What is SAR Value? Types, Legal Limts, and Testing Process

Did you know your phone keeps you 'connected' in more ways than one? In fact, it emits a substantial amount of energy that gets absorbed by your body. However, a heavy dose of such radiation can prove harmful to your body. But if you are wondering how you can stay within safe limits, all you need to know is the SAR Value, which measures the rate at which the body absorbs electromagnetic energy from mobile devices. 

So, while purchasing phones, the SAR Value must be considered just as important a criterion as the cameras and battery life. From different SAR types to global legal limits and testing processes, this blog unpacks everything you need to know to make smarter, safer choices when picking your next Android or iOS device. So, read on! 

Table of Contents   

1) What is SAR? 

2) Why is it so Important to Test the Mobile SAR Value? 

3) Interpreting SAR Value 

4) SAR Value Types and Effect on Human Body 

5) Testing process 

6) Conclusion 

What is SAR? 

Specific Absorption Rate is the measurement of how much Radio Frequency (RF) energy your body absorbs when using a mobile phone. In simple terms, it tells us how much radiation our body is exposed to when we use our devices. Think of SAR as a heat meter for your phone. Just like standing too close to a fire can make you uncomfortable, excessive RF energy can have potential effects on your body. This SAR value, measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg), varies depending on the phone model, how it’s used, and even where you are.
 

Benefits of Calculating the SAR Value 

Calculating the SAR value offers several benefits: 

1) Health and Safety: Users are protected from potential health risks. 

2) Regulatory Compliance: Ensure products comply with regulations. 

3) Consumer Awareness: Allows consumers to make informed decisions. 

4) Product Development: Early SAR testing can help address potential issues. 

5) Quality Assurance: Ensures devices meet safety standards throughout lifecycle. 

6) Global Standards: Sell products in multiple markets without additional modifications. 

Why is it so Important to Test the Mobile SAR Value? 

Imagine if cars were sold without crash tests. Scary, right? Similarly, testing SAR values ensures mobile phones meet safety guidelines before they reach your hands. 

Here’s why SAR testing matters: 

a) Health Considerations: While mobile phones emit non-ionizing radiation (unlike X-rays), prolonged exposure to high SAR levels could affect biological tissues. 

b) Regulatory Compliance: Governments worldwide set SAR limits to ensure phones are safe. If a device exceeds these limits, it can’t be sold. 

c) Real-world Usage: Testing considers different usage scenarios—talking, texting, or streaming—all which impact SAR levels. 

So next time you’re on a long call, rest easy knowing your phone has passed safety checks!
 

SAR Exposure Limits in Different Countries 

Different countries, different rules! There’s no universal SAR limit—each region sets its own safety threshold. 

a) USA (FCC Limit): 1.6 W/kg (measured over 1g of tissue) 

b) Europe (ICNIRP Limit): 2.0 W/kg (measured over 10g of tissue) 

c) India: Follows the stricter 1.6 W/kg limit, like the US. 

What does this mean for you? A phone that meets European standards might still fail in the US! That’s why manufacturers test phones against multiple regulations. 

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Interpreting SAR Value 

Now, just because a phone has a high SAR value doesn’t mean it’s dangerous. Here’s what you need to know: 

Legal Limits 

All phones must stay below legal SAR limits. If a device is on the market, it’s within the safe range, so you don’t have to panic. 

Lower is Safer 

Would you rather hold a hot cup of What is Coffee or a lukewarm one? The same applies to SAR. Even if a phone is within legal limits, opting for a lower SAR device minimises exposure. 

Variability Among Devices 

Two phones from the same brand can have different SAR values for the following reasons: 

a) Design changes (antenna placement, materials). 

b) Different network conditions. 

c) How the phone is held or carried. 

Safety Guidelines 

If you want to reduce SAR exposure, try these simple hacks: 

a) Use speakerphone or wired earphones instead of holding the phone close to your head. 

b) Text instead of call whenever possible. 

c) Avoid weak signal areas as phones emit more radiation when struggling for a connection. 

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SAR Value Types and Effect on Human Body 

It's important to remember that SAR isn’t one-size-fits-all because the value varies depending on which body part is exposed. Consider the following types of SAR Value: 

Testing Process 

Ever wondered how SAR is tested? It’s not as simple as placing a phone next to a meter. The process is meticulous and follows strict protocols. 

1) System Check: Before testing starts, the equipment is calibrated to ensure accurate readings. 

2) Conducted Power Measures: This step assesses how much power the phone’s antenna emits in various conditions.

3) Evaluation Process and Measurements: Here’s where things get high-tech! The phone is placed against a human-like model filled with liquid that mimics body tissue. Sensors measure how much energy is absorbed. 

4) Exposure from Multiple Sources Simultaneously: Since modern phones connect to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G and 5G, they are tested under real-world scenarios to check SAR across different frequencies.

5) SAR Test Report: Once the testing is done, a SAR certificate is issued. If a device fails, it must be modified before being sold. 

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Conclusion 

The SAR Value isn’t a one-size-fits-all measure; it changes depending on which body part is exposed. While we can’t live without our smartphones, it’s worth understanding SAR to make smarter choices. If you’re concerned about exposure, go for a lower-SAR device and use simple hacks like speakerphone or keeping your phone away from your body.  

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