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Cell phones with the highest radiation levels (pictures)

For a phone to pass FCC certification and be sold in the United States, its maximum Specific Absorption Rate, or SAR level must be less than 1.6 watts per kilogram.

Since we started reviewing cell phones more than 10 years ago, CNET has tracked the SAR of every handset that we review. Though we're still reformatting our full Cell Phone Radiation Charts and will bring them back shortly, we have updated our lists of the 20 phones with the highest SAR levels and the 20 phones with lowest SAR levels.

Don't miss: Why CNET compiles cell phone radiation charts

By publishing these lists we are in no way implying that cell phones are dangerous. Also, we are not implying that a cell phone with a lower SAR is inherently safer. Rather, we are giving you the tools to make a choice based on your own concerns.

Though some researchers argue that the radiofrequency energy that cell phones emit may lead to a higher risk of cancer, others disagree. Research continues, and we will continue to monitor its results.

The SAR level listed in this gallery represents the highest SAR level measured with the phone next to the ear, as tested by the FCC. It's possible for the SAR level to vary among different transmission bands (the same phone can use multiple bands during a call), and different testing bodies can obtain different results.

Editors' note: Models are listed from higest to lowest SAR rating.

Photo by: Pong Research

Motorola Droid Maxx

SAR: 1.54

Read full review
Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $299.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Motorola Droid Ultra

SAR: 1.54

Read full review
Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $199.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Motorola Moto E

SAR: 1.5

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Photo by: Andrew Hoyle/CNET
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Alcatel One Touch Evolve

SAR: 1.49

Read full review
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $89.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Huawei Vitria

SAR: 1.49

Read full review
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
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Kyocera Hydro Edge

SAR: 1.48

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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
Editors' Rating

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Kyocera Kona

SAR: 1.45

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Photo by: Josh Miller
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $99.00

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Kyocera Hydro XTRM

SAR: 1.44

Read full review
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
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Nokia Asha 503

SAR: 1.43

Read full review
Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $69.00

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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BlackBerry Z30

SAR: 1.41

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Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
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ZTE Source

SAR: 1.41

Read full review
Photo by: James Martin/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $219.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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ZTE Warp 4G

SAR: 1.41

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Photo by: Sarah Tew/CNET
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Nokia Lumia 925

SAR: 1.4

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Photo by: James Martin
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Nokia Lumia 928

SAR: 1.4

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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
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Kyocera Hydro Elite

SAR: 1.39

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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
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T-Mobile Prism 2

SAR: 1.38

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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $139.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Sprint Vital

SAR: 1.38

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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $99.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Sprint Force

SAR: 1.37

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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $299.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Huawei Pal

SAR: 1.33

Read full review
Photo by: Josh Miller
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $29.00

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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Kyocera Hydro Plus

SAR: 1.33

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Photo by: Josh Miller/CNET
Editors' Rating

MSRP: $139.99

Visit manufacturer site for details.

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