Xteink's X4 Pro is a tiny e-reader with a light and touchscreen. Here’s what I learned after weeks of use

Xteink captivated the reading world when it first released the 4.3-inch X4 e-reader. Not satisfied with that level of pocketability, it went even smaller with the 3.7-inch X3 e-reader. Now for its third iteration, Xteink is back with a more advanced X4 Pro.

The X4 Pro adds an integrated light with brightness and temperature controls to be able to read whenever the mood strikes, day or night. The device also adds a touchscreen so navigating throughout the system is more natural.

I’ve used the X4 Pro for nearly a month before its public release. At first, I hated the idea of the touchscreen. I didn’t want accidental inputs and a laggy experience. I’ve seen a lot of the comments from fans, and it seems like that’s what a lot of other people are concerned about as well. But here’s the thing. The touchscreen has grown on me. More importantly, the front light is a great feature and might make the X4 Pro worth its $99 price.

The Xteink X4 Pro might not be the tiny e-reader for you—it won’t be for everyone. Don’t worry, you can still buy the other models. But before you make up your mind on the X4 Pro, let me explain why the touchscreen isn’t as bad as you might think.

Xteink X4 vs. the X4 Pro: Is the extra cost worth it?

There are a few differences between the X4 and X4 Pro, but the two headlining features are the light and touchscreen.

Beyond those, the X4 Pro is slightly shorter than the X4. The X4 Pro doesn’t need the front buttons to navigate the interface, so those are gone. The X4 Pro also loses the USB-C port and uses pogo pins like the X3. There’s a USB-C adapter in the box which should ease the blow slightly.

The X4 Pro still has a button on each side to turn pages. These buttons are the thing that makes the touchscreen less painful to deal with. The buttons are responsive and tactile.

The touchscreen makes changing fonts and settings much easier. In my mind, the touchscreen is also necessary for the integrated light. Without touch, it would be annoying to turn the light on and off and adjust the brightness and color temperature.

With touch, you can swipe down from any screen throughout the system to activate it. Whether you’re reading, in a menu, settings, or any other part, you can still access the light.

The original X4 retails for $69. For $30 more, I think the X4 Pro is worth the upgrade for people who read at night, on airplanes, or can’t guarantee lighting conditions will always be great. I didn’t notice the battery life taking a hit even with a light. People might not be thrilled with the idea of a touchscreen, but I don’t think it makes the device worse.

X3 vs. X4 Pro: Do you want small or light?

My first Xteink e-reader was the X3. I love its extra small size and have no problem reading on it. So, if size and portability are your primary concerns, then the X3, retailing for $79, should be your first consideration.

To that point, the X3, with its magnet, sticks to the back of my iPhone 17 Pro and doesn’t hang off the bottom as the X4 Pro does.

There is the consideration of the X4 Pro’s light. If you want the most compact device, but then carry a clip-on light around too, that defeats the purpose. You should just get the X4 Pro. 

Should you buy the Xteink X4 Pro?

I understand the instinct to recoil at the thought of an E Ink touchscreen. They tend to be laggy and less responsive than phone screens. However, the Xteink X4 Pro’s screen is fine and perfectly usable, much like a Boox or Kindle device.

Even if the touchscreen is annoying, using the front buttons on the X3 or X4 isn’t perfect either. That can be a frustrating way to use a device. Since neither input method is perfect, I’d rather have the touchscreen because it tends to be faster and more natural to accomplish tasks.

The X4 Pro won’t be for everyone, but I think most people should enjoy it. And if you still are against the idea, then Xteink still has other options for you.