iPhone 6 and 6 Plus SAR Value Information

iphone 6 rf exposure

iPhone 6 RF Exposure Values.

After checking a series of benefits and eye-catching features of Apple’s newest flagships, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, manufactured using the latest technologies and running on an impressive operating system, the iOS 8, we’ll now also take a look at a potential side effect.

Yes, I’m talking about the Radio Frequency exposure, or better said, the Radiation levels that we expose ourselves while using a cell phone. It’s true that all smartphones come with this potential health treat, but iPhones have a history of placing themselves in the higher range of the accepted SAR value limits.

How is RF Exposure Measured?
The Specific Absorption Rate or better known as SAR indicates the amount of energy soaked up by the human body during its exposure to radio frequency. For cell phone radio emitters, measurements are done, simulating the two most frequent cases of use, showing the impact on head and body.

Which are the SAR Limits?
In the US, the Federal Communications Community (FCC) limits radio frequency exposure to a SAR value of 1.60 watts/kilogram averaged over 1 gram/tissue. In other area, like Europe for example the limit is set at 2.00 wats/kilogram averaged over 10 grams/tissue. At first sight the European regulations could seem much harsher, however it’s important to note that averaging RF exposure at 10 grams, can flatten out hotspots and thus ‘hide’ radiation spikes.

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus SAR Values
According to Apple both iPhone 6 and its bigger sibling comply with the radio frequency regulations:
iPhone 6 measures a SAR value of 1.14 W/kg for body and 1.08 W/ kg for head averaged over 1 gram of tissue, respectively 0.97 W/kg for body and 0.93 W/kg head averaged over 10 grams of tissue.
iPhone 6 Plus SAR value is labeled at 1.16 W/kg body and 1.14 W/kg head averaged over 1 gram of tissue and 0.99 W/kg body and 0.91 W/kg head averaged over 10 grams of tissue.

iPhone vs iPhone – SAR Value Comparison
Here are the Specific Absorption Rates of all iPhone models, according to Apple.com.

Model
SAR [Body]
(Over 1gr)
SAR [Head]
(Over 1gr)
SAR [Body]
(Over 10gr)
SAR [Head]
(Over 10gr)
Limit
1.6 W/kg
1.6 W/kg
2.0 W/kg
2.0 W/kg
iPhone 7 Plus (A1661, A1786 / A1785 / A1784)
1.17 / 1.19 / 1.19
1.19 / 1.19 / 1.19
0.95 / 1.29 / 1.00
1.34 / 0.96 / 1.24
iPhone 7 (A1660, A1780 / A1779 / A1778)
1.19 / 1.20 / 1.19
1.20 / 1.19 / 1.19
1.39 / 1.38 / 1.34
1.37 / 1.32 / 1.38
iPhone SE
1.19
1.17
0.99
0.97
iPhone 6S
1.14
1.12
0.98
0.93
iPhone 6S Plus
1.14
1.14
0.98
0.87
iPhone 6
1.14
1.08
0.97
0.93
iPhone 6 Plus
1.16
1.14
0.99
0.91
iPhone 5S
1.18
1.18
0.99
0.93
iPhone 5C
1.19
1.19
0.95
0.99
iPhone 5
1.18
1.25
0.95
0.90
iPhone 4S
1.19
1.18
0.99
0.99
iPhone 4
1.11
1.17
0.74
0.93
iPhone 3GS
0.67
1.19
0.45
0.40

iPhone 6 vs Other Smartphones – SAR Value Comparison
Now it time to check the latest iPhones versus their main competitors:

Model
SAR [Body]
(Over 1gr)
SAR [Head]
(Over 1gr)
SAR [Body]
(Over 10gr)
SAR [Head]
(Over 10gr)
Limit
1.6 W/kg
1.6 W/kg
2.0 W/kg
2.0 W/kg
LG G3
0.68
0.39
0.23
0.23
Samsung Galaxy Note 4
0.86
0.36
0.38
0.37
Samsung Galaxy S5
0.82
0.63
0.56
0.41
Samsung Galaxy S4
1.17
0.77
0.45
0.28
iPhone 6
1.14
1.08
0.97
0.93
iPhone 6 Plus
1.16
1.14
0.99
0.91
HTC One M8
1.17
0.83
n/a
n/a
Amazon Fire Phone
1.34
1.30
n/a
n/a
Motorola Moto X II
1.40
0.81
n/a
n/a

After analyzing the above data, we can conclude that Apple don’t have a goal in producing low radio frequency exposing cell phones. Although all smartphones on the market have to comply with regulations, it’s obvious that some devices discharge more radio radiation as the others.

iPhone vs Apple Watch RF Exposure Ratings
Check them out HERE.

There is no medical research yet that found direct links between cell phone radiation and cancer, but it’s better to be aware and take preventive measures. Even if you don’t think that far, annoying health problems like headaches and increased fatigue are tangible side effects of long smartphone conversations. I recommend you to read and follow a few tricks that lower rf exposure.