Do You Know The SAR Rating Of Your Cell Phone
Cell phones are ubiquitous in our lives, instantly connecting us to information and loved ones. But with this convenience comes concern. Cell phones emit radiofrequency (RF) waves, and some studies have explored potential health effects from long-term exposure.
Some studies have linked the causes and effects of radiation on human health, suggesting that long-term exposure to electromagnetic radiation may lead to brain tumors or different types of cancer. Understanding the SAR values of phones is crucial. Understanding the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) can help navigate these concerns.
So, without further ado, let's jump right into the topic!
Key Takeaways
SAR, or Specific Absorption Rate, measures the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field.
SAR ratings indicate the electromagnetic radiation frequency a human body absorbs from a cell phone.
Standardized dummies simulating human tissue are used for testing.
SAR levels of cell phones assess RF characteristics and compliance with safety guidelines.
FCC's permissible limit for public exposure is a SAR level of 1.6 watts per kilogram (W/kg).
Phones with SAR values below this level are considered safe.
How to Check SAR Rating:
SAR values are for reference only and may vary based on testing standards and conditions.
While SAR ratings are crucial, they provide information about RF exposure under specific conditions.
FCC's values ensure compliance with maximum exposure levels, not typical usage conditions.
Buying a low SAR-rating smartphone may not necessarily reduce typical radiation exposure.
What is SAR?
SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate, and it measures the rate at which energy is absorbed by the human body when exposed to a radio frequency field emitted by your phone. Think of it as a gauge of how much RF energy your body takes. SAR is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg).
How the SAR Rating of a Cell Phone is Measured?
Standardized dummies simulating human tissue are used to test phone SAR ratings. The cell phone is placed against these dummies in various positions, and a robotic probe measures the electric field. The highest SAR values for each frequency band are reported to ensure compliance with FCC guidelines.
To determine the SAR value of the smartphone, each cell phone is placed against the dummy head & body in various positions & each of the sides of the head to stimulate the way different users typically hold a cell phone.
A robotic probe takes a series of electric field measurements at pin-pointed locations within the head and torso in a very accurate, grid-like pattern.
Finally, all the data is submitted for final authorization; however, only the highest SAR values for each frequency band are included in the final approval to check compliance based on the FCC's radiation frequency guidelines.
What Does SAR Tell You?
The FCC mandates SAR testing to ensure cell phones don't exceed safe exposure limits, even under demanding conditions that maximize power output. The reported SAR value reflects the highest single measurement, not typical usage exposure. While SAR is a valuable tool, it doesn't tell the whole story.
Exposure Limits
Europe
The European Council's Recommendation 519/1999/EC on exposure guidelines aligns with the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP Guidelines 1998).
United States
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates that all phones comply with radio frequency safety guidelines before they are sold in the US.
Current Reference Standards and Limits
| SAR Measurement Protocol | Reference to the SAR Limit | Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Europe | European Specification ES 59005 (1998) | ICNIRP Guidelines 1998 (ICNIRP 1998) | 2.0 W/Kg in 10g of tissue | |
Australia | Australian Communications Authority (ACA) Standard (ACA RS 1999) | Australian Standard AS/NZS 2772.1 | 1.6 W/Kg in 1g of tissue | |
United States | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Guidelines (FCC 1997) | American Standard ANSI C95.1 (ANSI 1992) | 1.6 W/Kg in 1g of tissue |
How Do You Check Your Smartphone's SAR Rating?
- Check your mobile phone user guide. You likely find the value there.
- Check on your mobile phone manufacturer's website: For ease, please find the ones of the famous brands below,
- Dial the USSD code - #07#
- Look into your phone’s settings.
- Check it here on the FCC website: Type in the FCC ID number of your cell phone & hit search.
For example, the SAR rating of the iPhone 11 is 1.09 W/kg, whereas the SAR rating of the Samsung S10 is 1.11 W/kg. We’ve listed the SAR ratings of other popular cell phones below.
Cell Phones | SAR Level |
|---|---|
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: | 1.07 W/kg |
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max: | 1.15 W/kg |
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max: | 0.76 W/kg |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max: | 1.10 W/kg |
Samsung Galaxy Z flip 4: | 0.19 W/kg |
Samsung Galaxy S21: | 0.97 W/kg |
Samsung Galaxy S22: | 1.25 W/kg |
Google Pixel 5: | 1.14 W/kg |
Google Pixel 6: | 0.55 W/kg |
OnePlus 8T: | 1.19 W/kg |
OnePlus 9 Pro: | 0.72 W/kg |
Xiaomi Mi 11: | 1.08 W/kg |
Xiaomi Mi 12: | 1.13 W/kg |
Huawei P50 Pro: | 0.84 W/kg |
Motorola Edge 30: | 0.71 W/kg |
Sony Xperia 1 IV: | 1.01 W/kg |
LG Velvet 2: | 0.53 W/kg |
Nokia XR20: | 0.77 W/kg |
(Note: SAR values are for reference only and can vary based on testing standards and conditions.)
SAR Mobile Phones: Not the Only Factor
While SAR is a crucial metric, it doesn't provide complete information about typical RF exposure. The FCC's primary concern is ensuring phones don't exceed safe exposure limits, even in worst-case scenarios. Here's why focusing solely on SAR ratings might be misleading:
- Maximum vs. Typical Exposure: Reported SAR reflects the highest measured value, not what users experience under normal conditions. Cell phones adjust power output based on signal strength, often operating at much lower power levels than during testing.
- Usage Patterns Matter: The highest SAR value might come from a position you rarely use when holding the phone. Your typical usage habits significantly impact exposure.
Reducing RF Exposure
If you're concerned about minimizing RF exposure, here are some practical tips:
- Increase Distance: Moving the phone away from your head reduces the energy your body absorbs. Consider using a speakerphone or headphones.
- Reduce Call Time: Limiting call duration can help minimize exposure.
- Utilize Strong Signal Areas: Cell phones use less power when signal strength is high. Make calls in areas with good reception.
Final Thoughts: Be Mindful, Not Fearful
All FCC-approved phones meet safety standards with ample margins to account for potential health risks. For those seeking further exposure reduction, the above mentioned strategies offer a more significant impact than choosing a phone based solely on SAR ratings.
By following these tips and staying informed, you can make informed choices about your mobile phone use. Focusing on reducing exposure through simple habits can be more impactful than solely relying on SAR ratings when choosing a phone.
With some knowledge and practical strategies, you can continue enjoying mobile communication's convenience while being mindful of potential risks.
FAQ's
Q. What is SAR, and why is it important to know the SAR rating of your cell phone?
A. SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate, which measures the amount of radiation emitted by a cell phone and absorbed by the human body. Knowing your mobile phone's SAR rating is essential to understanding the potential RF exposure and its implications for human health.
Q. How can I check the SAR value of my cell phone?
A. You can check your mobile phone's SAR value by looking it up in the device's documentation or visiting the manufacturer's website. The SAR value is usually expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) and indicates the specific radiation absorption rate.
Q. What factors determine the SAR rating of a cell phone?
A. A cell phone's SAR rating is determined by various factors, including the phone model, RF energy emitted during use, and radio frequency exposure levels. Different smartphones may have varying SAR ratings based on design and radiation levels.
Q. How does using a mobile phone affect the human body regarding SAR?
A. When using a mobile phone, the electromagnetic waves emitted by the device are absorbed by human tissue, leading to SAR absorption. The energy absorbed by the body is measured in W/kg and can vary based on factors such as the SAR value of your mobile phone and the specific absorption rate limit.
Q. What potential risks are associated with high SAR values in cell phones?
A. Cell phone radiation exposure, particularly with high SAR values, may pose potential risks to human health. Hi, her SAR values indicate more excellent RF energy absorption by the body, which could lead to adverse health effects due to increased radiation exposure.