I’ve reviewed many e-readers, but the 5-inch Kobo Mini stands out for its compact size. It was so portable, I carried it everywhere. Now, there’s the $69 Xteink X4, even smaller than the Kobo Mini. While it’s pocket-sized, it’s also clunky to use. Luckily, a community of users is working to improve its functionality.
When I first saw the X4, I was amazed at how tiny it is. Its 4.3-inch E Ink screen feels smaller, thanks to its slim bezels. However, once I started testing its features, my excitement faded.
One feature is the magnetic attachment to iPhones, but many users, including myself, found this alignment to be awkward. The makers of Xteink admitted they did limited testing with newer iPhone models, which can lead to magnet misalignment. To help users, they provide adhesive magnetic rings for better attachment.
Instead of relying on the clumsy phone attachment, I use the X4 as a standalone gadget. It fits perfectly in my daily sling bag and comes with a protective case.
As one of the cheapest e-readers available, the X4 has some drawbacks. Its screen resolution is 220 ppi, lower than many competitors like Kindle and Kobo, which have 300 ppi. This means text may look a bit jagged, but it’s still readable.
There’s no built-in lighting, so reading in the dark requires extra lighting, and the absence of a touchscreen is frustrating. Instead, the X4 uses unlabeled buttons, making navigation tricky.
Compared to other devices like Boox, which run on Android and support multimedia, the X4 is limited to reading plain text and EPUB files. Finding and loading e-books can feel cumbersome, especially given that there’s no built-in bookstore. That said, Amazon recently expanded support for EPUB, making it easier to access books.
Many users on forums express the same frustrations. The X4 doesn’t mount as a storage device when connected to a computer and uploading files over Wi-Fi often doesn’t work smoothly. The microSD card slot is also tricky, requiring a paperclip or long nails to remove the card.
Reading experience is decent for basic tasks, but if you’re used to more advanced e-readers, you’ll miss features like adjustable text formatting. You’re limited to basic options like two font sizes and minimal line spacing.
The user interface feels outdated and confusing, making even simple tasks take longer than they should. However, there are alternative firmware options available, like CrossPoint Reader, offering better usability and customization.
Xteink has made some software updates already, hinting that they might improve the overall experience. Despite not being a complete replacement for my main e-reader, the X4 serves a purpose for brief reading sessions on the go.
In conclusion, if you prioritize portability and don’t mind some tinkering, the Xteink X4 might be worth considering. But for a smoother reading experience, you might want to stick with established brands like Kobo or Kindle.
For more comparisons on e-readers, you can check out trusted sources like TechRadar and The Verge.
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