The Effect of Proximity Sensor & Grip Sensor Use on Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in Smartphones

Gazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation · 2025 · Benefit · Low evidence

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BenefitLow evidencePaper 2689

In a 3D measurement environment during LTE and 5G NR operation across multiple frequencies, enabling proximity and/or grip sensors was associated with lower measured SAR compared with sensors turned off. Proximity sensors reduced SAR by ~8%, grip sensors by ~…

Study snapshot

PublicationGazi University Journal of Science Part A: Engineering and Innovation · 2025

Study typeengineering

Reported directionBenefit

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Category: Engineering, Electromagnetic Field Safety Institution: Gazi University Tags: SAR, smartphone radiation, proximity sensors, grip sensors, 5G, LTE, electromagnetic safety DOI: 10.54287/gujsa.1616086 URL: dergipark.org.tr Overview With the advancement of new-generation communication technologies, the production and ubiquity of smart devices such as smartphones, smart watches, wireless headphones, and tablets have increased. These electronic devices emit various forms of radiation, much of which is considered harmless. However, prolonged and close-range exposure, especially to certain electromagnetic frequencies, may pose potential health risks. Of particular concern is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), a critical measure for quantifying the energy absorbed by human tissue during exposure to electromagnetic fields. SAR evaluations are essential for establishing safety standards for device usage. Findings - The SAR value varies with the antenna and schematic design of smartphones, especially as more RF antennas are integrated for 5G support. - Proximity and grip sensors—though not primarily designed for SAR optimization—can have indirect and notable effects on SAR levels. - This study investigated the combined and individual impacts of these sensors (when alternately turned on/off) on SAR values during LTE and 5G NR operations in a 3D measurement environment, across multiple frequencies. - The use of grip-proximity sensors in smartphones was found to significantly reduce SAR, i.e., the energy transferred to users during close-range use is lower. - Specifically, use of proximity sensors reduced SAR by approximately 8%, while grip sensors alone contributed a 10% reduction. Using both sensors together yielded a 5% to 11% reduction depending on frequency. - The main mechanism for risk reduction is through the sensors' influence on power management and transmission power adjustment based on user proximity and device handling. Conclusion The incorporation of proximity and grip sensors can significantly mitigate electromagnetic exposure risks in smartphone users. Their adoption as standard hardware is recommended for all future smartphone designs. It is important to acknowledge that while these sensors reduce SAR, exposure to electromagnetic fields from mobile devices still carries potential health risks, especially with increased use of higher-frequency bands and newer communications standards (e.g., 5G).

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AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeengineering

Effect directionbenefit

PopulationNot supplied

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)

Limitations

No specific frequencies (MHz), SAR values (W/kg), device models, or sample size are provided in the abstract.
Population/phantom details and measurement protocol specifics are not described in the abstract.
Results are reported as percent reductions without absolute SAR levels.

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "engineering",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "In a 3D measurement environment during LTE and 5G NR operation across multiple frequencies, enabling proximity and/or grip sensors was associated with lower measured SAR compared with sensors turned off. Proximity sensors reduced SAR by ~8%, grip sensors by ~10%, and using both together reduced SAR by ~5% to 11% depending on frequency.",
  "effect_direction": "benefit",
  "limitations": [
    "No specific frequencies (MHz), SAR values (W/kg), device models, or sample size are provided in the abstract.",
    "Population/phantom details and measurement protocol specifics are not described in the abstract.",
    "Results are reported as percent reductions without absolute SAR levels."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "SAR",
    "smartphone radiation",
    "proximity sensor",
    "grip sensor",
    "LTE",
    "5G NR",
    "electromagnetic safety",
    "power management",
    "transmission power"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.2,
      "reason": "Study includes 5G NR smartphone operation and SAR effects (engineering/exposure mitigation context)."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.54287/gujsa.1616086
PubMed: Not supplied

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