Xteink X4 Pro: A Tiny E-Reader That Finally Gets the Basics Right

Priced at $99, the X4 Pro sits between the $69 X4 and $79 X3 in Xteink’s lineup. Despite the premium, it lacks the ecosystem depth of a $110 Kindle. However, its 4.26-inch, 800 x 480 E Ink display offers unmatched portability. The shift to a touchscreen significantly improves navigation, though the panel occasionally requires firmer taps than users of modern tablets might expect. The addition of adjustable lighting—allowing for intensity and color temperature control—is a transformative upgrade for night reading, even if the illumination is slightly uneven across the top of the display.

Hardware design choices remain a mixed bag. Xteink has replaced the standard USB-C port with a magnetic pogo-pin connector, necessitating an included adapter that is far too easy to misplace. Similarly, the magnetic backplate intended for mounting the device to a smartphone feels insecure and leaves the reader awkwardly overhanging an iPhone 16 Pro. The device is best treated as a standalone reader rather than a phone accessory. Physical page-turn buttons remain, providing a tactile experience that complements the new touch interface.

The most significant factor for potential buyers is software. While Xteink has streamlined its native menus, the experience remains unpolished. The real value lies in the CrossPoint Reader firmware, which will be available at launch. As part of Justin Mitchell’s Free Ink project, this free, third-party software addresses many of the stock UI limitations. For those who prioritize a truly pocketable device, the X4 Pro is the most viable choice in Xteink’s catalog, especially when paired with the community-developed firmware.