My unboxing and first start of the XTEINK X4 mini e-Reader!

 In this video I unbox a really cool and minimalistic e-ink e-Reader, the XTEINK X4!

It’s meant to be attached on the backside of your phone using MagSafe so you can just flip your phone around and just read! Great for when you procrastinate with dumb things like social media..

It fits perfectly fine on the backside of my iPhone Air. Albeit upside down but that is not really a problem.


The Xteink X4 is a specialized, ultra-minimalist e-reader designed for maximum portability and distraction-free reading. Rather than competing with feature-rich tablets, it focuses on a "just enough" philosophy, serving as a pocket-sized companion that can be used standalone or magnetically attached to a smartphone.


Technical Architecture and Hardware

Unlike standard e-readers that utilize mobile Systems-on-Chip (SoC), the X4 is built on a microcontroller architecture.

  • Processor: It is powered by an Espressif ESP32-C3, a single-core 160 MHz processor based on the open-source RISC-V architecture.

  • Memory: The device operates with extreme efficiency, utilizing only 400 KB of total SRAM (~380 KB available for applications).

  • Storage: While it lacks substantial internal memory, it includes a microSD card slot (supporting up to 512 GB) for storing e-books and images.

  • Display: It features a 4.26-inch E-ink panel with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and a density of 220 PPI.

  • Input: To maintain its slim profile, the device omits a touchscreen. Instead, it uses seven physical buttons, including page-turn and navigation controls, which operate via a resistor ladder connected to Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) pins.


Physical Design and Connectivity

The X4 is engineered for the "Everyday Carry" (EDC) community, prioritizing weight and thinness.

  • Dimensions: The device measures 114 x 69 x 5.9 mm and weighs only 74 grams.

  • MagSafe Integration: A built-in magnetic ring allows it to snap onto the back of compatible iPhones or other devices, effectively creating a dual-screen setup.

  • Battery Life: Despite a small 650 mAh battery, the efficient E-ink display allows for up to 14 days of use (based on 1–3 hours of reading per day).

  • Wireless: It supports 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for file transfers and system updates.


Software and Performance

The software environment is intentionally restricted to prevent digital distractions.

  • File Support: The stock firmware natively supports EPUB and TXT documents, as well as BMP and JPG images.

  • Limitations: It cannot read DRM-protected books (which must be sideloaded) and does not support third-party Android applications.

  • Community Ecosystem: Because of its hackable nature, a community-driven firmware called CrossPoint has emerged, offering improved typography, Calibre integration, and faster wireless transfers.

Go check it out here and buy it you too:


https://www.xteink.com/


Watch video here:

Please subscribe to my channel


Comments

Post a Comment