You might’ve already heard a lot about it by now since it’s gotten quite popular the past few months, but I have some things to say about the XTEINK X4 and how it’s become one of my favorite gadgets.

If this is the first time you’re hearing about it, the X4 is an affordable mini e-ink reader roughly the size of a 2010-era smartphone. It sort of feels pseudo-retro in that way.

The other way the X4 feels pseudo-retro is in just how straightforward it is. It reminds me of the days when a gadget was there for you, not the other way around. It doesn’t even have a bookstore to get new books from. You’ll have to get your own epub files and copy them over, something that I personally don’t mind at all.

Most days, I use one of the included adhesive magnet rings to keep my X4 attached to the back of my Pixel 9 XL Pro. It’s a perfect fit with just a bit of height to spare — don’t count on being able to do the same unless you also have a huge phone! It adds a few millimeters of bulk, but it’s a fun way to make sure my X4 is close at hand so I can read a few chapters during lunch or whenever else I have some spare time. I’ve found I’ve been reading a lot more ever since I got my X4 (as I’m sure anyone in my book group for The Expanse will be able to tell you).

Of course, the question I always get is whether it’s comfortable to read on something this small. It’s an obvious concern, but it’s not something I’ve ever worried about while reading. I would say the X4 is actually more comfortable to read on than my phone, even at a further distance. That’s probably thanks to its e-ink display and light weight.

I still love my Kobo Clara BW by the way! That hasn’t been replaced. I use it a lot for reading at home in the evenings since it has a reading light, something the X4 lacks. The Clara’s size also makes it a little bit easier to get immersed in, so I usually gravitate to it for more intentional reading sessions.

I think I’ll leave it there for now, but let me know if you have any questions. If your interest is piqued, there’s plenty of great full reviews out there and I don’t have a whole lot to add to them.

One last note: if you get or already have an X4, make sure to check out the popular open source firmware Crosspoint. It’s extremely easy to install and takes less than a minute. It’s well made and really helps the X4 punch above its weight. Both photos posted here are running Crosspoint.

— JP