Xteink X4 Pro e-reader launches at $99 with touchscreen and lighting

Xteink has released the X4 Pro, a pocket-sized e-reader priced at $99, marking the company’s most expensive model to date. The device features a 4.26-inch E Ink screen with 800 x 480 resolution, a touchscreen interface, and adjustable front lighting. It is positioned as a highly portable alternative to larger e-readers such as Amazon’s Kindle and Kobo devices, offering a form factor that is slightly smaller and thinner than the company’s first e-reader and considerably more compact than Amazon’s 6-inch Kindle.

The X4 Pro costs slightly more than Xteink’s previous X3 ($79) and X4 ($69) models, bringing it closer in price to the $110 entry-level Kindle. While the Kindle offers a polished software experience and direct access to a digital bookstore, the X4 Pro lacks these ecosystem features. However, the new device addresses previous criticisms of its predecessors, which relied solely on physical buttons that reviewers found unintuitive. The addition of touch controls allows for a simplified button layout, though dedicated page-turn buttons remain on both sides of the device.

A significant hardware change is the removal of a standard USB-C port. The X4 Pro utilises a magnetic pogo-pin connection for charging and data transfer, requiring an included adapter. While this maintains USB-C functionality, the proprietary connector represents a compromise compared to the standard ports found on competing devices. The device also includes embedded magnets on the back for attachment to smartphones, a feature Xteink has historically promoted, though initial impressions suggest the connection may be awkward and potentially unreliable during daily use.

Software navigation has been updated to support touch inputs, with streamlined menus and more intuitive access to reading settings. The adjustable lighting, while slightly uneven and lacking automatic scheduling, allows users to modify intensity and color temperature. Despite these improvements, the touchscreen sensitivity has been noted as inconsistent, with some taps requiring additional pressure to register, a performance issue that may be addressed in future updates.

The most compelling aspect of the launch is the availability of the third-party CrossPoint Reader firmware, which significantly improves the user interface and reading experience. Now part of the Free Ink initiative, the firmware is expected to be available at launch, with support for all future Xteink devices. For consumers prioritising portability over ecosystem integration, the X4 Pro represents the most refined option in Xteink’s current lineup, despite its higher price point and hardware limitations.