7 Best Lowest Radiation Cell Phones of 2021
What’s the weather like today? How many teaspoons of salt is in that recipe again? Does YouTube have the trailer for that new movie? Every time questions like these pop up we instinctively reach for our phones. Who can blame us though? They’re entertainment, work, photography, etc. all in one. And now with the pandemic, it’s likely that we’re more attached than ever. However, given our increased exposure it’s critical to consider the harm they do as well. So many studies cite that cell phone radiation may have links to glioma and even male infertility. But do not fear! Here at EMF Know How we always have your back. If you’re in the market for a new phone or looking to take some serious steps to protect yourself this article is for you. We’ll give you our top picks for the lowest radiation cell phones of 2021!
But first, how do we even measure cell phone radiation?
To make the remainder of this article as clear and transparent as possible, we’ll first be diving into how we even measure what phone models are low EMF. Long story short, cell phone radiation measurements and regulations are based on a method called Specific Absorption Rate (SAR — no not SARS, just SAR). Essentially this method reveals how much radiation is absorbed by living tissue.
If you are in the United States the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has limited the SAR levels of cell phones to 1.6 W/kg for public safety. This measurement is critical for us to remember since the phones in the article will all be well below this limit. After all, the further away from this maximum limit a phone is the better.
However, we must digress that the SAR method is not perfect. It too has its flaws, but for the purpose of this article, it provides a great foundation to quantitatively compare radiation levels of the different phones.
Without further ado, the top 7 lowest radiation cell phones of 2021
Samsung Galaxy Note 10+
I know it may be tempting to groan since the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is not from 2021. However, the SAR level for this phone is only 0.19 W/kg which is an incredibly small number. Additionally, it’s a great phone too since with rather competitive features even with how much the cell phone market has progressed.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ includes an infinity display, battery that’ll last up to 38 hours in talking time, and either a 256GB or 512 BG storage option. Not to mention Samsung’s special stylus that allows you to control the camera or even remotely scroll through music. And who can forget about the shiny, crystal clear camera, studio-grade lenses, and gesture-based commands? Additionally, the phone has a large screen! A 6.8-inch bezel-less screen helps limit eye strain and provides more viewing space. Honestly, there’s nothing this phone can’t do!
But we must mention that the Note 10+ does not come with a headphone jack. Although this may be disappointing, this is one of the lowest EMF radiation-emitting phones on the market that doesn’t sacrifice quality or standards.
Motorola Edge+
Plus signs must really be in right now, haha!
Yes, Motorola is making a comeback. The SAR level for the Motorola Edge+ is only 0.88 W/kg. Compared to the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ this is slightly bigger. However, it is still well below the range set by the FCC and it has some head-turning features too.
The Motorola Edge+ has 256 GB of built-in storage and is even 5G compatible. Not to mention like the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ it also has a bezel-less display which definitely gives some extra screen space. Additionally, we would argue that the 64MP camera and battery life that can last up to two full days are pretty eye-catching too.
This is a low EMF phone that is sleek, compatible with major carriers, fast, and modern. In fact, it checks all the boxes making it a high-quality phone that also protects you!
LG G7
Have no fear, this is still an article about phones, not fridges. LG actually offers a fantastic low-EMF phone model that is more than worthy of a spot on this list. The LG G7 has an extremely low SAR level of only 0.24 W/kg.
Its beautiful dual 16 MP camera is highly equipped to capture your memories and its 6.1-inch display has a knack for producing vibrant colors. Not to mention, an enhanced boombox speaker that works especially well when bass tones are involved. If you have a teenager that loves blasting music then this is a top contender. It’s a mobile boombox perfect for late-night study sessions, impromptu dance parties, and long car rides. But it doesn’t stop there, it also has built-in Google Lens and Google Assistant along with voice recognition, fulfilling all of your main smartphone needs.
We know it may not come with some of the flashier features offered by other phones but this is a fantastic economical option that certainly gets the job done.
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Make no mistake, the 10+ on this phone is different from the first one on our list. The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is a great option on its own rite and has always been one of the brand’s best options. It has a SAR level of 0.41 W/kg which is still well below the FCC’s imposed limit.
Plus, it has some awesome features such as multiple pro camera lenses built right into the system, super-stabilization video recording, and a bezel-less display to maximize screen area. While we’re on the screen we should also mention that the display is quite large at a whopping 6.4 inches! It’s crisp, clear, and guarantees minimal eyestrain. And it has built-in 128 GB storage with a long battery that can last up to a day!
Motorola Razr 2020
Seems like Motorola and 2020 are making a comeback in this article. The past really does inform the present huh?
Do you remember back in the good old days when everything was simple? Well, Motorola is bringing you the best of the past and the present with smartphones in flip phone form. Yup, you heard that right. You can live out the nostalgia of flip phones while still being hip with the kids! It looks almost exactly like the older models where it folds in half too but with an ugraded, sleek look.
The 2020 Razr model has a SAR of 0.67 W/kg which is a little higher than the other models on this list but still very cognizant of the FCC limit. And apart from its awesome folding screen, it has other noteworthy qualities worth mentioning too. For example, the phone has a Quick View display that only requires touch to activate it and check for notifications or access the camera. Don’t be fooled by the flip phone look either, the built-in camera is equipped with night vision and an assistant to help you level up your photography game. The Razr 2020 even has a long-lasting battery that’ll last up to 28 hours per charge.
In our books not only is this sweet deal EMF radiation wise but there’s very little compromise in features too. And of course, it’s a blast from the past!
Verykool Vortex RS90
The options on this list have been pretty flashy and overwhelming. But if you want something that’s similar and sticks to just the basics then the Verykool Vortex RS90 is perfect for you. It has an exceptionally low SAR level at 0.18 W/kg which is one of the lowest EMF phones available. And it’s dustproof, durable, and water-resistant!
It’s the perfect option for grandma or grandpa who still wants to keep updated with the trends but can’t seem to work them darn smartphones. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered grandma and grandpa! Or if you just want to simplify life a little, we got your back too (in fact, we may come with you).
ZTE Axon Elite
Last, but certainly not least we have the ZTE Axon Elite which has a SAR level of 0.27 W/kg! It’s the perfect option for anyone that’s on a tighter budget too. It has dual cameras, a fingerprint scanner, built-in hi-fi audio, and 64 GB of built-in memory. Given its low EMF radiation, cool features, and lower price point we think this is a fantastic all-rounder that still competes with some of the higher-end models.
I bought a phone but what if I want to test its EMF radiation levels?
We totally understand your concern and in fact, we encourage you to test out the EMF radiation levels on all of your gadgets frequently. However, it’s unlikely that you will be able to replicate a SAR test at home since it requires some pretty serious lab equipment but you can still get a rough idea with an EMF meter.
If you don’t already own one we recommend starting with the TriField TF2. It not only measures the RF radiation but also the electric and magnetic fields which are critical for cell phone radiation measurement.
To use it, you need to turn the meter on and place it next to your phone. We recommend getting a baseline measurement with your phone powered off first to make a comparison for later. Next, repeat the measurement but with your phone powered on and check if the meter number has changed.
If you want to be extra thorough you should chart the EMF radiation measurements during different modes of cell phone activity. Such as, but not limited to, when the phone is connected to the WiFi, when Bluetooth is on, when in airplane mode, and during a call. This will provide you with a more holistic understanding of your phone’s EMF levels and provide a good picture of how you want to use it too. Plus, if you check these measurements at varying distances, you can get an even better idea of how far you may want to be from your cell phone to operate it in a safe manner that’s still suitable to your needs.
Final remarks
We know it’s impossible to escape from cellphones but here at EMF Know How we believe that mitigation is as important as avoidance. Some things remain out of our control but we can still take meaningful steps to assess risk and minimize it when possible. The options provided above have significantly lower SAR readings than other models on the market and are available with major carriers everywhere.
And before you go, we have one final goodie for you. Along with your fancy new phone we recommend that you buy an EMF radiation protection phone case too. In fact, we have an article on our top selections which you can view here. We wish you a happy hunting and good luck on your EMF radiation journey!
