Smaller than an iPhone, but still bigger than a smartwatch

The $69 Xteink X4 e-reader is a tiny, 5-inch marvel that’s equal parts fascinating and infuriating. At just over 3 ounces and 0.45 inches thick, it’s smaller than the Kobo Mini, E Ink smartphones like the Boox Palma, and even some smartwatches – yet still manages to pack an entire e-reading experience into its compact frame. Despite its minuscule size, however, the X4 is a frustratingly unintuitive device that requires users to awkwardly pinch-zoom their way through menus, tap fiddly buttons, and navigate a labyrinthine interface. Despite these drawbacks, a dedicated community of X4 enthusiasts has risen up to provide custom firmware options, tweaked settings, and user-created guides that help bridge the gap between this tiny e-reader’s limitations. With some tweaking, the X4 can become a surprisingly capable device for reading on-the-go – but its size remains both its greatest strength and weakest link. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking for a discreet companion for commutes, the X4 is worth considering – as long as you’re willing to overlook (or overcome) its numerous hurdles along the way.