South Korean research institute: iPhone emits twice as much electromagnetic radiation as Samsung phones

Apple Inc's iPhone and iPad have the highest specific absorption rate (SAR) of electromagnetic radiation among electronic devices sold in South Korea, a South Korean lawmaker said, citing data from a government-backed research institute.

SAR refers to the amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronic products absorbed by humans or animals. For mobile phones, SAR refers to the amount of electromagnetic radiation absorbed by humans when the phone is close to the ear. In South Korea, SAR below 0.8 W/Kg is classified as the first level, and SAR above 0.8 W/Kg but below 1.6 W/kg is classified as the second level. The maximum SAR value stipulated by South Korea is 1.6 W/kg, which is lower than the international standard of 2 W/kg.

Choi Myung-gil said that from 2014 to April this year, six products sold by Apple in South Korea belonged to the second level. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro was approved by the Korea Radio Research Institute in April this year and can be sold in South Korea. Its electromagnetic radiation SAR is the highest, at 1.192W/kg. The electromagnetic radiation SAR of iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s are 1.17 W/kg and 1.15W/kg respectively. iPhone 7 has not yet been sold in South Korea.

In contrast, all 49 of Samsung's smartphones and tablets received a first-class rating. Of LG's 52 products, only 14 were ranked first, with the rest being ranked second.

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.