide number of approximately 15 (ISO 100, meters), so it should work very well for close-range shots. The company says that for the best results, users should keep their subject within two meters of the flash. For more power or wider coverage, they can use Godox’s “upcoming” smartphone wireless flash trigger alongside the company’s speedlights and outdoor flashes.

On the video side, the A2’s bi-color LED offers a controllable color temperature range from 2800 to 6000 K. It’s a 3-watt LED.

Setting up the A2 looks easy, relying on an NFC scan and Godox’s camera app. From there, photographers can use Auto mode or various flash effects, such as Natural, Even, and Contrast. The Auto mode uses TTL.

Photographers can also control shutter speed and flash output in manual mode. The flash can sync at shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. The flash can be attached to the phone via MagSafe or used detached, and it can be controlled wirelessly via Bluetooth. The A2 can be attached to anything magnetic, including a light stand mount. It works alongside optional accessories, like bounce cards, reflectors, a snoot, and honeycomb. It ships with a diffuser.

Although it has since been discontinued, it’s hard not to see some resemblance between the Godox A2 and 2019’s Profoto C1 and C1 Plus. Like Godox A2, the Profoto C1 series lights included both strobes and continuous LEDs. They also worked with lighting modifiers. 


Profoto was perhaps a bit ahead of its time with the C1 and C1 Plus, as smartphone photography and camera technology were nowhere near the level they are today. The market is very different than it was then, but the underlying idea still seems strong. Those who miss the Profoto C1 lights have a new alternative to consider, one with what looks like a more streamlined setup and app process.

Pricing and Availability

The Godox A2 comes in white, silver, burgundy (like the new iPhone 18 Pro series), and black. The Smartphone Xenon Flash A2 weighs about 93 grams (3.3 ounces) and includes a built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery. The Godox A2 is available to preorder now for $84.90.

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Image creditsGodox