Tiny e-readers are very popular right now, and a lot of people love them. I don’t really understand why. I’ve tried many of these small devices. Most of them don’t convince me. There is one mini e-reader I actually like, though, and I’ll tell you which one at the end.
Here is the latest news, brand by brand.
Xteink X4 Classic: same reader, new problem
Xteink stopped selling the original X4 and replaced it with the X4 Classic. I reviewed the first X4 on the website, and I didn’t like it much, even with the CrossPoint software installed.
The X4 Classic is basically the same reader with one important change: the charging port. The old X4 had a normal USB-C port, the same plug most phones use today. The Classic uses pogo pins instead, so you need a special magnetic cable. If you lose it or forget it at home, you can’t just borrow a friend’s charger. For me, that makes the device even worse. It’s not trash, but I don’t like it.
Xteink X4 Pro: a little better
In July, Xteink also released the X4 Pro. This one has a touchscreen and a front light, a small light built into the screen so you can read in the dark. I think it’s a little better.
To be fair, there are things I like about the X4 family. The small screen is nice, the software is okay, and you can even install other reading software (I have a tutorial on the website).
My big problem with the older model was the screen. It wasn’t a touchscreen, so you had to press tiny buttons for everything. The Pro fixes that.
PocketBook Q: nice, but expensive
PocketBook joined the party with the PocketBook Q. I think it’s better than the Xteink because the screen is bigger: 5.84 inches, which is close to a smartphone screen.
The specs are good. It has a Carta 1300 black-and-white E Ink screen, one of the best e-paper screens you can get right now. It also has 32 GB of storage, water resistance, and a good battery.
But the price is almost $200. That’s expensive. For the same money, you can buy a Kindle or a good Kobo with a great screen. So I still don’t get it.
Boox Picco: Boox wants Xteink’s fans
Now Boox is here too, with the Boox Picco. In my opinion, Boox made this device to win over people who were going to buy an Xteink. It uses the same kind of E Ink screen.
So what does it do better? It has a microSD card slot for extra storage. I also think its software is better (there’s a video about it on the website). And putting books on it looks easier. With the Xteink, you usually need your smartphone and a Wi-Fi connection to send your books, and that’s not great.
Xteink S4: Android on a tiny screen
So, now that Boox and PocketBook are in the game, what did Xteink do? They announced the Xteink S4. It’s the same size as the X4, but it runs Android, the same system many phones use.
I don’t think it will be a good e-reader. Why? It only has 2 GB of RAM. RAM is the short-term memory a device uses to run apps. Android is a good system, but with only 2 GB, I don’t think it will run smoothly. Also, many Android apps don’t work well on a screen this small (about 4 inches), because they were made for bigger phones.
My pick: the Boox Palma 2
If you really want a small e-reader, my choice is the Boox Palma 2. It runs Android, and it has enough power to handle it. It’s not as tiny as the Xteink, of course, but it’s much more usable.
Buy a Boox e-reader (from Onyx)
Onyx Boox on Amazon.com (click here)
Onyx Boox official website (click here)
What about you?
Do you like mini e-readers? If you do, tell me why in the comments, because I really want to understand!
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