US unlocked smartphone player BLU Products announced a device that pushes the boundaries of the ‘phablet’ category, featuring a 7-inch screen and “a compact design that lets you comfortably hold it one-handed for phone calls, or fits into your jeans pocket”.

“The market trend shows that the demand in small tablets is fading, as a direct result to the median in a smartphone now approaching over 5 inches, meaning the term phablet no longer applies to a broad range of devices in the 5.5-inch to 6.0-inch category,” Samuel Ohev-Zion, CEO of  BLU Products, argued.

Called Studio 7.0, the Android 4.4 (KitKat) powered device is “exceptionally priced at $149.99”, with availability through Amazon.com. It is compatible with any GSM-family network in the US – the company has not announced plans for launch in other markets.

Other features include 3G connectivity (HSPA+), 1.3GHz dual-core processor, 5MP main and 2MP front cameras, and 8GB of storage with microSD slot.

BLU products was founded in 2009, and has announced a number of low-cost devices made available outside of operator channels.