Cell Phone Radiation Review: Samsung S8 SAR Levels
Tech giant Samsung recently released its latest smartphone offering, the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, and it has been getting rave reviews from fans all over the world.
The new Samsung Galaxy S8 boasts of a bigger 5.8” screen than its predecessor, the S7, and a super AMOLED display that enhances viewing pleasure. It runs on the latest Android 7.0 (Nougat) operating system and has the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 octa-core chip-set (4x 2.35GHz and 4x 1.9GHz Kryo CPUs), Adreno 540 GPU and 4GB of RAM.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S8 Plus is slightly bigger at 6.2-inch Infinity Display’ that maximizes the nearly bezel-less screen. It runs on the same system as the S8 and is also dust- and water-resistant with a stellar IP68 rating.
Both phones are powerful devices that are already making waves among gadget geeks. But, from a health and wellness perspective, does the Samsung Galaxy S8 pose a big health risk for users?
This is because the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified radio-frequency from cellphones as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The American Cancer Society, further states that more investigation and research must be conducted to conclusively say that cell phone use poses no health risks to users.
It makes sense therefore, to take preventive steps to minimize your radiation exposure from the new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus–and you can start by finding out their SAR value.
What is the SAR value for Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus?
SAR stands for the Specific Absorption Rate, is the value of radiation that your body (specifically your head) absorbs while using your mobile phone. The higher the number, the more radiation is absorbed.
SAR values vary from country to country, but in the US, SAR values are measured between 0.0 and 1.60 W/kg.
The FCC mandates a maximum SAR value of 1.60 W/kg for mobile phones, so when choosing a smartphone, you want one with the lowest possible number.
According to the SAR test reports filed with the Federal Communications Commission, the SAR values for the Samsung Galaxy S8 is 0.38 watts per kilogram (w/kg) at your head, and 0.75 w/kg when worn on your body.
Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S8 hotspot SAR is 1.09 w/kg and its SAR for simultaneous transmission (cellular plus Wi-Fi) is at 1.53 w/kg at your head, and 1.15 w/kg when worn on the body, and 1.55 w/kg when used as a hot-spot simultaneously with all other transmitters active.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus SAR test reports showed values at 0.41 watts per kilogram (w/kg) at your head, and 0.97 w/kg when worn on your body. The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus hot-spot SAR is 1.10 w/kg and its SAR for simultaneous transmission (cellular,Wi-Fi) for this Samsung Galaxy S8 is 1.52 w/kg at your head, 1.21 w/kg when worn on the body, and 1.59 w/kg when used as a hot-spot simultaneously with all other transmitters active.
Is the S8 cell phone safe to use?
For now, all SAR levels reported for the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy 8 Plus to the FCC fall within the maximum allowable level of 1.6 w/kg. However, SAR levels will still vary depending upon your specific cell phone carrier (e.g., AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon).
The US Cellular Telecommunication and Internet Association (CTIA) is also working towards standardizing the disclosure of SAR values on instructional materials that come with the devices. Outside of the United States, such as the UK, the IEGMP is pushing for the SAR to be openly displayed on packaging to give consumers an opportunity to make more informed choices when making a purchase.
Until then, it would be best to take active measures to lower your cell phone radiation. Start by keeping yourself informed and find out what your phone’s SAR value is; then make sure that you use a phone case made not only to protect your device, but also to direct radiation away from your head and body while in use.
Visit Vesttech to browse through our selection of mobile accessories designed to keep harmful RF signals at bay.
I bought an S8 from Costco about 3-4 months ago. In the last 1.5 months I’ve noticed that which ever hand that is holding the S8 has been getting numb/tingly/warm where I cannot hold this cell no more than 5 minutes. It’s getting worse actually. I used an EMF detector and noticed that when it’s set to Magnetic or Electric range the needle goes to the max. When I tried this on my husband’s Motorola or our daughter’s iPhone, both don’t go as high. I’ve called Samsung today 8/18/17 to notify them of this and I also emailed Costco. Samsung told me that the president will be calling me. That’s right, I was told, the president (not sure of Samsung or just a dept of Samsung). I’m very concerned that this may pose a health issue. I’ve also noticed recently now that I am starting to feel the numbness when I’m on my laptop though not as bad as when I’m on the S8. If anyone can please email me to provide any suggestions/help, I would be most appreciative. Also, should I be seeing a neurologist or MD to make sure I’m not going to get sick from, God forbid, any type of cancer from this. Thanks for any advice.
Hi Nora,
Try our laptop shield:
https://vesttech.com/product/vest-laptop-radiation-shield/
And the new Galaxy S8 wallet case:
https://vesttech.com/product/vest-anti-radiation-wallet-case-galaxy-s8/
I have major radiation feeling from this Samsung 8plus
It is not going away either.
Samsung is not being helpfull at all pretending they have no idea what im talking about several operators.
According to tests, it would take 3 S8s to meet the radiation level of an iPhone 7.
Samsung phones and Samsung as a company has always addressed the radiation issue. They even have some patents on radiation reduction embedded in their phones. Apple on the other hand has always dis-regarded it and never addressed the issue. Therefore the numbers you mentioned are very possible.
i have had the S8+ since dec 24th 1017. it is jan 19th 2018.
my palm is very sore… sore enough it woke me up and made me start doing researce on the subject. I am a commission salesman . i wait 75% of time for a customer. when no customers i you tube.
less then 21 work days on phone. ive been you tubeing about 5 hours a day ( love the screen LOL ).
just got rid of the Samsung S2 never had this problem with it.
Wosh i still had the S2
How does the S8 compare to the S7 edge or the S6? We have seen the numbers and are very concerned about our health in regards to cell phone radiation. It seems that Samsung does a better job than some of the other companies, unless you look at the simultaneous transmission numbers. What is “simultaneous transmission”? … is it when someone is on a call and in the background (something updates, an email comes through, or any other data is used). Is it both when mobile data and wi-fi are being used in combination with a call? If so, this seems to be the most relevant number to look at as this happens often if using “talk services”. Is there a big difference in radiation in the S8’s 1.53 versus the S7 edge at 1.59 or is that a fairly small difference?
hi Leah,
I share the same questions. Did you get any answers?
thanks, Alison
Hi Leah,
As I understood by simultaneous transmission, it means the mobile is emitting radio frequencies in both the antenna and when the wifi is also enabled.
The highest levels of RF emissions are produced when using the cell phone as a hot spot.
I am not an expert but this is what I have found on the internet,
Hope it helps
I bought a new cell phone last year and after a few months, I started having one-sided headaches on the left side of my head (where I hold the phone talking to clients and friends sometimes for over an hour). It’s been almost a year since I bought the phone and I am just now realizing it could be the phone causing my one-sided headaches. I have been going to chiropractors and cranial-sacral therapists thinking it was something else which but when I answered a call on my phone the other day it caused instant discomfort in the left side of my head and left me with a headache. It happened today just after simply turning it on to check the weather. Instant head pain. Verizon sold me a very expensive Samsung when I upgraded. It turns out it is one of the only Samsung models with high radiation – just under the legal limit. I asked for a simple phone. Good grief!