Last updated on March 24th, 2025 at 07:37 am
The smartphone has so penetrated into our daily life that now no one can think of living without them. Excessive use of smartphones may cause health problems even if you are using a smartphone moderately with bad SAR, which is also the most dangerous to health.

What is SAR?
The term SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate which is a measure of the amount of radio frequency energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted limits for safe exposure to radiofrequency (RF) energy which is 1.6 watts per kilogram (1.6 W/kg). Any smartphone at or below this Specific Absorption Rate level is “safe” to use. The Specific Absorption Rate limit recommended by the Council of the European Union in Europe is 2.0 W/kg.
How to Check Your Phone’s SAR Level USSD Code *#07#
You can check your smartphone’s SAR value easily using a USSD code:
- Dial
*#07#
on your phone. - If your phone supports this feature, it will display its SAR rating.
- A SAR value below 1.6 W/kg means your phone meets safety standards. If it exceeds this limit, consider switching to a safer device.
Alternative Method
If *#07#
doesn’t work, check your phone’s SAR value manually:
Android Users: Look under About Phone > Legal > RF Exposure or similar sections.
iPhone Users: Go to Settings > General > Legal > RF Exposure.
SAR Levels of Popular Smartphones
Here’s a quick look at SAR values for some well-known smartphones:
Apple
- iPhone 14 Pro Max: 1.15 W/kg
- iPhone 13: 0.99 W/kg
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 1.16 W/kg
- iPhone SE: 1.17 W/kg
- iPhone 6: 1.59 W/kg (Just below the FCC limit!)
Samsung
- Galaxy S21 FE 5G: 0.95 W/kg
- Galaxy S20: 0.76 W/kg
- Galaxy S10: 0.26 W/kg
- Galaxy Note 4: 1.20 W/kg
- Galaxy S5: 1.28 W/kg
OnePlus
- OnePlus 8: 0.96 W/kg
- OnePlus Nord: 1.27 W/kg
- OnePlus 5T: 1.68 W/kg
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi Mi A1: 1.75 W/kg (Exceeds FCC limit!)
- Redmi Note 9 Pro: 0.662 W/kg
Most newer smartphones, especially 5G-enabled devices, have lower SAR values, making them safer.
Interestingly iPhone 6 has just 0.01 below the threshold level of SAR. and most of the Smartphones available in the market are safe and have a SAR value less than the critical value. As you can see above, the latest 5 G-enabled phones have safer SAR value.
Sometimes *#07# not working, then you can find Specific Absorption Rate value in the phone settings. You may find the SAR Rating in a “General” or “About My Phone” section, possibly under “Legal.” Here you should look for things like RF Exposure, SAR Rating, etc. iPhone users can find SAR value under Settings > General > Legal > RF Exposure. This information should be easy to find if you just take a quick check around your phone’s settings.
Why bad value of SAR is harmful
The Specific Absorption Rate, which is a measure of the rate at which energy is absorbed by the body when exposed to electromagnetic radiation. Bad Specific Absorption Rate refers to a high level of Specific Absorption Rate, which can be harmful to health in several ways:
- Tissue heating: High levels of Specific Absorption Rate can cause tissue heating, which can lead to burns and other forms of tissue damage.
- Cellular damage: SAR can also cause damage to the DNA and other cellular structures, leading to cell death or mutation.
- Electromagnetic interference: SAR can interfere with the normal functioning of electronic devices, including pacemakers, which can be dangerous for people who depend on these devices.
- Long-term health effects: There is some evidence that long-term exposure to high levels of SAR may increase the risk of cancer, neurological disorders, and other chronic health problems.
It’s important to note that the health effects of SAR depend on a number of factors, including the frequency and intensity of the radiation, as well as the duration and distance of the exposure. While some SAR exposure is unavoidable in our daily lives, it’s important to minimize exposure whenever possible and to use electronic devices safely and responsibly.
How to Reduce RF Exposure
- Use Speakerphone or Headphones: Keep the phone away from your head and body.
- Limit Call Duration: Shorten calls to reduce exposure.
- Text More, Talk Less: Messaging reduces RF radiation exposure.
- Use Airplane Mode: When not using the internet or calls, turn on airplane mode.
- Choose Low-SAR Phones: Before purchasing, check SAR values to ensure a safer choice.
Final Thoughts
While smartphones are an indispensable part of modern life, it’s important to be aware of their SAR levels. Using the *#07#
USSD code or checking in settings can help you determine your device’s safety. Always opt for phones with lower SAR values and follow safe usage habits to minimize potential health risks.
Are you concerned about your smartphone’s radiation levels? Check your SAR today and make an informed choice for your health!
In addition to the radiation level, you must know about the following important USSD codes to get more information about your smartphone.
USSD Code *#*#4636#*#*
This USSD code gives a lot of information about the smartphone under the following four categories.
- Phone Information: It shows IMEI, Signal strength, etc.
- Battery Information: It shows battery status, level, health, voltage, temperature, technology, and time since boot.
- Usage statistics: it shows how many times and how much time you used every app on your smartphone. Interestingly WhatsApp is at top of the list on my smartphone. Am I using WhatsApp the most !!
- Wi-Fi information: It shows Wi-Fi API, config, and status
USSD Code *#06#
By dialing this USSD code from your Smartphone, it shows the IMEI number of your Smartphone which is a 15-digit unique number for your phone. IMEI is basically the Social Security number of your phone. Sometimes USSD code *#06# result gives 17 digits numbers. It adds 2 digits extra at the end. The first 15 digits shown before any space or dash is your IMEI. Note down the IMEI number of your phone in your diary, it is very useful in case your phone is stolen.
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*#07# is not working for doogee S80 I checked the whole internet but couldn’t find it’s sar value can someone help me plzz??
I recently got a used Huawei Mate 9 – it’s a great phone but within a few days of using noticed that heat feeling in the hands – i never put to my head only use speaker and minimal use really.
But now i am concerned and don’t feel like picking it up. Had nokia 5 before and before that samsung galaxy. Obviously i am very sensitive to radiation.
Can you advise me re: the Huawei Mate 9 as i have seen several different SAR ratings on different sites.
Thank you kindly,
Sahaja
Please tell the SAR OF HONOR PAD 5 10.1 INCH
Lenovo K3 note TRI
Head SAR 1.590 w/kg
Body SAR 0.688
Typing *#07# then sending (AT&T) gives “Service code not supported.”
Forgot phone: Galaxy Note 9 (SM-960U)