A major drawback of smartphones compared to compact cameras is the flash. Most phones use an LED flash, while compact cameras often have a stronger xenon flash that can fill shadows even in daylight, giving photos a different look.
The Godox A2 brings a xenon flash to the Apple iPhone. This round flash attaches to the back of the iPhone with MagSafe. Because it connects over Bluetooth, you can also use it wirelessly and place it at any angle you want.
After turning on the flash and pairing it with your phone, you need to use the Godox camera app. The app can sync the flash with shutter speeds up to 1/8,000s.
The app offers both automatic exposure and a manual mode, so you can adjust the shutter speed and flash power. The flash also has a built-in 3-watt LED, so it can be used as a video light.
According to Godox, the battery lasts for 400 flashes or one hour of LED light at full power, and you can recharge it with USB-C. The flash weighs 93 grams and can be customized with magnetic accessories like diffusers, grids, or color filters.
The Godox A2 xenon flash for smartphones is available for about $85 on Amazon. You can find more information on the Godox website. Right now, it only works with Apple iPhones from the iPhone 15 and newer, including the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air.