SAN FRANCISCO — Xteink launched its X4 Pro e-reader, an upgraded version of its X4 model, featuring a 4.3-inch display and a touchscreen. The device weighs 72 grams and measures 5.95 millimeters thin, positioning it as a compact option for readers who prioritize portability.
The X4 Pro adds a touchscreen and a dual-tone front light — a feature common in larger e-readers like the Kindle Paperwhite — addressing user complaints about the button-based navigation of earlier Xteink models.
The device has no integrated e-book store. Users must upload EPUB files or articles manually through an app or by transferring files via a microSD card, a workflow that contrasts sharply with the content ecosystems of Amazon's Kindle and Kobo.
The 4.3-inch screen fits roughly a paragraph and a half of text per page depending on font and spacing, requiring frequent page turns compared with larger e-readers. Four default font options are included, but changing type size or adding fonts requires importing them.
Battery capacity increased to 1,100 mAh from 650 mAh in the original X4, supporting a reported battery life of one to two weeks of casual reading. The X4 Pro charges via a magnetic pogo connector, replacing the USB-C port on its predecessor.
Storage is 16 GB, expandable to 256 GB via microSD. A magnetic backplate lets the device attach to a smartphone, a design element intended to enhance on-the-go utility.
The X4 Pro's resolution is 219 pixels per inch, below the 300 ppi offered by leading Kindle and Kobo models. The lower figure affects image detail, which appears grainy, though text remains readable.
A significant barrier to broader adoption is the X4 Pro's incompatibility with library e-book services such as Libby. Libraries distribute protected EPUB files that cannot be transferred to the device, cutting off a common source of digital content.
At $99, the X4 Pro has attracted attention for its small form factor and improved feature set, carving out a niche among readers who want an ultra-portable device and are willing to manage their own content libraries.
