Xteink's newest e-reader features Android on a compact display that easily attaches to your phone.
Xteink has introduced the S4, its most advanced e-reader to date, powered by Android and priced around $50.
E-readers do not need to be large, pricey, or confined to a single platform. Xteink, a Chinese company subtly competing with Amazon and Kobo through its compact devices, has just unveiled its latest release.
The Xteink S4 is a small and lightweight e-reader that operates on Android and can be magnetically attached to the back of your smartphone. It is currently available for pre-order in China at approximately $50, with an international launch anticipated in the upcoming months (via NotebookCheck).
What makes the Xteink S4 noteworthy?
The most significant update with the S4 is its operating system. Previous models like the X3 and X4 utilized a proprietary OS, which limited their functionality. The S4 runs on Android 11, which may be older, but it allows for a much broader selection of reading applications.
You could potentially install Kindle, Kobo, NOOK, Libby, Moon Reader, or FBReader. While Google Apps and Services aren't officially supported, and some apps may require sideloading, the increased flexibility represents a considerable improvement over prior models.
What’s new in terms of hardware?
The S4 marks the first introduction of a front light in the Xteink series, featuring adjustable color temperature for comfortable reading under various lighting conditions.
The display remains at 4.3 inches, identical to that of the X4, but the battery capacity has significantly increased from 650mAh in earlier models to 1,400mAh. It also includes 2GB of RAM, 32GB of likely expandable storage, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB-C port.
How does the Xteink S4 stack up against other e-readers?
Measuring just 6.98mm thick and weighing 95 grams, the S4 is notably lighter and slimmer than Amazon's most affordable Kindle. Its magnetic attachment allows it to securely latch onto the back of a smartphone, positioning it as one of the most portable reading devices available today. While the specifications seem promising on paper, a comprehensive assessment must await actual testing.
Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment writer with over nine years of experience in editorial work.
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Xteink's newest e-reader features Android on a compact display that easily attaches to your phone.
Xteink's latest S4 swaps its exclusive operating system for Android 11, allowing access to third-party reading applications such as Kindle, Kobo, and Libby.
