New iPhone(s) season means it’s time for insurance companies, gadget review blogs, and overall rich sons of guns to take their pristine new toys and do the unthinkable: Drop them against the cold, hard concrete to test their durability against gravity. The latest drop test this time ironically comes from Android Authority, who have noted in their previous tests that metal always trumps plastic when it comes to concrete kisses, and the same remains true in the case of the iPhone 5S and 5C.
Tested in the streets of Hong Kong, both the iPhone 5S and 5C were dropped from chest level, each time on their back, corner, and screen sides. The iPhone 5S held up remarkably well, suffering a few minor scuffs that’s barely noticeable at first glance. The glass also stayed intact, without a single crack or shatter.
The iPhone 5C, of course, is a whole ‘nother story. Jony Ive’s “unapologetically plastic” 5C isn’t just the cheaper version of the new iPhone iterations, it’s also less sturdy. Dropped again from chest level, the iPhone 5C took a pretty big beating to the screen. The plastic back remained slick and clean without any major damage, and it still works even with the cracked screen… if you don’t mind risking cuts.
To be fair, it didn’t seem like Android Authority dropped the iPhone 5S quite as hard on its face. Still, you’ll be happy to know that if you stick a good screen protector on the phone, the body of both the iPhone 5S and 5C can withstand some light accidental drops. Slap a case on that thing and you’ll be pretty solid overall.
Watch the video below if you don’t mind cringing at people dropping expensive new gear.
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