A new report from BanklessTimes lists the smartphones that emit the most radio frequency (RF) radiation. While BanklessTimes notes that all smartphones emit some level of RF radiation, it points out that there is no evidence that such radiation can harm humans.
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Bankless Times rated handsets for radio frequency radiation based on SAR data. This is the Specific Absorption Rate, which measures the rate at which the human body absorbs radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) waves. The results are reported in watts per kilogram (W/Kg). The handset ranked number one for radiation is the Motorola Edge with a SAR measurement of 1.79 W/Kg, which exceeds the FCC’s maximum limit of 1.6 W/Kg.
Behind the Edge is ZTE's Axon 11 5G with a SAR rating of 0.20W/Kg, lower than the Edge AT's 1.59W/Kg. Third is the OnePlus 6T with a SAR rating of 1.55 W/Kg. This isn't a top ten list that phone manufacturers are proud to be on. The Xperia XA2 Plus and Xperia XZ1 Compact finished at number four and number eight with SAR ratings of 1.41W/Kg and 1.36W/Kg respectively.
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Three Google Pixel models made it into the top ten as the Pixel 3 XL's SAR rate of 1.39 W/Kg placed it in fifth place, followed by the Pixel 4a's RF radiation rate of 1.37 W/Kg. The Pixel 3 tied for ninth place with the OnePlus 6. Both devices had a SAR rate of 1.33 W/Kg.
In various countries, regulatory bodies have set maximum SAR ratings that devices are allowed to emit, in order to reduce the chance of cancer in consumers who own the devices.
The report says that all cell phones emit some radiation. Factors that determine the amount of radiation include the type of handset, the model, the age of the device and how strong its antenna is. Also important is the distance of the phone from the nearest cell tower.
The FCC recommends that to limit exposure to radiofrequency radiation, consumers should limit their exposure to cell phones, use cell phones for shorter periods of time, and use hands-free.
Which phones had the least radiation?
Once again using data from the German Federal Radiation Office, the Android phones with the least amount of radiation start with the ZTE Blade V10 with a SAR rating of 0.13W/Kg. Next is the ZTE Axon Elite and a rating of 0.17W/Kg. The third safest Android device is the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ 5G (0.19W/Kg) followed by the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (.21W/Kg), the Samsung Galaxy A80 (.22W/Kg), the Samsung Galaxy A72 (.23W/Kg), the LG G7 ThinQ (0.24W/Kg) and the Galaxy S20 FE (0.24W/Kg).
The top ten is completed by the Samsung Galaxy M20 at number 9 and the Honor 7A at 10 with SAR scores of 0.25W/Kg and 0.26W/Kg respectively.
Are cell phone radiation harmful?
Our phones emit RF waves within the electromagnetic spectrum. While 2G to 4G emit RF in the 0.7–2.7 GHz range, 5G phones can do so up to 80 GHz. Because of their low frequency, these are low-energy frequencies, therefore non-ionizing. Their low energy is not enough to change DNA, thus increasing the risk of cancer.
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We absorb energy from devices that emit radio frequency radiation. Their only effect is to heat the part of the body next to the mobile phone. But this heating is too weak to significantly increase the body's core temperature. So far, there is no evidence that radio frequencies cause harm to humans.
Information source: phonearena.com
