In the modern world, smartphones have revolutionized how we communicate, work, and access information. However, as mobile technology continues to evolve, there are growing concerns about the health implications of radiation emitted by these devices. One of the key metrics used to measure this radiation is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which determines how much electromagnetic energy the human body absorbs when exposed to mobile phone radiation.
This article will explore what SAR values mean, the smartphones that emit the most and least radiation, and how users can reduce exposure. Read on to learn more about smartphone radiation levels and how they can affect your health.
What is SAR (Specific Absorption Rate)?
SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate, which measures the rate at which the human body absorbs electromagnetic energy. The SAR value is expressed in W/kg (Watts per kilogram) and is used to gauge the radiation emitted by a mobile device. Each smartphone model undergoes rigorous testing to determine its SAR value, particularly when transmitting at maximum power. This test helps to assess how much radiation the phone emits when it’s in close proximity to the human body, such as when held to the ear during a call.
Although the SAR value provides insight into the radiation emitted by a phone, it does not guarantee health risks. Research on the potential health impacts of radiation exposure from smartphones is still ongoing, and scientific consensus on its long-term effects has yet to be reached.
Why Does SAR Matter?
SAR is important because it helps to assess the radiation levels you are exposed to when using a mobile device. Some research has suggested a potential link between high levels of radiation exposure and health risks, including an increased risk of brain tumors. However, many health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), maintain that current scientific evidence is insufficient to conclude a direct causal relationship.
Still, it’s advisable to be mindful of your phone’s SAR value, especially if you use your smartphone frequently for long calls or when your device is transmitting at high power (e.g., on 4G or 5G networks). Keeping track of this value can help you make more informed choices about your smartphone usage.
Top 20 Smartphones That Emit the Most Radiation
While smartphones are designed to operate within safe radiation limits, some devices have been found to emit higher levels of radiation than others. Below is a list of the top 20 smartphones that emit the most radiation based on their SAR values for both head and body exposure:
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro
- SAR (head): 2.25W/kg
- SAR (body): 3.37W/kg
- Xiaomi 13 Pro
- SAR (head): 2.05W/kg
- SAR (body): 3.03W/kg
- OnePlus 11 Pro
- SAR (head): 1.97W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.95W/kg
- iQOO 11 Pro
- SAR (head): 1.95W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.91W/kg
- ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro+
- SAR (head): 1.94W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.89W/kg
- Vivo X90 Pro+
- SAR (head): 1.92W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.87W/kg
- Meizu 20 Pro
- SAR (head): 1.91W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.85W/kg
- Redmi K60 Pro
- SAR (head): 1.89W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.82W/kg
- OPPO Find X5 Pro
- SAR (head): 1.87W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.80W/kg
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- SAR (head): 1.85W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.77W/kg
- Motorola Edge 30
- SAR (head): 1.84W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.75W/kg
- OnePlus 11
- SAR (head): 1.83W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.73W/kg
- iQOO 9 Pro
- SAR (head): 1.82W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.71W/kg
- ZTE Nubia Red Magic 8 Pro
- SAR (head): 1.81W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.70W/kg
- Vivo X80 Pro+
- SAR (head): 1.80W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.69W/kg
- Meizu 20
- SAR (head): 1.79W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.68W/kg
- Redmi K60 Gaming Edition
- SAR (head): 1.78W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.67W/kg
- OPPO Find X5
- SAR (head): 1.77W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.66W/kg
- Samsung Galaxy S23+
- SAR (head): 1.76W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.65W/kg
- Motorola Edge 30 Lite
- SAR (head): 1.75W/kg
- SAR (body): 2.64W/kg
These smartphones have higher SAR values, meaning they emit more radiation when in use. While this does not necessarily indicate a health risk, users should consider these values when choosing their devices.
Top 20 Smartphones That Emit the Least Radiation
On the other hand, there are smartphones designed with lower radiation emissions. For those who are cautious about their radiation exposure, choosing a phone with a low SAR value can be a wise decision. Here’s a list of the top 20 smartphones with the least radiation:
- ZTE Blade V10
- SAR (head): 0.13W/kg
- SAR (body): 0.22W/kg
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
- SAR (head): 0.19W/kg
- SAR (body): 0.28W/kg
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- SAR (head): 0.21W/kg
- SAR (body): 0.29W/kg
- LG G7 ThinQ
- SAR (head): 0.24W/kg
- SAR (body): 0.32W/kg
- Huawei P30
- SAR (head): 0.33W/kg
- SAR (body): 0.41W/kg
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 2
- SAR (head): 0.34W/kg
- SAR (body): 0.42W/kg
- Honor X8
- SAR (head): 0.84W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.02W/kg
- Apple iPhone 11
- SAR (head): 0.95W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.13W/kg
- Realme GT Neo 3
- SAR (head): 0.91W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.09W/kg
- Samsung Galaxy A53 5G
- SAR (head): 0.90W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.08W/kg
- Samsung Galaxy A23
- SAR (head): 0.90W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.08W/kg
- OPPO Reno7
- SAR (head): 0.89W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.07W/kg
- Xiaomi 12X
- SAR (head): 0.88W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.06W/kg
- OnePlus 10 Pro
- SAR (head): 0.87W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.05W/kg
- Vivo X80
- SAR (head): 0.86W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.04W/kg
- Google Pixel 6
- SAR (head): 0.85W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.03W/kg
- Motorola Moto G50 5G
- SAR (head): 0.85W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.03W/kg
- Realme GT Neo 2
- SAR (head): 0.84W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.02W/kg
- Samsung Galaxy A73 5G
- SAR (head): 0.84W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.02W/kg
- OPPO Find X5 Lite
- SAR (head): 0.83W/kg
- SAR (body): 1.01W/kg
These smartphones emit significantly less radiation, making them a preferable option for those concerned about long-term exposure to mobile phone radiation.
How to Reduce Radiation Exposure from Smartphones
If you are concerned about the potential health effects of smartphone radiation, there are simple precautions you can take to minimize exposure:
- Use Headphones or Earphones: This reduces the amount of radiation absorbed by your head during long calls.
- Use Speakerphone: Whenever possible, put your phone on speaker mode to avoid holding it to your head.
- Keep the Phone Away from Your Body: Avoid carrying your phone directly against your body, such as in your pocket or waistband.
- Limit the Duration of Calls: Reducing the amount of time you spend talking on the phone can also help lower radiation exposure.
- Use Radiation-Blocking Accessories: Some cases and accessories are designed to block or reduce radiation emissions.
Conclusion
Choosing a smartphone with a lower SAR value is one way to help reduce your exposure to radiation, though the scientific community has not reached a clear conclusion on the health effects of smartphone radiation. Understanding the SAR values of your devices and taking simple precautions can help mitigate potential risks. Always check the SAR ratings before purchasing a smartphone, especially if you use it for extended periods.
By being informed and making smart choices about your smartphone usage, you can ensure that your device is not only efficient but also as safe as possible. Stay tuned for more updates and tips on smartphone safety.
