Evidence is mounting that HTC will soon release a new Android-based phone with a large touchscreen and a fast processor. According to unconfirmed reports, this model is headed for Verizon and will sport a wide array of high-end features.

Rumors say that this smartphone is code-named the HTC Passion. The actual name may be drawn from one of its features — this device will reportedly be based on Qualcomm’s 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, and the official name will supposedly be the HTC Dragon.

An Overview of the HTC Passion
HTC has drawn quite a bit of attention with the HTC HD2, a model that has an impressive collection of cutting-edge features. HTC’s CEO has gone on record saying that there won’t be an Android version of this device, but the Dragon will apparently be very close.

If the unconfirmed reports are correct, the Dragon will be the first Android smartphone running Qualcomm’s fastest smartphone chip. Sony Ericsson has announced a device with this processor, but HTC’s will supposedly be on the market first by a wide margin.

Like the HD2, it will supposedly have a 4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen and a 5 MPx camera. This smartphone will allegedly run Android 2.0 and have a microSD memory card slot and 3.5 mm headset jack.

If this really is an Android-based model, it will have a highly-functional web browser, and include tie-ins to a number of Google’s online services, like Gmail, Calendar, and Google Maps. It will also have access to thousands of third-party software apps available for this operating system.

Coming Next Month
Rumor says the HTC Passion/Dragon is going to be available in the middle of next month.

Exactly what Verizon will ask for this smartphone is not yet known.