Xteink X4 Pro Pocket E-Reader Review (2026): Fun but Limited

Xteink’s micro e-readers are the smallest e-readers I've ever seen. When I think of a pint-sized e-reader, I usually think of the popular Boox Palma, which is still the size of a smartphone. But Xteink's line of e-readers is even smaller—so small that they're designed to snap onto the back of your phone, underneath your camera. Last month, Xteink launched the Xteink X4 Pro, an upgraded version of its existing X4 that adds a touchscreen, a home button, and an updated design, making it feel more like a mini smartphone or Kindle. But even with a fresh design, the real hurdle of Xteink's e-readers remains accessing your books. There's no built-in shop, so the easiest method I've found is to have an EPUB file handy (or the URL to a long internet essay or article) that you can quickly upload through the app. Both the Xteink X4 Pro and the Xteink app you'll use to manage it are very easy to navigate. The biggest hurdle is that you need to BYOB—bring your own books. Not everyone is ready to manage their books as files. The Xteink also has a very small screen that will have you turning to a new page after every two or so paragraphs, but it's still a fun option if you want something super portable to read on. Small Wonder The Xteink X4 Pro is pretty darn cute and has some solid specs for being so small. It has a 4.3-inch display with both a touchscreen and buttons for controlling the device; the buttons are silent and smooth to press. It also has a dual-tone front light, which older models don't have, letting you choose from warm or cool lighting as you read, like a Kindle Paperwhite. The display is clear and crisp, making the small letters easy to read. [Image text:] UNCOMPROMISING MINIMALISM BRAVE LOSE YOURSELF CONFIDENCE IN THE WORDS. KIND GOOD NIGHT UNIQUEXTEINIK INDEPENDENT EXCELLENCE READING AT RESOLUTE YOUR DO NOT GO FINGERTIPS GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD PURE NIGHT LET EVERY WORD LINGER