Radiation Levels for 2014 Flagship Phones: Myths and Facts

UPDATE: This article has been updated, from our previous post in June, to include the newer flagship phones that have been released since the article was first written – please see the list for updated information.


The guidelines for cell phone radiation (RF) was created in August, 1996, by the FCC after input from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These guidelines took into account the rate at which the human body tissue absorbs radiation energy during cell phone use and was standardised as the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

A maximum SAR of 1.6 watts of energy absorbed per kilogram of body weight was deemed as safe for public use by the FCC. This limit was set to prevent the thermal effects of cell phone radiation, since RF radiation can heat human body tissue. Contrary to popular belief, the SAR limit was not set to prevent other biological effects like cancer or DNA mutation/damage (since it was near enough impossible to tell long term effects of cell phone radiation at the time).

The limit was based on a cell phone call that averages 30 minutes when the cell phone is held to the ear. Holding a cell phone away from the body or using headphones/headsets helps lower the amount of radiation your body absorbs.


The list below shows the SAR level for the new flagship phones from major manufacturers (highest to lowest).

  1. 1. Apple iPhone 6 Plus

Head: 1.18;  Body: 1.18;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.59


  1. 2. Apple iPhone 6

Head: 1.18;  Body: 1.18;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.58


  1. 3. Moto X

Head: 0.81;  Body: 1.40;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.59


  1. 4. Blackberry Passport

Head: 0.58;  Body: 1.45;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.44


  1. 5. HTC One M8

Head: 0.94;  Body: 0.83;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.29


  1. 6. Samsung Galaxy S5

Head: 0.63;  Body: 0.82;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.59


  1. 7. Nokia Lumia 930

Head: 0.85;  Body: 0.56;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.49


  1. 8. Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Head: 0.17;  Body: 0.86;  Simultaneous Transmission: 1.20


  1. 9. LG G3

Head: 0.21;  Body: 0.68;  Simultaneous Transmission: 0.99


  1. 10. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

Head: 0.13;  Body: 0.37;  Simultaneous Transmission: 0.67

Will the radiation levels affect your decision on which phone you will be getting?

Let us know in the comments!

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