HP is trying its luck in the smartphone arena for the second time, releasing two new phablets that are built on the Android operating system and equipped with voice calling capabilities. They’re the company’s so-called next-gen devices intended for multitasking customers on the go.
The two new phablets are meant to address consumers who are “looking to consolidate their phones and tablets, which is propelling the voice tablet market.” To accomplish that, HP has the Slate 6 Voice Tab come packing with Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, 3G dual-SIM with dual standby, Wi-Fi, and 16GB of internal storage with external expansion possible via microSD slot up to 32GB. Its profile measures 8.98mm.
The HP Slate 7 Voice Tab offers largely the same specs as its little brother, albeit thicker at 9.5mm and sporting a larger 7-inch display. Both devices also make use of the same pair of cameras: a 5-megapixel shooter with autofocus and LED flash at the back and a 2-megapixel camera on front. In addition, they both feature a scratch-resistant carbon fiber case with a pixelated appearance.
This isn’t the first time HP is selling tablets than run Google’s operating system, as it has released a couple of budget-friendly tablets before. This announcement however marks the company’s return to the smartphone business, which it abandoned in 2011. It also seems these won’t be the last devices of their kind, since HP plans to reveal more in the coming months.
The HP Slate 6 Voice Tab and HP Slate 7 Voice Tab are headed to India in February, so don’t expect the devices to reach the Philippines soon. Pricing information is not available, though the devices are being marketed as high-quality products at a great value. Reports are estimating the prices to be around $200-250.
This smartphone is out locally, spotted the Slate 6 at HP store Festival Mall for PhP 14,900.