The lower the SAR, the less radiation the smartphone emits! Here we are discussing the updated list of smartphones with the maximum SAR values.
We can’t neglect the fact that RF (radio frequency) waves are the basic need of smartphones to transmit and receive signals. Here, the term SAR stands for the Specific Absorption Rate, which is an estimate of how much radiation a phone emits, with a maximum acceptable value of 1.6 W/kg.
Here’s the question: RF waves are the source behind transmitting and receiving signals, but what if this radiation is harmful? The report from Stocklytics says that there’s a cause for concern that smartphone radiation might be going up, even though safety limits are in place.
As per the report, two Xiaomi phones are listed that consider high radiation levels, which are:
- The Mi A1 smartphone emits 1.75 W/kg at the ear and 0.76 W/kg at the body.
- The Mi Max 3 smartphone emits 1.58 W/kg at the ear and 1.42 W/kg at the body.
It is also reported that the Mi Max 3 5G variant also has similar ear radiation of approximately 1.59 W/kg but even higher body radiation at 1.56 W/kg.
Jumping on the Samsung Galaxy devices which are also on the list of remitting radiation –
- The Galaxy A23 5G allegedly reaches 1.5 W/kg at both the ear and body.
- Galaxy Z Fold 4 touches 1.30 W/kg at the ear and a maximum of 1.51 W/kg at the body.
- The Galaxy Z Fold 5 has 1.24 W/kg at the ear.
5G technology is also a concern since it uses a wider range of frequencies, which might lead to maximum radiation emissions from smartphones. However, it appears that regulators are paying attention to this and are expected to impose stricter limits on radiation output soon.
Luckily, here are some smartphone devices with fewer emissions:
Google Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a emit 1.36–1.39 W/kg at the ear, and the iPhone 7 series emits 1.36–1.39 W/kg at the ear, whereas the Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy A55, and Galaxy A35 series, and Xiaomi Redmi 5A and Note 7 Pro all have relatively low SAR values.
You can easily reduce exposure to smartphone radiation by some precautions; for instance, during calls you can use a wired headset or speakerphone to keep your phone away from your head, and it is also a recommended idea to keep your phone on airplane mode when signals are weak as the device tends to effuse higher radiation to connect to distant antennas.
