Understanding SAR and Why It’s Misleading
When consumers look at the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values for a smartphone, they assume it represents their real-world radiation exposure. However, the SAR test is deeply flawed—it’s based on outdated thermal-only FCC guidelines from 1996 that fail to account for the biological effects of non-thermal radiation.
The FCC’s Outdated Guidelines
- In 2001, the FCC was warned about its outdated standards, yet they have not been updated.
- In 2021, RFK Jr., the Environmental Health Trust, and Children’s Health Defense won a lawsuit against the FCC, proving the agency ignored thousands of studies showing biological harm from RF radiation.
- The National Toxicology Program (NTP) showed that RF radiation causes cancer even at lower power levels. In its study, 1.5W/kg exposure caused more tumors than 6W/kg, proving that radiation effects aren’t linear—meaning lower power doesn’t always mean safer.
- Despite this, the FDA is violating Public Law 90-602, which mandates continued research on radiation exposure. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has been defunded, preventing critical studies on RF safety.
How SAR Testing is Manipulated
- SAR tests do not measure real-world exposure. Some manufacturers test at 5mm, 10mm, or even 15mm from the body—because in 1996, phones were tested assuming users would wear them in a belt holster.
- Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series has moved its antenna to the bottom of the phone, closer to your thyroid instead of your ear. This artificially lowers head SAR numbers while potentially increasing exposure to your throat and chest.
Samsung Galaxy S25, S25 Plus, and S25 Ultra SAR Levels
| Model | Head SAR (Cellular Only) | Body SAR (Cellular Only) | Hotspot SAR (Cellular Only) | Simultaneous (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Head SAR | Simultaneous Body SAR | Simultaneous Hotspot SAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S25 | 1.12 W/kg | 0.73 W/kg | 1.14 W/kg | 1.35 W/kg | 1.39 W/kg | 1.39 W/kg |
| S25 Plus | 1.20 W/kg | 0.83 W/kg | 1.19 W/kg | 1.59 W/kg | 1.58 W/kg | 1.59 W/kg |
| S25 Ultra | 1.26 W/kg | 0.78 W/kg | 1.19 W/kg | 1.59 W/kg | 1.40 W/kg | 1.48 W/kg |
- Head SAR levels appear lower than older Samsung models, but that does NOT mean lower exposure.
- The antenna relocation shifts radiation exposure from your head to your throat and chest.
- Simultaneous SAR (Cellular + Wi-Fi) levels are significantly higher.
How to Reduce Your RF Exposure
- Turn Off Wi-Fi & Bluetooth When Not in Use
- Disabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth reduces SAR exposure to the head by up to 24.5% and to the body by up to 47.5%.
- Use Speakerphone or Wired Headphones
- Avoid placing the phone directly against your body for long periods.
- Avoid Keeping Your Phone in Your Pocket
- The SAR test is conducted millimeters away from the body, but real-world exposure is higher when the phone is in direct contact with your skin.
- Use an RF Shielding Case Like the RF Safe QuantaCase
- A properly designed case helps deflect RF radiation away from the body.
Final Thoughts: SAR Testing is a Red Herring
- The FCC’s SAR test does not reflect real-world usage and is designed to give a false sense of security.
- The relocation of antennas in the Galaxy S25 series lowers SAR scores but shifts radiation exposure to more vulnerable areas like the thyroid.
- Thousands of peer-reviewed studies—including the telecom industry’s own research—show significant biological risks from long-term RF exposure.
- The FDA and FCC are ignoring Public Law 90-602, failing to fund necessary research on radiation safety.
- The real solution is updated regulations that acknowledge non-thermal effects and set stricter exposure limits.
If you’ve found this article, you’re ahead of the curve—now it’s time to learn how to protect yourself from RF radiation beyond what SAR tests reveal.