Last Updated on July 14, 2022 by Tech Queries Team
You might have heard that excessive use of cell phones can be harmful to the body. It is true to an extent. However, you can reduce the risk by buying a phone with Low SAR value. Now you may ask what is SAR Value? So, in this article, we will discuss what is SAR Value in phones? How to Check SAR value in the phone, and How much Mobile Radiation is safe. We will also suggest you some Phones with Low SAR values.
Table of Contents
What is SAR Value?
In our previous article, we discussed How Mobile Phones work. Every mobile phone has an Antenna, which sends and receives signals from the mobile towers. These Antennas send and receive electromagnetic waves.
However, these waves are not sent through a closed medium. They are sent in the open. Therefore, the Antenna does not receive 100% of the waves as they are transferred wirelessly. Some waves are dispersed in the environment. The dispersed waves are called Mobile Radiation, and it is measured in SAR.
For example, Weight is measured in Kgs, and Distance is measured in Kms. Similarly, Mobile Radiation is measured in SAR.
SAR Stands for Specific Absorption Rate. The Rate by which your body tissues absorb the radiation is called the Specific Absorption Rate.
The standard for safe SAR value is 1.6 W/kg. It means 1 Kg of your body can absorb about 1.6 Watts. Anything more than that can be harmful to your body tissues (aka your health).
Therefore, when purchasing a mobile, you should check whether the SAR value is less than 1.6 W/Kg or not. However, the Standard SAR value is set by the government. Hence, it varies in several counties. For example, the Standard SAR value in Europe is 2.0 W/Kg.
How to Check SAR Value?
Most mobile manufacturers mention the SAR value in the mobile specifications. However, it is mandatory for them to mention it on the Mobile Phone Box. Therefore, you can check the SAR value on the box before purchasing it.
Almost all mobile manufacturers follow the SAR standards. But, you should consider buying the mobile with the lowest SAR value.
How to Check SAR Value on used Mobile?
Let’s assume you bought a phone and threw the box away. Now, how will you check the SAR Value?
It’s simple. Open the Dialer on your phone, and enter *#07#. It will show your Mobile’s SAR Value. Some mobile phones show Head and Body SAR Value. Usually, the Head value is higher than the Body Value. However, both should be under the Standard Value (1.6 W/Kg).
You can also check the SAR Value in the Mobile Specifications on the Mobile Manufacturing Website.
What if *#07# is not working?
The code may not be working on some mobile phones. And, you may not find the SAR value in the mobile specifications either.
In such cases, go to Google, and enter your Phone Model followed by “SAR VALUE”.
For example, “iPhone 4 SAR Value”.
And, you will get it (most probably).
Phones with Low SAR Value:
As recorded, Samsung mobiles were found to have less SAR Value compared to other brands. Here are some of the best smartphones with the lowest SAR value.
| Mobile Model | SAR Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Note 8 | 0.17 | |
| ZTE Axon Elite | 0.17 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Note | 0.19 | |
| ZTE Nubia 5 | 0.225 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 2 | 0.28 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Mega | 0.321 | |
| Kyocera Dura XT | 0.328 | |
| Pantech Discover | 0.35 | |
| Samsung Galaxy Beam | 0.36 | |
| LG Exalt | 0.43 | |
| HTC One V | 0.455 |
Apple Mobile Phones with SAR Value:
| Mobile Model | SAR Value | |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 3GS | 0.79 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 11 | 0.95 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 12 | 0.98 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 12 Max | 0.98 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 11 Pro | 0.99 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone X | 1.08 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 7 | 1.10 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 4S | 1.11 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone SE | 1.14 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 8 | 1.14 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 4 | 1.17 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 5 | 1.18 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 6 | 1.18 W/kg | |
| Apple iPhone 3G | 1.38 W/kg |
Even though iPhones have relatively more SAR Value than other mobiles, they are still following the standard.
Note: We believe the details provided are accurate as per our knowledge. However, please double-check the mobile specifications. Moreover, the above-mentioned mobile phone models may not be available in some countries.
Moreover, the upcoming 5G Technology Phones might contain a higher SAR Value.
Read more on What is 5G Technology here.
Tips while using the Phone:
Even if you pick the mobile phone with the lowest SAR value, you should still take some precautions to stay safe from mobile radiation. One of the best precautions is to use wired earphones whenever you are using your mobile.
Even Bluetooth earphones transfer the radiations to send and receive signals. I mean, isn’t it obvious? We are trying to avoid wireless radiation coming from mobile. So, using wireless earphones doesn’t make much difference.
Keep the phone at an appropriate distance when not in use. Also, avoid placing the cell phone near your head while sleeping. However, you can turn on the Flight Mode and turn off WiFi before going to sleep to block the radiation.
Conclusion:
Are mobile radiations harmful to humans or not? It’s a never-ending debate. However, there’s nothing wrong with taking preventive measures. Mobile Radiations may not hurt a regular person.
However, aged persons, kids, babies, people who had head surgery, pregnant women, and people with neurological issues should take precautions.
So, if you are buying a phone for these kinds of people, you should check what is SAR value of that mobile. And make sure the value is as low as possible. (If not, it is less than the standard value of 1.6 w/kg)
Besides that, you can also spread awareness by sharing this article with your family and friends so that they can understand What is SAR Value, How to check SAR value, and what are the preventive methods to be safe from mobile radiation.