The iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphones produced in the last three years could exceed the levels of electromagnetic emissions allowed by U.S. regulations and, in general, older models of cell phones emit more radiation than new ones.
The American newspaper asked to analyze the SAR level of 11 smartphones to a laboratory accredited by the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission, the government agency that regulates electromagnetic emissions from electronic devices. The models tested are iPhone 7, 8, 8 Plus and X, the Samsung Galaxy S8, S9 and J3, the Motorola E5, E5 Play and G6 Play and the BLU Vivo 5 Mini. The tests were performed at a distance of 2, 5 and 15 millimeters from a "simulated body" made of sugar, water and salt. For each smartphone, the SAR level, Specific Absorption Rate, a standard measure for determining how much energy the human body absorbs from an electronic device's electromagnetic emissions, was measured.
The smartphones with the worst SAR
The results of the tests conducted on behalf of the Chicago Tribune show that the iPhone 7's radio frequency absorption levels were among the highest in the comparison, with a SAR between two and four times higher than the safe limit when tested at 2mm from the body. The three Samsung Galaxy models also showed higher absorption at the same distance, with the Galaxy S8 exceeding 8.22 W/kg during one reading, five times higher than the FCC's allowable level.
Reliable tests?
Smartphone SAR levels are always a source of great controversy between newspapers and manufacturers because a lot depends on how the tests are done. The Chicago Tribune itself says that the FCC will conduct new tests in the coming months on the 11 smartphones in the comparison because, the FCC says, the tests were not "as comprehensive" as those normally submitted for official compliance reports.
The Chicago Tribune responds that the test considered "the worst-case scenario in terms of exposure to radio frequency radiation," while the owner of the lab that performed the tests said that this type of exposure "could occur in limited situations." A Samsung spokesperson commented on the Chicago Tribune investigation by stating that "Samsung devices sold in the United States comply with FCC regulations. Our devices are tested according to the same testing protocols used throughout the industry."
Apple also issued a statement claiming that the tests conducted by the Chicago Tribune are inaccurate and that all iPhones have been certified and meet FCC regulations.