Xteink's newest e-reader offers Android functionality on a compact screen that attaches to your phone.

      Xteink has introduced the S4, its most advanced e-reader to date, which operates on Android and is priced at approximately $50.

      E-readers need not be bulky, costly, or confined to a single ecosystem. Xteink, a Chinese company subtly competing with Amazon and Kobo through its compact devices, has unveiled its newest model.

      The Xteink S4 is a lightweight, compact e-reader that runs Android and can magnetically attach to the back of your smartphone. It is currently available for pre-order in China for about $50, with an international launch anticipated in the coming months (via NotebookCheck).

      What aspects of the Xteink S4 deserve attention?

      The most notable change in the S4 is its operating system. Previous Xteink models, such as the X3 and X4, operated on a proprietary OS, which limited functionality. The S4, however, runs on Android 11, which, while outdated, allows for a broader selection of reading apps.

      You might be able to install applications like Kindle, Kobo, NOOK, Libby, Moon Reader, or FBReader. While Google Apps and Services have not been officially confirmed, making it necessary to sideload some applications, the increased flexibility represents a significant improvement over prior models.

      What hardware updates does it offer?

      The S4 also introduces front lighting for the first time in the Xteink series, featuring adjustable color temperature for comfortable reading in various lighting environments.

      The display is still 4.3 inches, the same size as the X4, but the battery capacity has more than doubled, increasing from 650mAh in earlier models to 1,400mAh now. It 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?

      With a thickness of just 6.98mm and weighing 95 grams, the S4 is considerably lighter and slimmer than Amazon’s most affordable Kindle. Its magnetic attachment allows for easy placement on the back of a smartphone, making it one of the most portable reading solutions available today. While the specifications look promising on paper, a full evaluation will be possible only after we test it ourselves.

      Manisha Priyadarshini is a tech and entertainment journalist with over nine years of experience in editorial work.

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