We’re really liberal on the word “killer” here as neither handsets have been released, but a Telstra mobile executive is going on record stating that HTC’s next generation Android-based handset beats out the Pre. What many pocketnow.com readers will want to know is if HTC bring some of that goodness and innovation to their Windows Mobile side. According to WMPowerUser, the unfortunate answer is no.

According to the mobile exec, “The new touch phone has been developed using a combination of the Google Android operating system and Linux based software written by HTC. The screen is believed to be bigger than current offerings from HTC.”

We had previously reported that the G2 may use the hardware from the Touch HD. This is only partially true, as PPC Geeks have shown a photo of HTC’s 2009 Android handset. The retro-styled Linux-based handset will get a makeover, giving it a flush screen and styling cues from the Touch HD, but retain cute arc. Codenamed Hero/Android Hero, it looks to be a promising upgrade. Hopefully T-Mobile will make more subdued hues available other than hot pink!