Teeny-tiny xteink X4 Reader to get an 'upgrade': Light and Touch Screen Added

Dr. Drib · 07-02-2026, 02:28 PM

The X4 reader will undergo a 'metamorphosis' and become the X4 v2 [Pro?] model with backlight (or actually, frontlight, since it's an eink device) and a touch screen. Reports are that it will supposedly be released this month (July).

The current model - X4 - is being retired and is currently on sale at various places. That one and the X3 already have an enthusiastic cult following.

I think I'll buy the newer model...when it's released.

rantanplan · 07-02-2026, 03:08 PM

I don’t know yet. I thought I would use the original device more that I did. Maybe it’s because of the missing front light but I also find it awkward to hold and reach the buttons.

DrNefario · 07-03-2026, 05:40 AM

Seems like quite a big upgrade for just a "v2". Couldn't they make it the X5?

I kind of hate lights on eInk. I wonder if I could get a v1 cheap now?

John F · 07-03-2026, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrNefario

Seems like quite a big upgrade for just a "v2". Couldn't they make it the X5?

...

I'm assuming the same 4.3" size screen, so X4 seems appropriate? Or maybe the X43?

DrNefario · 07-03-2026, 11:23 AM

Ah yeah, that makes sense.

pdurrant · 07-06-2026, 06:24 AM

I've ordered the X3. Smaller and lighter and higher res screen.

https://www.xteink.com/products/xteink-x3

One of the great things about base EINK is that the image appears at the surface of the screen, not some way into it. I look forward to seeing how paper-like a modern bare EINK screen is.

JSWolf · 07-06-2026, 07:55 AM

There is going to be an android based XTEink S4 coming (I think) in September.

rantanplan · 07-06-2026, 09:47 AM

I think many people chose the X4 / X3 specifically because it's not another Android device

JSWolf · 07-06-2026, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rantanplan

I think many people chose the X4 / X3 specifically because it's not another Android device

When they chose the X3 or X4 there was no S4.

NickyWithNook · 07-09-2026, 05:35 AM

I just ordered the old one at a discounted price. What I want out of it more than anything (outside of portablility) is battery life, and the light and touch screen would make that worse.

pdurrant · 07-10-2026, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdurrant

I've ordered the X3. Smaller and lighter and higher res screen.

https://www.xteink.com/products/xteink-x3

Currently on its way from China.... I'll post my first impressions when it turns up.

nana77 · 07-12-2026, 02:59 PM

It was quite a time I didn't checked HN's, there is this device which compares, imho:
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48873790

It's a crowdfunding (so it needs to read well all the notes behind, btw): https://www.crowdsupply.com/oddly-sp...pen-book-touch

pdurrant · 07-16-2026, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdurrant

Currently on its way from China.... I'll post my first impressions when it turns up.

It's arrived! That was quick.

And it's disappointing for the main feature I was looking for - raw EInk. They have put a glass (I think - possibly plastic) front on it, so that the EInk screen isn't the top layer. So the text is below the surface of the screen.

I might see if it's possible to remove it without destroying the reader.

I try out the actual functionality later when I've either removed the front layer, or got over my disappointment.

j.p.s · 07-16-2026, 10:17 AM

Well, it's manufacturer presumed use case is on the back of a phone, presumably kept in a pocket.

NickyWithNook · 07-16-2026, 07:06 PM

Mine arrived yesterday. So far, I love it! I read part of The Big Four by Agatha Christie while waiting for coffee this morning. I had thrown the x4 in my pocket with my phone, and reached in my pocket while I was waiting, and realized I had the x4 with me, so I picked it up and continued with my book. I've read over half the book and it's at 93%. So far, I love it

07-02-2026, 02:28 PM	#1
Dr. Drib Grand Sorcerer Posts: 46,150 Karma: 61420337 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peru Device: KINDLE: Oasis 3, Scribe (1st), Matcha; KOBO: Libra 2, Libra Colour	Teeny-tiny xteink X4 Reader to get an 'upgrade': Light and Touch Screen Added The X4 reader will undergo a 'metamorphosis' and become the X4 v2 [Pro?] model with backlight (or actually, frontlight, since it's an eink device) and a touch screen. Reports are that it will supposedly be released this month (July). The current model - X4 - is being retired and is currently on sale at various places. That one and the X3 already have an enthusiastic cult following. I think I'll buy the newer model...when it's released. Last edited by Dr. Drib; 07-02-2026 at 03:16 PM. Reason: backlight /// frontlight?

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07-02-2026, 03:08 PM	#2
rantanplan Weirdo Posts: 1,159 Karma: 13000010 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Wuppertal, Germany Device: Kobo Sage, Kobo Libra 2, reMarkable PaperPro	I don’t know yet. I thought I would use the original device more that I did. Maybe it’s because of the missing front light but I also find it awkward to hold and reach the buttons.

07-03-2026, 05:40 AM	#3
DrNefario Wizard Posts: 2,298 Karma: 12408712 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: UK Device: Kindle, Kobo Touch, Nook SimpleTouch	Seems like quite a big upgrade for just a "v2". Couldn't they make it the X5? I kind of hate lights on eInk. I wonder if I could get a v1 cheap now?

07-03-2026, 11:23 AM	#5
DrNefario Wizard Posts: 2,298 Karma: 12408712 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: UK Device: Kindle, Kobo Touch, Nook SimpleTouch	Ah yeah, that makes sense.

07-06-2026, 06:24 AM	#6
pdurrant The Grand Mouse 高貴的老鼠 Posts: 75,823 Karma: 320245596 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Norfolk, England Device: Kindle Oasis	I've ordered the X3. Smaller and lighter and higher res screen. https://www.xteink.com/products/xteink-x3 One of the great things about base EINK is that the image appears at the surface of the screen, not some way into it. I look forward to seeing how paper-like a modern bare EINK screen is.

07-06-2026, 07:55 AM	#7
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 84,211 Karma: 153715495 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	There is going to be an android based XTEink S4 coming (I think) in September.

07-06-2026, 09:47 AM	#8
rantanplan Weirdo Posts: 1,159 Karma: 13000010 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Wuppertal, Germany Device: Kobo Sage, Kobo Libra 2, reMarkable PaperPro	I think many people chose the X4 / X3 specifically because it's not another Android device

07-09-2026, 05:35 AM	#10
NickyWithNook Guru Posts: 755 Karma: 3942770 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: American living in Australia Device: Kobo Libra Colour, Kindle Oasis (Don't use Nook anymore)	I just ordered the old one at a discounted price. What I want out of it more than anything (outside of portablility) is battery life, and the light and touch screen would make that worse.

07-12-2026, 02:59 PM	#12
nana77 Wizard Posts: 2,536 Karma: 2742770 Join Date: May 2025 Device: Kobo Forma, PocketBook InkPad Color 3	It was quite a time I didn't checked HN's, there is this device which compares, imho: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48873790 It's a crowdfunding (so it needs to read well all the notes behind, btw): https://www.crowdsupply.com/oddly-sp...pen-book-touch

07-16-2026, 10:17 AM	#14
j.p.s Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,071 Karma: 107275353 Join Date: Apr 2011 Device: pb360	Well, it's manufacturer presumed use case is on the back of a phone, presumably kept in a pocket.

07-16-2026, 07:06 PM	#15
NickyWithNook Guru Posts: 755 Karma: 3942770 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: American living in Australia Device: Kobo Libra Colour, Kindle Oasis (Don't use Nook anymore)	Mine arrived yesterday. So far, I love it! I read part of The Big Four by Agatha Christie while waiting for coffee this morning. I had thrown the x4 in my pocket with my phone, and reached in my pocket while I was waiting, and realized I had the x4 with me, so I picked it up and continued with my book. I've read over half the book and it's at 93%. So far, I love it