Imagine a world where your e-reader is always with you, seamlessly attached to your phone. That's the promise of the Xteink X4, a tiny, magnetic e-reader designed to stick right onto the back of your iPhone or other compatible devices. I'm Andrew Liszewski, and I've been geeking out over gadgets since I was a kid, so let's dive into this innovative little device.
This compact e-reader, developed by the Chinese company Xteink, boasts a 4.3-inch E Ink screen, making it even more pocket-friendly than the smallest Kindle or Kobo. The X4 cleverly uses magnets, much like a wireless power bank, to attach to the back of your phone. It's compatible with devices that support Qi2 or Apple's MagSafe technology. If your phone doesn't have these features, don't worry – the company provides magnetic stick-on rings to ensure compatibility.
At a price of just $69 from Xteink's online store, the X4 is definitely budget-friendly compared to its competitors. But, as with many things, there are trade-offs to consider. The X4's E Ink screen has a resolution of 220ppi, whereas most modern e-readers offer 300ppi. This means the text might not appear as sharp. Plus, the screen lacks a built-in light, so you'll need a lamp if you're reading in the dark. On the bright side, this design choice allows the X4 to last up to 14 days on a single charge (assuming 1-3 hours of reading per day) thanks to its 650mAh battery.
But here's where it gets controversial... One of the biggest drawbacks of choosing e-readers from smaller brands like Xteink is the limited access to ebook stores. Unlike Amazon and Kobo, the X4 doesn't offer direct access to their vast libraries, unless it's running Android with the Google Play store installed. The X4 can only read DRM-free books and documents in EPUB and TXT formats. You'll need to load your ebooks onto the device through a microSD card (supporting up to 512GB) or transfer them wirelessly via Wi-Fi.
There's no touchscreen here. Instead, the X4 features dedicated page-turn buttons, a feature many readers appreciate. You can also customize your reading experience by installing your own fonts, as it comes with only two preinstalled options.
What do you think? Are the portability and affordability of the Xteink X4 enough to outweigh the limitations? Would you consider this e-reader, or do you prefer the established ecosystems of Kindle and Kobo? Share your thoughts in the comments!
