The jury is still out on whether the radiofrequency emissions given off by mobile phones are harmful. Nonetheless, it doesn't hurt to favour those that give off lower specific absorption rates (SAR) when shopping for one, reports German computer magazine Chip.
Newer, more powerful models don't necessarily give off higher SAR levels than basic models, reports the magazine. Smartphones like Sony's Xperia Z3, Samsung's Galaxy S5, HTC One M8 or Apple's iPhone 6 all give off rates well below the recommended level of 2 watts per kilogram (W/kg).
The SAR level is a measure of the rate at which the head absorbs radiofrequency energy during a conversation when the phone is at full power. The lower the rate, the less one's head is heated up by the phone. Tests have shown that Samsung's Galaxy S4 Zoom (0.14 W/kg) and Galaxy Note 2 (0.17 W/kg) give off particularly low amounts.
Germany's Federal Office for Radiation Protection says radiofrequency levels from a mobile phone - even when it's just being carried around - are noticeably higher than those given off by a mobile phone tower.
Some authorities have recommended keeping conversations as short as possible and using a headset whenever possible. Keeping the head further away from the antenna keeps the levels received lower.
Since phones boost their emissions when they have bad reception, one should also avoid calls when the display shows service is bad. For extra information, check out the site of the German radiation protection office, where staff has compiled data on the SAR levels of various phones.
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