Skip to content

3 Ways to Check SAR Values of Any Smartwatch

Smartwatches are a part of our daily lives. But again, like most other electronics, they emit different radiations including radio waves, low-power microwaves, and infrared. Thankfully, just like smartphones, smartwatches have SAR values that help judge the maximum possible exposure. In this article, we will discuss how to check the SAR values of any smartwatch.

Check SAR Values of Any Smartwatch

What is SAR in a Smartwatch?

SAR or Specific Absorption Rate is a value that brands provide in smartwatches to justify the maximum absorption level of the radio frequency waves by the body.

This value is always under the FCC-specified maximum SAR value- in India and US, it is 1.6 W/kg. This is a maximum level that will not harm the human body while using devices with radiations near the head and body.

SARinSmartwatch

Most brands provide the SAR value of a smartwatch within the specified range. Low SAR values are good for the human body as it emits low radiations but will affect the connectivity.

What Causes Radiation in a Smartwatch?

SAR Radiation in Smartwatch

Smartwatches use Bluetooth, WiFi, and LTE connections which use radiation. It emits radiowaves for WiFi and low-powered microwaves for Bluetooth. Along with that, smartwatches also have some sensors built-in like heart rate and SpO2. These sensors expose your body to certain lights which emit infrared waves.

All these radiations are low-frequency EMF or Electromagnetic fields, which are non-ionizing. Although it enters the body all the time while wearing the smartwatch, it does not affect the body because of the low energy waves.

How to Check the SAR Values of Your Smartwatch?

Generally, brands mention the SAR values of LTE smartwatches. You can find the SAR value of your smartwatch using the ways mentioned below:

1. Check on Manufacturer’s Website

Check SAR Values of SmartwatchBrands like Samsung and Apple mention the SAR values of their smartwatches on their websites. You can go to the website of your smartwatch manufacturer and check the product details section on the product page. For example, Apple has mentioned their RF exposure information here.

2. Check the Retail Box

You can check the SAR values of your smartwatch on the retail box. Some brands mention it on the rear of the box with the manufacturing and product details.

3. Check the User Manual

Check Smartwatch Radiation Exposure

If you can’t find the SAR values of your smartwatch on the brand’s website and box, you can try to check it in the user manual. The user manual of the product that comes in the box usually contains all the details about the product including radiation or exposure information, safety information, and certifications.

Is There a Smartwatch with Zero Radiation?

A smartwatch is meant to have smart features inside. Most smartwatches come with at least Bluetooth connectivity that emits radiation, although low-powered. Bluetooth connectivity uses radiowaves and low-powered microwaves. These are low-frequency electromagnetic fields present in every smartwatch.

Having said that, there are certain radiation-free smartwatches and trackers available on the market. These watches lack Bluetooth or WiFi features and are generally quite expensive. And it doesn’t make much sense to make that extra effort as normal smartwatches are as safe as mobile phones, due to their non-ionizing emission.

Radiation (SAR) of Popular Smartwatches Compared

Here are the SAR values of some of the popular smartwatches from Samsung, Apple, and Fitbit:

Smartwatch

SAR (Head) SAR (Wrist)

Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 Classic

0.86 W/KG

1.52 W/KG

Apple Watch Series 7

0.35 W/KG

0.03 W/KG (Over 10g)

Fitbit Versa 3 0.089 W/KG

As we can see, the Fitbit Versa 3 has the lowest SAR value, whereas the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic has the highest. On the other hand, Apple Watch Series 7 has moderate SAR values. These values may differ in some countries for each model, but we have mentioned the most common SAR values for the mentioned smartwatches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Answered

We have answered some of the most common questions about SAR values and radiations in smartwatches below:

Q. Can Smartwatches Cause Headaches?

A smartwatch emits different radiations that may cause headaches. But again, there’s no scientific study that proves a connection between smartwatch radiations and headaches. These are non-ionized EMF radiations that do not harm the human body anyhow.

Q. Can you Sleep Wearing a Smartwatch?

You can sleep with the smartwatch but may face problems like skin irritation as everyone is not comfortable with smartwatches during sleep. It can also be your own choice to sleep with a smartwatch or not. Here’s our detailed take on whether to wear a smartwatch while sleeping.

Q. Can you Wear a Smartwatch All Day?

Yes, you can wear the smartwatch or fitness tracker all day without any issues. You can keep it on your wrist the whole day unless you don’t face any skin irritation or it gets uncomfortable.

Q. Should you Turn Off the Smartwatch at Night?

When the smartwatch is on, it will keep emitting radiations even if you are not wearing it. If you don’t sleep wearing the smartwatch for sleep tracking, it is fine to turn it off at night. It will stop the radiations during sleep and will not disturb you by buzzing for notifications.

Here’s how to stop smartwatch notifications when sleeping.

Wrapping Up

This was about the SAR values in smartwatches, things causing radiations, and ways to check the SAR value of your smartwatch. We have also answered some questions that might be roaming in your head around radiations in smartwatches. If you still have any queries, do comment below, and stay tuned with WearablesToUse for more informative articles!

nv-author-image

Himanshu Kansal

Himanshu roams around the Internet to find the latest happenings in Tech Industry to stay updated about everything Tech. Apart from being a Tech Writer, he also makes content on YouTube and is passionate about Smartphones and Gadgets.