mobile phone

Cell phone radiation levels

 

What it all means


A cell phone's SAR, or its Specific Absorption Rate, is a measure of the amount of radio frequency (RF) energy absorbed by the body when using the handset. All cell phones emit RF energy and the SAR varies by handset model.
For a phone to receive FCC certification and be sold in the United States, its maximum SAR level must be less than 1.6 watts per kilogram. In Europe, the level is capped at 2 watts per kilogram, while Canada allows a maximum of 1.6 watts per kilogram.
The SAR level listed in our charts represents the highest SAR level measured with the phone next to the ear as tested by the FCC. Keep in mind that it is possible for the SAR level to vary between different transmission bands (the same phone can use multiple bands during a call), and that different testing bodies can obtain different results. Also, it's possible for results to vary between different models of the same phone--as in the case of a handset that's offered by multiple carriers. CNET lists the exposure for voice calls only; the SAR for data use can differ.
It's important to note that in publishing this list, we are in no way implying that cell phone use is harmful to your health. Research abounds, but there still is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence as to whether cell phones cause adverse health effects in humans. While some studies have found a possible link between long-term (10 years or longer) cell phone use and brain tumors, decreased sperm count, and other ailments, other research has found no such effects. The science will continue, and we will continue to monitor the results, but it can take years of exhaustive research before studies actually prove anything (if they ever do).
If you're concerned about limiting your SAR exposure, you can take a few easy steps. You can text instead placing a voice call, use a speakerphone or headset whenever possible, and carry your phone at least 1 inch from your body (making sure the antenna is facing away from you). If you're pregnant, you should avoid carrying a phone next to your abdomen. Some researchers also caution against using your phone in areas with a weak signal since phones emit more radiation during those times. Children, who have smaller and thinner skulls, should limit cell phone use, and people of any age should not sleep with an active phone next to the bedside or under the pillow.
Buying a phone with a lower SAR may make you feel more comfortable, but there's no guarantee that it is inherently safer. Also, note that even though Bluetooth headsets emit far weaker radiation than cell phones, there's still a small amount being transmitted.
If your phone isn't listed here (U.S. customers) and you've purchased it within the last few years, consult your user manual. Alternatively, you can request the SAR information from the FCC, the manufacturer, or your carrier. You'll need the model number and FCC ID number, which is usually--but not always--listed in the owner's manual or under the phone's battery (you must pop the battery out).


20 lowest-radiation cell phones (United States)


20 highest-radiation cell phones (United States)


RankModelSAR (digital)
1Motorola Bravo1.59
2Motorola Droid 2 Global1.58
3Sony Ericsson Satio (Idou)1.56
4Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 Mini Pro1.55
4aKyocera Jax S13001.55
6Motorola i3351.53
7Motorola Defy1.52
7aMotorola Grasp1.52
7bZTE Salute1.52
10LG Rumor 21.51
11Motorola Droid1.49
11aSanyo Vero1.49
11bMotorola Droid 21.49
14HTC Desire1.48
15LG Chocolate Touch1.47
16Kyocera Wild Card M10001.46
17Kyocera X-tc1.45
17aMotorola i5761.45
19Motorola Stature i91.44
20Motorola Droid X1.43

 

Sony Ericsson cell phone radiation levels

ModelSAR (digital)SAR (analog)FCC IDCarrier
Aino0.88n/aPY7A3880033n/a
C9021.32n/aPY7A3052101n/a
Cyber-shot C9051.12n/aPY7A3252071AT&T
Equinox TM7170.9n/aPY7A3880030T-Mobile
K850i1.14n/aPY7A3252011n/a
Naite1.32n/an/an/a
P1i0.98n/an/an/a
S500i0.77n/aPY7A1052042n/a
Satio (Idou)1.56n/aPY7A3880037n/a
TM5061.43n/aPY7A3132011T-Mobile
Vivaz1.38n/aPY7A3880070AT&T
W200a0.87n/aPY7A1032013n/a
W300i1.42n/aPY7AF052031n/a
W350a1.48n/aPY7A1032061n/a
W380a0.69n/aPY7A1022091n/a
W518a Walkman0.73n/aPY7A3880024AT&T
W580i1.26n/aPY7A1052042n/a
W760i0.81n/aPY7A1052101n/a
W880i1.47n/aPY7AD022051n/a
W995a1.09n/aPY7A3880023n/a
Xperia X10.92n/aPY7A3880001n/a
Xperia X101.43n/aPY7A388074n/a
Xperia X101.43n/aPY7A388074AT&T
Xperia X10 Mini1.18n/aPY7A3880068n/a
Xperia X10 Mini Pro1.55n/aPY7A3880071n/a
Z310a1.13n/aPY7A1032021AT&T
Z5550.67n/aPY7A1032052n/a
Z710i1.36n/aPY7AF052043n/a
Z750a1.42n/aPY7A3252023n/a

 

Samsung cell phone radiation levels

ModelSAR (digital)SAR (analog)FCC IDCarrier
Access SGH-A8270.782n/aA3LSGHA827AT&T
Acclaim0.29n/aA3LSCHR880U.S. Cellular
Ace (SPH-i325)1n/aA3LSPHI325Sprint Nextel
Alias 2 SCH-U7500.541n/aA3LSCHU750Verizon Wireless
Armani0.92n/aA3LSGHP520n/a
Axle SCH-R3111.06n/aA3LSCHR311U.S. Cellular
Behold II0.67n/aA3LSGHT939T-Mobile
Behold SGH-T9190.985n/aA3LSGHT919T-Mobile
BlackJack II1.2n/aA3LSGHI617AT&T
Blast SGH-T7290.84n/aA3LSGHT729T-Mobile
Blue Earth0.196n/aA3LGTS7550n/a
Byline SCH-R3101.05n/aA3LSCHR310MetroPCS
Caliber0.667n/aA3LSCHR850U.S. Cellular
Captivate0.42n/aA3LSGHI897AT&T
Code SCH-i2200.623n/aA3LSCHI220MetroPCS
Comeback SGH-T5591.35n/aA3LSGHT559T-Mobile
Continuum0.7n/aA3LSCHI400Verizon Wireless
Contour0.49n/aA3LSGHA817MetroPCS
Convoy SCH-U6400.912n/aA3LSCHU640Verizon Wireless
Craft SCH-r9001.06n/aA3LSCHR900MetroPCS
Delve SCH-r8001.04n/aA3LSCHR800Alltel
Epic 4G0.68n/aA3LSPHD700Sprint Nextel
Epix1.3n/aA3LSGHI907AT&T
Eternity II0.97n/aA3LSGHA597AT&T
Eternity SGH-A8670.194n/aA3LSGHA867AT&T
Evergreen0.41n/aA3LSGHA667AT&T
Exclaim SPH-M5500.78n/aA3LSPHM550Sprint Nextel
Exec (U.S. Cellular)1.12n/aA3LSCHI225U.S. Cellular
Fascinate0.57n/aA3LSCHI500Verizon Wireless
Fin (Helio)1.27n/aA3LSPHA513Helio
Finesse SCH-r8101.22n/aA3LSCHR810MetroPCS
Flight II0.6n/aA3LSGHA927AT&T
Flight SGH-A7970.505n/aA3LSGHA797AT&T
FlipShot SCH-U9001.4n/aA3LSCHU900Verizon Wireless
Focus0.55n/aA3LSGHI917AT&T
Freeform0.72n/aA3LSCHR350Alltel
Freeform II1.07n/aA3LSCHR360MetroPCS
Glint SCH-U3501.09n/aA3LSCHU350Alltel
Gloss SCH-U4401.21n/aA3LSCHU440U.S. Cellular
Glyde SCH-U9401.08n/aA3LSCHU940Verizon Wireless
Gravity 20.547n/aA3LSGHT469T-Mobile
Gravity 30.527n/aA3LSGHT479T-Mobile
Gravity SGH-T4590.487n/aA3LSGHT459T-Mobile
Gravity T0.38n/aA3LSGHT669T-Mobile
Gusto0.72n/aA3LSCHU360Verizon Wireless
Haven0.41n/aA3LSCHU320 Verizon Wireless
Heat (Helio)1.46n/aA3LSPHA303Helio
Highlight SGH-T7491.31n/aA3LSGHT749T-Mobile
Highnote1.45n/aA3LSPHM630Sprint Nextel
Hue II SCH-R6001.07n/aA3LSCHR600Alltel
Hue SCH-R5001.27n/aA3LSCHR500Alltel
i8910 Omnia HD0.67n/aA3LSWDI8910n/a
Impression SGH-A8770.27n/aA3LSGHA877AT&T
Innov80.287n/aA3LSWDI8510n/a
Instinct1.46n/aA3LSPHM800Sprint Nextel
Instinct HD SPH-M8501.16n/aA3LSPHM850Sprint Nextel
Instinct S301.33n/aA3LSPHM810Sprint Nextel
Intensity II1.04n/aA3LSCHU460Verizon Wireless
Intensity SCH-U4500.727n/aA3LSCHU450Verizon Wireless
Intercept0.72n/aA3LSPHM910 Sprint Nextel
Intercept0.72n/aA3LSPHM910 Virgin Mobile
Intrepid1.07n/aA3LSPHI350Sprint Nextel
Jack1.04n/aA3LSGHI637AT&T
Jetset SCH-r550 (Cricket)1.05n/aA3LSCHR550Cricket Wireless
Jitterbug J1.22n/aA3LSPHA310Jitterbug
Juke SCH-U4701.04n/aA3LSCHU470Verizon Wireless
Katalyst0.662n/aA3LSGHT739T-Mobile
Knack SCH-U3101.14n/aA3LSCHU310Verizon Wireless
M2400.867n/aA3LSPHM240Sprint Nextel
Magnet SGH-A2570.637n/aA3LSGHA257AT&T
Mantra (Virgin Mobile)0.932n/aA3LSPHM340Virgin Mobile
Mesmerize0.57n/aA3LSCHI500U.S. Cellular
Messager II SCH-R5601.1n/aA3LSCHR560MetroPCS
Messager R4501.42n/aA3LSCHR450MetroPCS
Messager Touch (U.S. Cellular)0.95n/aA3LSCHR630U.S. Cellular
Moment0.67n/aA3LSPHM900Sprint Nextel
Muse SCH-U7060.8871.42A3LSCHU706Alltel
MyShot II SCH-R460 (Cricket)1n/aA3LSCHR460Cricket Wireless
MyShot SCH-R4300.789n/aA3LSCHR430MetroPCS
Mysto (Helio)1.39n/aA3LSPHA523Helio
Mythic A8970.67n/aA3LSGHA897AT&T
Omnia1.31n/aA3LSCHI910Verizon Wireless
Omnia II1.06n/aA3LSCHI920Verizon Wireless
Propel - SGH-A7670.968n/aA3LSGHA767AT&T
Propel Pro0.473n/aA3LSGHI627AT&T
Rant1.01n/aA3LSPHM540Sprint Nextel
Reality0.99n/aA3LSCHU820Verizon Wireless
Reclaim SPH-M5601.16n/aA3LSPHM560Sprint Nextel
Renown SCH-U8100.958n/aA3LSCHU810Verizon Wireless
Restore (Sprint)0.72n/aA3LSPHM570Sprint Nextel
Rogue SCH-U9601.36n/aA3LSCHU960Verizon Wireless
Rugby II SGH-A847(AT&T)0.52n/aA3LSGH-A847AT&T
Rugby SGH-A837 (AT&T)0.46n/aA3LSGHA837AT&T
Saga0.687n/aA3LSCHI770Verizon Wireless
SCH-i7600.73n/aA3LSCHI760Verizon Wireless
SCH-R500 Hue (Alltel)1.27n/aA3LSCHR500Alltel
SCH-R5101.28n/aA3LSCHR510Alltel
SCH-U3401.39n/aA3LSCHU340Verizon Wireless
SCH-U4101.36n/aA3LSCHU410Verizon Wireless
SCH-U4301.07n/aA3LSCHu430Verizon Wireless
SCH-U5201.17n/aA3LSCH-U520Alltel
SCH-U5401.34n/aA3LSCHU540Verizon Wireless
SCH-U5501.39n/aA3LSCHU550Verizon Wireless
SCH-U620 Mobi0.958n/aA3LSCHU620Verizon Wireless
SCH-U700 Gleam0.872n/aA3LSCHU700Verizon Wireless
SCH-U7400.68n/aA3LSCHU710Verizon Wireless
Seek (Sprint)1.08n/aA3LSPHM350Sprint Nextel
SGH T1190.958n/aA3LSGHT119T-Mobile
SGH-a107 GoPhone (AT&T)0.3n/aA3LSGHA107 AT&T
SGH-A1170.96n/aA3LSGHA117AT&T
SGH-a1271.24n/aA3LSGHA127AT&T
SGH-A1670.452n/aA3LSGHA167AT&T
SGH-A1770.724n/aA3LSGHA177AT&T
SGH-A187 GoPhone0.73n/aA3LSGHA187AT&T
SGH-A1970.24n/aA3LSGHA197AT&T
SGH-A2271.13n/aA3LSGHA227AT&T
SGH-A2371.14n/aA3LSGHA237AT&T
SGH-A4371.1n/aA3LSGHA437AT&T
SGH-A5171.27n/aA3LSGHA517AT&T
SGH-A6371.24n/aA3LSGHA637AT&T
SGH-A6570.682n/aA3LSGHA657AT&T
SGH-A7170.58n/aA3LSGHA717AT&T
SGH-A7271.05n/aA3LSGHA727AT&T
SGH-A7370.655n/aA3LSGHA737AT&T
SGH-A7771.19n/aA3LSGHA777AT&T
SGH-G8000.23n/aA3LSGHG800n/a
SGH-i4500.457n/an/an/a
SGH-T1090.8n/aA3LSGHT109T-Mobile
SGH-T1390.59n/aA3LSGHT139T-Mobile
SGH-T2191.28n/aA3LSGHT219T-Mobile
SGH-T2290.383n/aA3LSGHT229T-Mobile
SGH-T2391.07n/aA3LSGHT239T-Mobile
SGH-T2490.51n/aA3LSGHT249T-Mobile
SGH-T3291.38n/aA3LSGHT329T-Mobile
SGH-T3390.733n/aA3LSGHT339T-Mobile
SGH-T3491.05n/aA3LSGHT349T-Mobile
SGH-T3690.52n/aA3LSGHT369T-Mobile
SGH-T4091.22n/aA3LSGHT409T-Mobile
SGH-T4291.02n/aA3LSGHT429T-Mobile
SGH-T4390.92n/aA3LSGHT439T-Mobile
SGH-T539 Beat0.597n/aA3LSGHT539T-Mobile
SGH-T6391.47n/aA3LSGHT639T-Mobile
SGH-T6590.73n/aA3LSGHT659T-Mobile
SGH-T8191.19n/aA3LSGHT819T-Mobile
SGH-U6000.719n/aA3LSGHU600n/a
SGH-X5071.27n/aA3LSGHX507AT&T
Slash0.872n/aA3LSPHM310Virgin Mobile
SLM SGH-A7470.478n/aA3LSGHA747AT&T
Smiley0.43n/aA3LSGHT359T-Mobile
Smooth1.09n/aA3LSCHU350Verizon Wireless
Solstice II0.84n/aA3LSGHR250AT&T
Solstice SGH-A8870.85n/aA3LSGH-A887AT&T
Soul0.24n/aA3LSGHU900n/a
Spex SCH-R2101.46n/aA3LSCHR210MetroPCS
SPH-M220 (Sprint)1.08n/aA3LSPHM220Sprint Nextel
SPH-M3000.99n/aA3LSPHM300Sprint Nextel
SPH-M320 (Sprint)1.11n/aA3LSPHM320Sprint Nextel
SPH-M3301.22n/aA3lSPHM330Sprint Nextel
SPH-M3600.82n/aA3LSPHM360Sprint
SPH-M5101.26n/aA3LSPHM510Sprint Nextel
SPH-M5200.761n/aA3LSPHM520Sprint Nextel
SPH-M620 Upstage1.4n/aA3LSPHM620Sprint Nextel
Stride SCH-R330 (U.S. Cellular)0.72n/aA3LSCHR330U.S. Cellular
Strive0.58n/aA3LSGH-A867AT&T
Stunt1n/aA3LSCHR100MetroPCS
Sunburst0.857n/aA3LSGHA697AT&T
Sway SCH-U6501.28n/aA3LSCHU650Verizon Wireless
Tint (MetroPCS)1.17n/aA3LSCHR420MetroPCS
Trance SCH-U9401.34n/aA3LSCHU490Verizon Wireless
Transform0.75n/aA3LSPHM920Sprint
Trill SCH-R5201.34n/aA3LSCHR520U.S. Cellular
TwoStep SCH-R4701.11n/aA3LSCHR470U.S. Cellular
Vibrant0.89n/aA3LSGHT959 T-Mobile
Wave GT-S85000.998n/aA3LGTS8500Ln/a
Z4001.36n/aA3LSPHZ400Sprint Nextel

 

Nokia cell phone radiation levels

ModelSAR (digital)SAR (analog)FCC IDCarrier
16611.31n/aQTLRH-121T-Mobile
16801.39n/aQTLRM-490T-Mobile
23201.47n/aQTLRM-515AT&T
26001.43n/aQTLRM-341AT&T
2610n/a0.56QTLRH-87AT&T
26601.01n/aQTLRM-293AT&T
26800.64n/aQTLRM-500AT&T
35551.04n/aQMNRM-257T-Mobile
37111.28n/aPPIRM-511T-Mobile
60851n/aLJPRM-260AT&T
60861.15n/aLJPRM-198HT-Mobile
62630.43n/aQTKRM-207T-Mobile
63501.03n/aQMNRM-455AT&T
65551.251.05QMNRM-289AT&T
66500.92n/aQMNRM-324HAT&T
73900.26n/aQTKRM-140n/a
75100.84n/aPPIRM-399T-Mobile
2366i0.87n/aQMNRM-155Verizon Wireless
2705 Shade1.22n/aQMNRM-464Verizon Wireless
2720 Fold0.96n/aQTLRM-520 Unlocked
5130 Xpress Music0.88n/aQTLRM-496T-Mobile
5230 Nuron1.16n/aLJPRM-594T-Mobile
5310 Xpress Music1.25n/aPPIRM-304T-Mobile
5700 Xpress Music1.33n/aLJPRM-302T-Mobile
5800 Navigation Edition1.29n/aLJPRM-428n/a
5800 Xpress Music0.97n/aLJPRM-428n/a
6500 Classic1.2n/aQTKRM-265n/a
6750 Mural1n/aQMNRM-381AT&T
7205 Intrigue1.08n/aQMNRM-383Verizon Wireless
7500 Prism (Unlocked)0.61n/aPPIRM-249n/a
7610 Supernova0.81n/aPPIRM-354n/a
7705 Twist0.7n/aQMNRM-56Verizon Wireless
E551.19n/aPYARM-482n/a
E61i0.83n/aPYARM-227AT&T
E631.24n/aPYARM-449n/a
E650.74n/aPYARM-208n/a
E700.9n/aPYARM-24n/a
E71x1.53n/aPYARM-357AT&T
E721.39n/aPYARM-584n/a
E73 Mode1.07n/aPYARM-529T-Mobile
E750.99n/aPYARM-413n/a
E90 Communicator0.59n/aPYARA-6n/a
Luna 86000.72n/aQMNRM-164n/a
Mirage 26051.12n/aQMNRM-339Verizon Wireless
N750.68n/aQURRM-128AT&T
N761.04n/aOW3RM-149n/a
N781.26n/aQFXRM-235n/a
N791.4n/aQFXRM-350n/a
N81.12n/aPDNRM-596n/a
N810.78n/aOW3RM-179n/a
N820.78n/aQVVRM-314n/a
N850.91n/aQURRM-334n/a
N861.01n/aQURRM-486n/a
N900.22n/aQURRM-42n/a
N9000.92n/aLJPRX-51n/a
N950.49n/aPDNRM-245n/a
N95 (8GB, Unlocked)0.79n/aPDNRM-421n/a
N95 (North American edition)1.27n/aPDNRM-160n/a
N960.96n/aQEYRM-472n/a
N970.74n/aQVVRM-507n/a
N97 Mini0.91n/aQVVRM-553n/a
Surge 67900.81n/aQMNRM-492n/a
(