The Xteink X4 E-Ink Reader

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Overall Impressions & Use Cases

  • Many commenters say the X4/X3 significantly increased their reading, especially in “micro-moments” (commutes, waiting in lines, walking the dog).
  • The main appeal: tiny, always-with-you, distraction-free device with very long battery life.
  • Several use it specifically to avoid doomscrolling; they reach for the reader instead of their phone.

Form Factor & Phone Attachment

  • Size and weight are repeatedly praised; it fits in pockets and some people magnet it to the back of phones or wallets.
  • Others find attaching to phones unnecessary or awkward, especially on smaller phones or with weak magnets.
  • Some think the screen is too small, especially for older eyes or technical content; others say fewer words per page is acceptable or even better for focus.

X3 vs X4

  • X4 pros: larger screen, USB‑C charging, gyro, slightly better custom firmware support.
  • X3 pros: smaller, lighter, whiter/crisper display, better battery life, robust pogo‑pin charging.
  • X3 is reported to attach better to phones; X4 may be too big for that for some users.

Firmware, Hackability & Ecosystem

  • Custom firmware (especially CrossPoint and forks) is widely recommended; seen as making the X4/X3 “real” e‑readers.
  • Features praised: better EPUB layout, HTTP/Wi‑Fi book transfer, dictionaries, reading stats, sync options via third‑party tools.
  • Flashing is described as easy on non‑Chinese units; there are unlock tools for locked ones.

Comparison with Other E‑Readers

  • Compared to Kobo/Kindle: X4/X3 are more portable and hackable but worse for diagrams, PDFs, and large/technical books; no backlight is a common deal-breaker for some.
  • Compared to Android e‑ink (Boox, etc.): those are more capable but have worse battery life and more distractions.

Limitations & Issues

  • No backlight/frontlight (yet) is the most-requested feature.
  • Screens are reported as fragile; several broke in bags despite cases.
  • Some units suffer from sunlight fading; there are software and hardware workarounds.
  • Layout engine is limited; hyphenation and complex HTML/CSS are better with custom firmware but still constrained.

Future Models & Company Concerns

  • Rumors/mentions: X4 Pro (ESP32, frontlight, touch) and S4 (Android, frontlight).
  • Some fear Android and touch will undermine simplicity, battery life, and the “minimal tool” ethos.
  • One comment notes prior controversy around the company (RAM misadvertising, a deposit dispute), raising trust concerns.