Chinese hardware maker Xteink has unveiled the X4 Pro, an updated version of its ultra-compact e-reader that now includes a touchscreen and a front light — features long requested by fans of the original X3 and X4 models. The device, which weighs just 72 grams and is 5.95 millimetres thin, is designed to be small enough to magnetise to the back of a smartphone or slip into a wallet, offering a distraction-free reading alternative to scrolling social media.
The addition of a touchscreen and front light marks a significant improvement over earlier versions, which relied solely on physical buttons for navigation. Early reviews suggest the X4 Pro is now viable as a primary e-reader rather than merely a travel companion. The front light can be dimmed and its colour temperature adjusted to a warm tone, making it suitable for bedtime reading, though one reviewer noted the lowest brightness setting remains slightly brighter than ideal for a dark room.
Battery life remains a strong point: after three weeks of daily use, a review unit still showed 60% battery remaining. However, the X4 Pro charges via a magnetic pogo connector rather than USB-C, a change from the previous model that may disappoint advocates of universal charging standards. Given the infrequent charging needed, the impact is minimal for most users, but it is worth noting for those who prefer a single cable for all devices.
For UK consumers, a key limitation is the lack of support for library e-books. The X4 Pro cannot integrate with apps such as Libby, meaning borrowed digital titles from public libraries cannot be loaded onto the device. Users must instead transfer files via a micro SD card, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth — a process that remains somewhat clunky, according to early testers. The device does support open-source software, appealing to technically inclined readers who want to customise their experience.
From a regulatory perspective, the X4 Pro falls under general consumer electronics rules rather than specific AI or data protection frameworks. The UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) does not currently impose additional requirements on e-ink readers, though any future software updates that introduce AI features could trigger obligations under the UK's evolving AI governance regime. The EU AI Act, meanwhile, does not directly apply to devices sold in the UK post-Brexit, but UK firms exporting to Europe will need to ensure compliance if the device incorporates adaptive algorithms.
For UK businesses, the X4 Pro represents a niche opportunity in the growing market for digital minimalism tools. Bookshops and publishers could explore bundling or promoting the device as a way to encourage reading over screen time. For consumers, the device offers a unique form factor that may appeal to commuters or those looking to reduce phone dependency, though the trade-offs in screen size and library compatibility mean it is unlikely to replace a full-sized Kindle or Kobo for most users.