Almost every electronic device around us emits radio frequency radiation, including our smartphones. These consumer devices stay with us for most of the day, whether we’re traveling, at home, or even sleeping. However, all radiation levels are tested and are usually below the electromagnetic spectrum set by countries. Although they do not cause us any harm, some smartphones emit more radiation than others, which is of course not good news. These RF emissions, if amplified, can increase the heat level of the part of the body where they are located. However, even this is not enough to raise the body’s core temperature or alter DNA in any way. However, it’s best to stay away from mobile phones so you don’t get hurt in the long run.
Now the obvious question is: which smartphones emit more radiation than others?
Smartphones with the highest levels of radiation
Digging into the issue, Bankless Times mentioned a list of smartphones that emit the highest radio frequency (RF) radiation to date, based on data from the German Federal Office for Radiation Safety. According to the report, Motorola and OnePlus are two of the biggest emitters. The list also includes smartphones from Google, ZTE, Sony and Oppo. The rating is based on the SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) value, which measures the rate at which the human body absorbs radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) waves. It is measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg). Here is the list:
– Motorola Edge: 1.79 W/kg
– ZTE Axon 11 5G: 1.59 W/kg
– OnePlus 6T: 1.55 W/kg
– Sony Xperia XA2 Plus: 1.41 W/kg
– Google Pixel 3XL: 1.39 W/kg
– Google Pixel 4a: 1.37 W/kg.
– Oppo Reno 5 5G: 1.37 W/kg
– Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact: 1.36 W/kg
– Google Pixel 3: 1.33 W/kg
– OnePlus 6: 1.33 W/kg
SAR limit in India as per DoT and safety regulations
In the list, almost all of the mentioned smartphones are present in the Indian market, except for the top two – Motorola Edge and ZTE Axon 11 5G. In case you’re wondering, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) of India has set a SAR limit of 1.6 W/kg for any smartphone in the country. Obviously Motorola Edge is above the Indian SAR value and ZTE is right on the edge. This makes the OnePlus 6T smartphone, launched in India in 2018, one of the highest radio frequencies in India.
Radiation levels in a smartphone can vary for several reasons. The amount of radiation may vary depending on the type and model of the device, its age, the strength of the transmitting antenna, and the distance to the nearest cell tower.
However, if you still want to keep your phone as far away from you as possible, the Department of Transportation has issued some guidelines for it. You can keep the handset as far away from the body as possible, during a call you can use a headset (wired or Bluetooth) instead of putting the smartphone on your ear, do not press your head against the phone (usually done in the supine position).) since RF energy is inversely proportional square of the distance from the source, use the phone in areas with good reception as the device tends to boost transmission in areas with weak signals.