Comprehensive SAR Comparison: Google Pixel 9 Series
Understanding SAR and Why It Matters
Every smartphone on the market undergoes Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) testing before being approved for sale. SAR measures how much radiofrequency (RF) energy a user’s body absorbs when using the device. However, these tests are based on outdated FCC guidelines established in 1996, which only consider thermal (heating) effects and ignore non-thermal biological risks such as oxidative stress, DNA damage, and neurological impacts.
In 2021, RFK Jr. and Environmental Health Trust won a landmark lawsuit against the FCC, proving that the agency failed to account for modern scientific research on the health effects of RF radiation. Despite the ruling, FCC guidelines remain unchanged, leaving consumers with an incomplete picture of their actual exposure risks.
This blog provides a detailed SAR breakdown for the latest Google Pixel 9 series smartphones, including the Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 variants. By analyzing these numbers in one place, we can compare their reported SAR values and examine what they really mean for everyday phone users.
SAR Levels for the Google Pixel 9 Series (2024)
| Device | FCC ID | Head SAR (W/kg) | Body SAR (W/kg) | Hotspot SAR (W/kg) | Extremity SAR (W/kg) | Simultaneous TX (W/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 9 | A4RGUR25 | 0.986 | 0.865 | 0.846 | 2.469 | 1.594 |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | A4RGGX8B | 0.920 | 0.993 | 0.841 | 2.460 | 1.593 |
| Google Pixel 9 Variant | A4RG2YBB | 0.872 | 0.986 | 0.846 | 2.469 | 1.594 |
Key Takeaways:
- Highest Head SAR: Google Pixel 9 (0.986 W/kg)
- Highest Body SAR: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL (0.993 W/kg)
- Highest Extremity SAR: Google Pixel 9 & Variant (2.469 W/kg)
- Highest Simultaneous Transmission SAR: Google Pixel 9 & Variant (1.594 W/kg)
These numbers suggest that certain models within the Pixel 9 series emit slightly higher SAR than others, even when tested under the FCC’s thermal-only criteria. However, it is crucial to understand that real-world exposure may be higher, as FCC tests assume 5–15 mm separation from the body, not direct contact like in pockets or bras.
Why the FCC’s SAR Guidelines Are Inadequate
1. Only Thermal, Not Biological Effects
SAR limits were created only to prevent overheating of body tissue. But research suggests RF radiation can cause non-thermal biological damage, including:
- DNA strand breaks
- Oxidative stress
- Neurological effects (memory loss, headaches, sleep disruption)
- Hormonal disruptions (lower testosterone, fertility issues)
The FCC does not account for these risks in their standards.
2. Separation Distance Loophole
Manufacturers are allowed to test SAR at a 5–15 mm separation distance from the test dummy. This is outdated because:
- Phones are no longer worn in belt holsters (1990s assumption).
- Most users carry phones in pockets or bras (0 mm distance).
- At 0 mm, SAR exposure could be significantly higher than reported.
3. FCC Lawsuit Proved Regulations Are Outdated
In 2021, RFK Jr. and Environmental Health Trust sued the FCC, arguing that its SAR testing guidelines fail to protect consumers. The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that the FCC acted “arbitrarily and capriciously” by ignoring new science on RF health risks, especially for children. However, the FCC has still not updated its safety standards.
How to Reduce Your RF Exposure
Even if your phone meets FCC guidelines, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Here are some practical steps to minimize RF radiation exposure:
✅ Use Speakerphone or Air-Tube Headsets – Keeps RF radiation away from your head.
✅ Avoid Pocket or Bra Storage – Especially for long periods.
✅ Enable Airplane Mode – When not in use, especially at night.
✅ Turn Off Wi-Fi & Bluetooth – When unnecessary.
✅ Use Radiation Shielded Cases – But ensure they don’t cause the phone to boost power output.
Conclusion: Why We Need Updated SAR Testing
The Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Variant all pass FCC SAR tests, but these results do not guarantee real safety. The FCC’s outdated testing methods allow manufacturers to report artificially lower SAR values, ignoring real-world exposure scenarios like phones stored in pockets or bras.
💡 What Needs to Change?
- FCC must update SAR standards to reflect modern research on non-thermal effects.
- Testing should be done at 0 mm (direct contact) to reflect real-world usage.
- New regulatory policies should prioritize protecting children and heavy phone users.
The FCC lawsuit against RFK Jr. proved that SAR guidelines are inadequate, yet policymakers continue to delay action. Until regulations catch up with the science, it’s up to consumers to make informed decisions about their exposure.
🚨 What do you think? Should SAR testing be reformed to reflect modern usage? Leave a comment below! 🚨
Further Reading & Resources
- FCC ID Search Tool: fcc.gov/oet/ea/fccid
