WIRED Review: Xteink X4 Pro E-Reader Offers Hardware Gains But Leaves Content Access to Users
Launched in August 2026, the 4.3-inch device is praised for its portability and display quality, yet requires manual file management that may hinder adoption outside niche communities.
WIRED has reviewed the Xteink X4 Pro, a 4.3-inch micro e-reader designed to magnetically attach to the rear of smartphones. Launched in August 2026, the device represents an upgrade to the existing X4 model, introducing a touchscreen, a home button, dual-tone front lighting, and an increased battery capacity of 1100 mAh. Weighing just 72 grams, the unit is engineered to snap onto devices such as the iPhone 16 Pro without the need for a MagSafe case, utilising a significantly stronger magnetic backplate than its predecessor.
The hardware specifications include 16 GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD to 256 GB, and a display described as clear and crisp. The device supports a range of file formats including DRM-free EPUB, TXT, MOBI, PDF, JPG, and PNG. However, the review highlights that the touchscreen responsiveness is less than ideal, with users sometimes required to tap multiple times to navigate menus or adjust settings. The brightness menu is accessed via a swipe down from the top of the screen, a feature noted as hidden within the interface.
A primary limitation identified in the review is the absence of a built-in ebook store. The device operates on a bring-your-own-books model, requiring users to manually upload DRM-free files via the Xteink companion app or USB. This workflow excludes compatibility with the Libby app, a popular platform for borrowing library ebooks, meaning users must source and prepare their own content. The review suggests this manual management may present a hurdle for casual readers accustomed to integrated ecosystems.
Despite these constraints, the X4 Pro offers software improvements over the base X4, including better handling of apostrophes and the ability to pull header images for stories. The device is particularly noted as suitable for users of fan fiction sites such as Archive of Our Own, where stories can be downloaded as EPUB files and uploaded with minimal effort. The review also mentions that the device is unlocked, allowing for the installation of open-source software like CrossPoint and Crossink for alternative reading experiences.
While the hardware is regarded as solid and portable, the requirement to manage books as files remains a significant barrier. The reviewer concludes that while the X4 Pro is a fun and compact option for specific use cases, users seeking a seamless reading experience with access to major ebook stores or library services would likely find traditional e-readers more practical.
