Earlier today, we reported that HP was planning a new Slate6 smartphone aimed at emerging markets, which we expected to make its debut at Mobile World Congress next month — but now the company has made it official, alongside the Slate7.

HP doesn’t like it if you call the new devices smartphones, though — they’re “VoiceTabs” instead, and they’re designed for the “next generation of mobile customers” who are “looking to consolidate their phones and tablets” into one.

I’m not sure if anyone really wants to do that. Sure, some people like large smartphones, but who wants their smartphone and tablet to become one? HP clearly thinks differently.

“Consumers are looking to consolidate their phones and tablets, which is propelling the voice tablet market,” said Ron Coughlin, senior vice president of HP’s Consumer Personal Systems Group. “This is an exciting new category that represents a meaningful growth opportunity for HP. Our HP Slate VoiceTab provides consumers with a high-quality product at a great value.”

Aside from the size of their displays, the Slate6 and Slate7 are almost identical in specifications. Both have quad-core processors, 3G connectivity, dual SIM card slots, and stereo speakers — as well as HD front- and rear-facing cameras for video conferencing and taking photos.

As you might expect, the Slate6’s display measures six inches diagonally and sports a 720p resolution; the Slate7 has a 7-inch display with a 1280×800 resolution. Both are IPS displays that promise wide viewing angles, vibrant colors, and responsive touch input.

As for their design, HP’s new smartphones are apparently “slim enough to fit nicely in the pocket” — despite the size of their displays — and they offer a “premium pixilated, scratch-resistant back cover design.”

The Slate6 and Slate7 will be available in India starting next month, with pricing to be confirmed.

• SourceHP