Xteink X4 Pro Pocket E-Reader Review (2026): Fun but Limited

Xteink’s micro e-readers are the smallest available on the market. The latest model, Xteink X4 Pro, is even smaller than its predecessor and boasts a touchscreen, home button, and updated design, making it feel more like a mini smartphone or Kindle. However, the main challenge with Xteink’s e-readers is accessing books, as there is no built-in shop.

Users need to have EPUB files or the URL of a long internet essay or article ready to upload through the app. The device may require users to manage their books as files, which not everyone may be comfortable with.

The Xteink X4 Pro has a tiny screen that forces users to turn to a new page after every two or so paragraphs. Despite its small size, the device is fun and portable, making it ideal for reading on the go. The 4.3-inch display features a touchscreen and buttons for controlling the device, with a dual-tone front light that offers warm or cool lighting options, similar to the Kindle Paperwhite. The display is clear and crisp, displaying letters that are not too small to read comfortably, even in darker rooms.

The device offers four built-in font options, but users cannot change the type size. If they desire different fonts or sizes, they would need to import their own files using the app or additional software. Despite its small screen, the X4 Pro displays a paragraph and a half of text per page, depending on length and spacing. At just 5.95 millimeters wide, the X4 Pro weighs a mere 72 grams, making it feel incredibly lightweight in the hand.

Its magnetic backplate is stronger than the earlier X4 and easily attaches to an iPhone 16 Pro without requiring a MagSafe case. The device comes with 16 GB of storage, expandable to up to 256 GB using a microSD card.

Overall, the Xteink X4 Pro provides an intuitive experience, with a lock screen that reminds users of button functions. The addition of a home button on the bottom middle of the device echoes the original iPhone design, while the touchscreen will feel familiar to anyone who has used an e-reader. However, the touchscreen is not as responsive as expected, occasionally requiring multiple taps to switch menus or adjust brightness.

The brightness menu is accessible by swiping down from the top of the screen, the only hidden menu on the device. The X4 Pro also features improved battery capacity compared to its predecessor, with a 1100 mAh battery compared to the original’s 650 mAh. However, specific run-time promises are not provided by Xteink, and battery life seems to vary based on reading and software usage.