Xteink · Reviewed by EscolhaSegura · Published 2026-05-25
Based on a review by EscolhaSegura (accessed 2026-05-25).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about super portable and lightweight (74 grams), fits easily in a pocket — just accept lacks a backlight, making reading in low-light conditions difficult or impossible.
The reviewer loved the Xteink X4 after installing the CrossPoint firmware, proclaiming it "the best cheap digital reader you can have today." While acknowledging it's not for everyone due to the initial setup hurdle, they conclude it's an "excellent option" for those willing to customize it and who prioritize a functional reader that protects user data over Amazon's convenience.
This review provides an analysis of the Xteink X4 portable e-reader, highlighting its portability, focus on privacy, and customization potential. It examines the device's build quality, screen specifications, and controls, while also comparing its features and user experience to Amazon Kindle models. A significant portion of the review is dedicated to demonstrating the necessity and process of installing custom firmware to enhance the device's functionality.
The Xteink X4 is a compelling, affordable digital reader for those seeking privacy and customization, though it requires an initial firmware update to truly shine. Its protective glass screen and lightweight 74-gram aluminum build are premium features at this price, but the default operating system is severely lacking in basic functionality and text formatting. Installing the CrossPoint firmware transforms the device, enabling wireless file transfers and extensive custom settings, making it an excellent reader. If you prioritize an open-source system over Amazon's ecosystem and are willing to perform a simple setup, this e-reader is an excellent choice. However, if you desire out-of-the-box convenience or a built-in backlight for low-light reading, you should consider other options.
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The Xteink X4 is described as a super portable digital reader, small enough to fit in a pocket.
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The device weighs approximately 74 grams, making it extremely light and almost unnoticeable when carried in a pocket during daily routines.
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The Xteink X4 is presented with a total focus on privacy and customization, differentiating it from more controlled ecosystems.
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Even with import taxes, the Xteink X4 does not reach 400 Brazilian Reais, positioning it as a budget-friendly option.
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The 4.3-inch screen features a protective glass layer, a characteristic typically found only in more expensive Kindle models, earning the X4 significant praise for its build quality.
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The 4.3-inch screen has a resolution of 220 PPI, which is deemed appropriate for its size, especially when compared to Kindle models that offer 300 PPI on larger displays.
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A notable negative point is the complete absence of a backlight, making reading difficult in low-light environments, such as at night or in dimly lit waiting rooms.
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The aluminum back, though accumulating fingerprints, is preferred over Amazon's rubberized material which tends to become greasy over time.
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The Xteink X4 utilizes four physical buttons on the front and additional buttons on the sides for navigation, as it does not have a touchscreen. This design avoids accidental touches but can make accessing information more bureaucratic compared to Kindle's touch interface.
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The device comes with a "terrible" original operating system that lacks basic e-reader features like proper text formatting, italic font recognition, adequate spacing, a simple file addition process, and even a battery indicator.
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The reviewer strongly recommends installing the CrossPoint firmware, stating it improves the device's 'quality of life by 1000%' and transforms it into the 'best cheap digital reader available today.'
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With CrossPoint, adding books is significantly simpler, supporting multiple methods like an adapter for microSD cards, or wireless transfer via Wi-Fi, the Calibre app, or a local hotspot.
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The CrossPoint firmware allows for various configurations to optimize files for the device, such as image quality, rotation, and cover selection, along with extensive system settings for themes, fonts, button remapping, and more, which are absent in the original OS.
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The CrossPoint firmware only supports epub or txt files for books and BMP or JPG for images, notably lacking support for PDF, CBZ (comics), or MOBI formats.
The reviewer states that the Xteink X4, even with import taxes, costs less than 400 BRL. After installing the CrossPoint firmware, it becomes "the best cheap digital reader you can have today," offering a privacy-focused, customizable experience without Amazon's ecosystem. It also includes premium features like a glass screen protector, often found only on more expensive Kindles.
The Xteink X4 features a 4.3-inch screen with 220 PPI resolution, which is considered appropriate for its compact size. It boasts a protective glass layer, a feature usually associated with more premium devices. However, its significant drawback is the complete absence of any integrated backlight, which severely hinders readability in dimly lit conditions.
The Xteink X4 operates without a touchscreen, utilizing a set of four physical buttons on the front and additional buttons on the sides for navigation. While this design is beneficial for preventing accidental touches, the reviewer notes that interacting with the system can feel more 'bureaucratic' compared to the touch-based interface of Kindles, especially for accustomed users.
The device ships with a "terrible" default operating system that lacks basic e-reader features like proper text formatting, italic font support, a battery indicator, and has a cumbersome file transfer process. The reviewer strongly recommends and demonstrates installing the CrossPoint firmware, which "improves the quality of life by 1000%" and transforms the device into a capable e-reader.
Once the CrossPoint firmware is installed, the Xteink X4 supports EPUB and TXT files for books, and BMP or JPG for images. However, it does not support other common formats such as PDF, CBZ for comics, or MOBI, which is a popular format within the Kindle ecosystem.
100/100 source quality
The Xteink X4 is introduced as an ultra-portable and affordable e-reader with a strong emphasis on user privacy and customization, aiming to be a viable alternative to Amazon Kindle devices. Despite its attractive price point and features like a protective glass screen and microSD support, the device ships with a "terrible" default operating system that lacks essential functions. The review strongly advocates for and demonstrates the installation of the CrossPoint custom firmware, which dramatically improves the device's usability, interface, and file management capabilities. Ultimately, while the X4 offers great value post-customization, its lack of a backlight and the required firmware installation may not appeal to all users.
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Brand relationship disclosed as: affiliate