Xteink X4

About Xteink X4

Xteink is a Chinese startup based in Shenzhen that develops and sells the Xteink X4, a compact and ultra-light e-reader. The company and its product were conceived by founder Crusoe Hu with the vision of making reading a natural part of everyday life, inspired by Charlie Munger's habit of always carrying a book. The firm targets mobile readers such as commuters, students, and travelers who want a comfortable, paper-like reading experience without carrying bulky devices. The business operates on a direct-to-consumer model, selling the X4 exclusively through its website.

The Xteink X4 is a minimalist e-reader weighing just 74 grams with a 4.3-inch, 220 PPI E-Ink screen. Its key feature is a magnetic back that allows it to attach to MagSafe-compatible smartphones, positioning it as a phone accessory that provides a better reading experience and reduces eye strain from backlit screens. The device runs on an ESP32 microcontroller, supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and comes with a 32GB microSD card for storing DRM-free EPUB and TXT files. It notably lacks a touchscreen, relying on physical buttons for navigation. Despite its small 650 mAh battery, it offers up to 14 days of use from a single charge. Sold for $69, the X4 is designed for portability and focused reading, rather than competing with feature-rich e-readers.