Xteink X4 Pro: A pocket-sized e-reader with significant compromises

Slightly larger than a credit card, the new Xteink X4 Pro attempts to miniaturize the reading experience for $99. While the second-generation device adds a touchscreen and MagSafe-compatible magnetic back, its reliance on niche file formats and a fragile proprietary charging system limits its appeal to a very specific audience.

Jul 21, 19:06
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Xteink X4 Pro: A pocket-sized e-reader with significant compromises

The X4 Pro features a 4.26-inch display with 219 ppi resolution, falling notably short of the 300 ppi standard found on mainstream Kindle and Kobo models. Internally, it offers 8MB of RAM and 16MB of onboard storage, though users can expand this up to 256GB via a microSD card. Its 10-hour battery life translates to roughly one or two weeks of casual use, supported by a new touchscreen interface and a physical home button that mimics early smartphone aesthetics.

Practical performance remains a hurdle. During testing, the device exhibited occasional software freezes, necessitating manual restarts. The transition to a magnetic pogo-pin charging port introduces a potential point of failure, as the tiny required extension is easily misplaced and lacks a secure connection. Furthermore, the device is strictly limited to DRM-free PDF and MOBI files, alongside basic image support. While the Xteink app allows for syncing web articles, the $99 price tag is difficult to justify for a device that lacks the seamless library integration found in modern, full-sized competitors.

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