According to Korean IT News Site etNews, Samsung and Apple are going to be using unconventional materials in the construction of their new phones. “Industry sources” say that Samsung is planning to use a ceramic for the main body of the Galaxy S3, while iPhone will use an alloy known as liquid metal (made of zirconium, titanium, nickel, and copper). These materials are both supposed to be resistant to impact from drops.

We have heard these sorts of rumors before. Last month, Taiwan’s Economic Daily News suggested that apple would replace the glass back with metal, possibly the liquid metal alloy.

Will it happen? Apple’s glass is tough, but broken iPhone 4S panels aren’t unheard of. I’m not a fan of rumors from “industry sources,” but it’s certainly possible that Apple and Samsung would trade up for even more durable materials. Remember the first generation iPod Nano? The metal would be scratched the second you’d unbox it. Apple went with a more durable chassis for the second generation model.

What do you think? Would you be willing to trade the iPhone’s glass rear panel for liquid metal? Let us know in the comments section.