Xteink X4 Pro Hits Record Low of $84 as Mini E-Reader Market Heats Up

Key points

• The Xteink X4 Pro is discounted to $84.15 at Amazon, down from its $99 retail price, marking its best price to date.
• The device features a 4.26-inch E Ink display, a touchscreen, physical page-turn buttons, and a built-in light with adjustable color temperature.
• It weighs 72 grams and has a 5.95 mm profile, with magnets allowing it to attach to smartphones.
• The X4 Pro uses a proprietary charging connector instead of USB-C, a change noted by reviewers.
• The device runs CrossPoint Reader software, which offers a better experience than previous Xteink models but is less polished than Amazon’s software.
• The X4 Pro supports only DRM-free EPUB files, limiting access to certain library content.

Background

The mini e-reader category has expanded significantly in 2026, with new entrants like the Onyx Boox Picco and PocketBook Q challenging established models. The Xteink X4 Pro, released in July 2026, introduced a touchscreen and improved software over previous iterations. Earlier coverage noted the Boox Picco’s USB-C port and Linux-based OS as key differentiators, though it lacks the magnetic attachment feature of the X4 Pro. The market now includes devices with AI features, such as the Metalio INK 4, which integrates cloud sync and AI chat capabilities.

How outlets are covering it

The Verge highlights the X4 Pro’s touchscreen, lighting, and software improvements as key reasons for its recommendation, while noting the proprietary charging connector as a drawback. Mashable emphasizes the deal’s value but points out the limitation of supporting only DRM-free EPUB files. Good e-Reader positions the X4 Pro as a top mini e-reader, praising its weight and battery capacity, while also noting the arrival of competitors like the Boox Picco and PocketBook Q. TechRadar’s content is obscured by membership prompts, but its title suggests a preference for tiny e-readers over Kindles, likely due to their portability and distraction-free design.

Why it matters

The X4 Pro’s price drop makes it a more accessible option for readers seeking a compact, distraction-free alternative to smartphones. Its features, such as the touchscreen and adjustable lighting, address common complaints about previous mini e-readers. The competition from new entrants like the Boox Picco and PocketBook Q indicates a growing market for mini e-readers, with consumers prioritizing portability, battery life, and software experience. The proprietary charging connector and DRM limitations remain key considerations for potential buyers.

What to watch

The X4 Pro’s limited-time deal at Amazon may end soon, as indicated by the 'limited time deal' tag. The PocketBook Q is expected to launch in late fall, potentially increasing competition in the mini e-reader market. The Boox Picco, currently sold out in the US, may see restocking, though its availability is uncertain. Future updates to Xteink’s software or hardware could address the proprietary connector and DRM limitations, potentially improving the device’s appeal.