First, I'd like to state that I'm aware of the issues associated with 5G cell towers and the health risks associated with them. Cities and communities across the world have vocally opposed and even banned their construction, and I think they are right to do so.
However, I am curious as to whether the 5G problem is associated with "5G" cell phones.
I have a based friend who may end up needing a new phone for work. Problem is, every phone on the market is "5G", and he wants to take care of himself as best as he can, hence why he's been hesitant to take the plunge on a newer phone.
Fortunately, we live in a county that recently denied multiple permit requests for 5G towers, so we're not as worried about 5G towers.
But do 5G smartphones have the same health risks as the 5G towers?
I'd appreciate feedback from people in the know.
Putting aside the debate about 5g and answering from a purely objective standpoint: yes, owning a 5g device would increase your exposure to 5g bandwidth significantly. On the order of hundreds or thousands of times. See my other reply and/or Google the Inverse Square Law for more information.
However, if there are no towers anywhere near you, this would not apply. Your phone only broadcasts in 5g when it gets a 5g connection. So if you're in an area with no 5g signal, it doesn't matter what kind of phone you buy.