So how durable are iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus? The first drop test videos for both of Apple’s new smartphones are in and they try to answer this exact question.

Any new device worth talking about is, as a matter of protocol, subject to numerous public tests, with the drop test being by far the most popular. As well as enjoying the perverse pleasure that is watching a brand-new device sustain serious damage, viewing such a test does have its practical benefits, since if a gadget performs particularly poorly, perhaps we’ll think twice before parting with our cash.

The iPhone 4 / 4S’ design was always hailed as being among the best-looking in the smartphone market, but because of the glass front / back design, it wasn’t all that durable; people I know have had their device’s glass completely shattered from innocent 3-4ft drops. Samsung’s Galaxy S series of smartphones, on the other hand, were always plasticky but a whole lot more durable. This was the case for the years 2010-2011.

The first drop test videos involving the iPhone 5 have surfaced, with the team testing Apple’s sixth-generation smartphone against a variety of different objects, as well as Samsung’s current flagship device, Galaxy S3. The test can’t exactly be described as scientific, and while it doesn’t give users any indication about how they will get on with the two devices or give any insight on their features, it does show whether or not Apple or Samsung has paid the most attention to build quality or product durability.

As well as making any tech fan shudder, the drop tests of our much loved gadgets serve an educational purpose, because despite most consumers getting carried away with nice displays, sharp cameras and other great hardware features, few actually take into consideration how quickly it can all be lost with one spillage or drop on the floor.