The Phonegate Alert association is once again denouncing the practices of HMD GLOBAL OY, whose Nokia 110 model (TA-1543) was nabbed on March 13, 2025 by the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) for exceeding regulatory Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limits. This concerns the localized SAR for “limbs”, initially reaching 4.23 W/kg, before being reduced to 2.87 W/kg thanks to a software update.
A recurring problem with Nokia cell phones
This is not the first time that Nokia has been singled out for exceeding SAR limits. Several of its models have already been identified for SAR values in excess of European standards. This recurrence highlights a total lack of rigor in the design and quality control processes for devices marketed by HMD Global OY, the company responsible for the Nokia brand.
Summary table of non-compliant Nokia models
| Nokia Model | SAR trunk (W/kg) | Regulatory Limit |
| Nokia 6.1 | 3.58 | 2 W/kg |
| Nokia 7 Plus | 3.48 | 2 W/kg |
| Nokia 3.1 | 2.73 | 2 W/kg |
| Nokia 5 | 2.24 | 2 W/kg |
| Nokia 3 | 2.37 | 2 W/kg |
| Nokia G 22 | 2.39 | 2 W/kg |
| Nokia 110* | 4.23** | 4 W/kg |
*SAR limbs **Before update
This table clearly shows that HMD GLOBAL OY is a repeat offender when it comes to SAR non-compliance, with 7 models exceeding regulatory limits to date. That is 12% of all cell phones nabbed in France.
Lack of transparency in the ANFR DATA database
Despite ANFR‘s publication of a press release on the Nokia 110 update, detailed reports and complete measurements are once again not available in the ANFR DATA database. This recurring lack of clarity prevents total and complete transparency for consumers, and plays into the hands of manufacturers.
NOKIA 110, an update that solves nothing
Phonegate Alert provides an actual SAR calculator on its website to help users check whether their phone complies with current standards, and to estimate their actual exposure during daily use.
Our calculator shows that, after updating the NOKIA 110, the SAR “limb” of 2.87 W/kg is still well above a health-protecting level of 5.74 W/kg!
Table of SAR values for Nokia 110 (TA-1543)
| Regulatory
limit (W/kg)
|
ANFR-tested
Value (W/kg) |
Value after
HMD update (W/kg) |
Actual value
according to AP calculator (W/kg) |
| 4.00 | 4.23 | 2.87 | 5.74 |
Exposure to electromagnetic waves: a health risk
SAR exceedances and the induced overexposure for users pose a potential health risk, particularly in cases of prolonged or intensive use of the phone in contact with the body or near the head. These results since 2018, with 58 models withdrawn or updated in France, underline the importance and urgency of reinforced regulation and stricter control of manufacturers by the competent authorities.
Phonegate Alert demands strong measures
Faced with this situation, Phonegate Alert demands :
- From ANFR: full transparency and easy access to SAR test data for all phones marketed in France.
- From HMD Global OY (Nokia): a complete overhaul of its design and quality control processes to guarantee compliance with SAR standards.
- From the French and European authorities: strict sanctions against recidivist manufacturers.
Consult the List of cell phones withdrawn or updated for deception and endangering users:
