The Xteink X4 E-Ink Reader

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

A tiny ESP32‑based e‑ink reader, the Xteink X4 (and smaller X3), is earning praise for its pocketable form factor, physical buttons, long battery life, and ability to magnetically attach to a phone, making it easy to replace “doomscrolling” with reading during idle moments. Many owners immediately replace the stock software with open‑source firmware like CrossPoint, valuing the simple, distraction‑free interface, easy wireless book transfer, and hackability over the richer but more power‑hungry Android‑based alternatives such as Boox devices. Critiques center on the lack of a front light, fragile screens, small display size for older eyes or complex documents, and some quirks like sunlight‑induced fading, while rumors of a backlit “Pro” model and Android‑based S4 raise concerns about adding complexity and reducing the device’s minimalist appeal.

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.