--- source_url: "https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/first-review-xteink-x4-pro-the-x4-v2-hands-on-is-it-a-worthy-upgrade/" title: "First Review: XTEINK X4 Pro, the X4 V2 Hands On - is it a worthy upgrade? : Joshua Lowcock" mirrored_at: 2026-08-19T01:08:50.758Z host: www.joshualowcock.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/first-review-xteink-x4-pro-the-x4-v2-hands-on-is-it-a-worthy-upgrade/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/first-review-xteink-x4-pro-the-x4-v2-hands-on-is-it-a-worthy-upgrade/ _**An August 2026 ask…** I have a short fiction piece titled “[The Last Message from Mars](https://amzn.to/3U4GAP3)“. It’s on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/3U4GAP3), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Joshua_Lowcock_The_Last_Message_from_Mars?id=MvT8EQAAQBAJ). For the [Kobo.](https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-last-message-from-mars) And [non DRM here](https://www.joshualowcock.com/the-last-message-from-mars/) (great for XTEINK). Thank you. – Joshua_ _Any and all advice, guides, and reviews are unbiased and based on my personal experience. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions, which helps support my website. This does not have an impact on posts or my opinion of any reviewed products._ _If you find this post helpful and want to say thanks, please [buy me a coffee](https://ko-fi.com/joshualowcock) or [take a look at my book on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3U4GAP3). It keeps this site ad-free. Thank you!_ The XTEINK [X3 is]() available on Amazon. The XTEINK X4 is sold out, the new X4 will be [available direct from XTEINK](https://go.sjv.io/c/7532944/3930529/54011) The XTEINK X4 Pro is [only available direct from XTEINK](https://go.sjv.io/c/7532944/3930529/54011). **BREAKING NEWS!** **XTEINK X4C and X4L LEAKS** Yes, there’s are MULTIPLE (yes multiple) X4s coming soon! And it’s not the X4 Pro! There is the [X4 v2 aka X4C](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/preview-xteink-x4c-the-x4-classic-a-new-xteink-device/) and also an [X4 Light aka X4L](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/leak-xteink-x4-light-aka-x4l/). So excited! If you want to support me, please consider buying my [first non-fiction short story](https://www.joshualowcock.com/the-last-message-from-mars/) a US$1.99, non-DRM version is available. Now back to the blog post… **Update:** If you didn’t pre-order when the X4 Pro was released (July 21) new orders won’t ship until after August 3rd. If you want an X4 Pro buy it directly from XTEINK, [here’s the link](https://go.sjv.io/c/7532944/3930529/54011)! Exciting news, I managed to get my hands on the XTEINK X4 Pro aka XTEINK X4 v2. I’ve written [about the leaks and previews](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-x4-v2-pro-xteink-x4-with-backlight/), but now I have my hands on the X4 Pro and have been itching to share my first impressions. I will post photos in the coming days. If you can’t wait, I also have [a quick comparison table of the X4 Pro vs X4 vs X3](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/quick-guide-xteink-x4-pro-vs-x4-vs-x3-compared/). **Initial Thoughts on XTEINK X4 Pro** Let’s be honest, it looks cool. The X4 Pro is slightly smaller than the X4, mostly because it loses the bottom buttons. It’s also a smidge thinner, which is probably because we lose USB C for a pogo plug. The screen still has the eInk crispness. The microSD card has shifted to the top, there are still page turn buttons, but these are side mounted. I think there will be more than a few people happy there are still some physical buttons. I won’t lie, the X4 Pro does look cool and there is still the ‘wow’ you experienced with the X4 and X3 when you see such a compact device. **Unboxing the XTEINK X4 Pro** What’s in the box: - XTEINK X4 V2 Pro - Matte Screen Protector - 32Gb microSD Card - MagSafe Stickers - USB C to Pogo dongle This is a Chinese model, so not sure if US versions will differ. The MagSafe is built in and works. As yet, there’s no case, they’re paid extras. XTEINK is (currently) offering a free case if you order from them directly. X4 cases do not fit. Currently the X4 Pro is only available in black, but it’s rumored a white version is planned. **First Impressions, Putting the X4 Pro to Use** This is a hard one to write as I got this a few weeks out from ‘official’ release.  XTEINK are clearly working out the bugs on the software and this software release definitely has all the feel of a beta . The touchscreen is laggy, which I am not sure if it’s software or hardware. I’ll try to refrain from complaining (too much) about the touchscreen, it works but I prefer the X4’s buttons. XTEINK have definitely gone for a cheaper touch screen. You can see the touch screen layer from certain angles. It’s like small microdots on the screen. I haven’t seen an implementation this ‘bad’ since the early days of touchscreen devices. This cheap touch screen could also explain the lag. Again, I may have received an early version of the device. Navigation is mostly by the touchscreen, but there is a home button discretely hidden in the front middle. Kind of in the middle of where the buttons were on the X4. The backlight/front light works.  You can adjust both brightness and color temp, as well as turn it off. I opted to turn it off, as I experienced some wildly fast battery draining issues. I’m trying not to read too much into that, it could be (another) software bug. Update, software updates fixed this too. There’s some light leakage around the bottom of the X4 Pro, not a lot, but noticeable. An upgrade over the X3 is that the X4 pogo plug supports USB transfer. So no fiddling with the microSD card, which is a win. To connect via USB transfer: 1. Connect X4 Pro to your computer using a USB cable and the pogo dongle. 2. On the X4 Pro Home screen, tap the upper-right corner to open the menu. 3. Select USB Mode. 4. Once X4 Pro appears on your computer, copy the book file to the device. 5. Win! On buttons, the XTEINK X4 Pro does have page turn buttons. These are on 1x left (back) and 1x right (forward). I prefer to read my X4 in landscape mode, so not a fan of the button placement. I didn’t get screen fade, so it passed the sunlight test. I’ll keep updating this review as I put it through its paces… **A few weeks into owning the X4 Pro My Real World Thoughts** Well, it has more than a few weeks since I scored early access and I’m still not convinced the X4 Pro is worth the upgrade if you already own an X4. I do think it’s overpriced compared to the X4 or even a Kindle on sale. I’m sorry, but that’s my honest view. The back/front light is cool; the touchscreen is OK; but it’s not a life changing upgrade or device especially at a $100 price point. I actually find it more comfortable to page turn on the X4 using the buttons than using the touchscreen as I predominantly use landscape mode. Also, with the [XTEINK S4 close to release](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-xteink-s4-all-we-know-about-the-potential-successor-to-the-x4/), I can’t help but ask myself would the S4 be better a better buy? I think it would. Also, the pogo charging just bugs me, maybe more than it should. Sure, the battery life is good but having to have yet-another-charging-cable is frustrating when the upside is limited (light, touchscreen). I will say that XTEINK are pushing out firmware updates for the stock firmware regularly. The current version v7.0.8 is actually pretty snappy. My advice and direct recommendation. Unless you desperately need backlighting or a touchscreen, the X3 and X4 are better value, especially when they go [on sale on Amazon, which is often](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSZX5MWR?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.3JZ7TOASDXWH0&linkCode=tr1&tag=txz9evt4sr6bh-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.3JZ7TOASDXWH0_1786713690623). Or you can still pick up a locked X4 for under $50 on AliExpress, which is half the price of the X4. Is a touchscreen and backlight worth an extra $30-$50 when everything else is unchanged? I lean towards no. **Where can you buy the XTEINK X4 Pro?** You can buy it from XTEINK X4 Pro directly from XTEINK, [here’s the link](https://go.sjv.io/c/7532944/3930529/54011)! Amazon sales are expected to start in August. How did I get one so early? I worked in China and have friends there, which is helping me out enormously with early access to a lot of Chinese tech, not just XTEINK’s. Please don’t buy the X4 Pro AliExpress, I think a lot of the sellers are speculating mass release in China and actually don’t have stock and XTEINK are only selling direct. The [XTEINK X4 Pro](https://amzn.to/4wgJvSD) WILL be available from Amazon, US regulatory approval is pending, so just wait a few more weeks. I don’t know if we’ll have the developer/non-developer issues either, which is another reason to wait for Amazon or buy it direct. At $99 + shipping from XTEINK, it’s not the budget pricing we all enjoyed on the X4. That puts the X4 Pro at about a $30 price premium over the X4. Is a front light worth that much to you? If it is, I think a [Kindle when it’s on sale](https://amzn.to/4xXeJ2U) would be a better deal. Especially given that obtaining books is easier on a Kindle. **What about a White XTEINK X4 Pro?** These are planned to be available in September. **Crosspoint on the XTEINK X4 Pro** Yes, it’s now in beta! I haven’t tested yet I want a second X4P first, but it’s now available direct from [CrossPointReader – make sure you pick X4 Pro](https://crosspointreader.com/). I’m not going to flash Crosspoint yet, maybe when I get a second X4P. **Final Thoughts** Is it worth the upgrade? To be honest, I prefer my X4. I don’t need the front light (want, sure, need…. not really). Do I need the X4 Pro when I have the X4 and X3? Not really, to be clear, I said ‘need’ vs ‘want’ ha! The price premium, loss of USB C (ugh! pogo plug charging!) well, it all adds up to the X4 Pro is a nice idea, but I can’t help but think the [XTEINK S4](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-xteink-s4-all-we-know-about-the-potential-successor-to-the-x4/) might be a better option and it’s shipping in China soon. I should also get my [EEGOGO soon](https://www.joshualowcock.com/eego/preview-the-eegogo-a-new-micro-eink-reader-from-china/), and it will be nice to compare each of them. **BREAKING NEWS:** The original XTEINK X4 will be discontinued, which changes things a little but not a lot. XTEINK will be releasing an [X4C aka XTEINK X4 Classic, learn more here](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/preview-xteink-x4c-the-x4-classic-a-new-xteink-device/). That all said, I’d honestly hold on the X4 Pro for now. You’re not missing anything, yet. Originally, I was thinking the best advice would be to [wait for the S4](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-xteink-s4-all-we-know-about-the-potential-successor-to-the-x4/). But now my sources tell me the S4 won’t be available internationally. Ugh. I guess we can wait to see if the X4C is going to offer something new. Basically though, if you don’t have a XTEINK device yet, I’d get an X3 or X4 first unless you desperately need a back/front light. Hope this helps someone else. PS. Please feel free to link back to this page or any of my other XTEINK posts. If you want an XTEINK, I recommend buying the [XTEINK X4 Pro from XTEINK](https://go.sjv.io/c/7532944/3930529/54011) or the [X3 on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSZX5MWR?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.3JZ7TOASDXWH0&linkCode=tr1&tag=txz9evt4sr6bh-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.3JZ7TOASDXWH0_1786713367800). **Some of my other posts about XTEINK devices:** **XTEINK**  - [Quick Comparison the XTEINK X4 Pro vs X4 v X3](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/quick-guide-xteink-x4-pro-vs-x4-vs-x3-compared/) **XTEINK X4** - [The best tools, hacks, and more for XTEINK X4 owners](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/the-best-guide-tools-hacks-and-more-for-xteink-x4-owners/) - [Ultimate XTEINK X4 FAQ (Unofficial)](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/the-ultimate-xteink-x4-faq-unofficial/) - [XTEINK X4 troubleshooting, fix common problems and issues](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-x4-troubleshooting-a-guide-for-x4-owners/). - [How to change the XTEINK language from Chinese to English](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-how-to-change-the-xteink-x4-to-english-works/) - [Moko XTEINK X4 Case Review: The Best XTEINK X4 Case](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-x4-case-alternatives-a-better-xteink-x4-flip-cover-case/) - [XTEINK X4 discontinued, what you need to know](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-x4-discontinued-not-really-heres-the-real-story/) **XTEINK X4 Light aka X4L** - [a new X4 with backlight (non pro variant)](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/leak-xteink-x4-light-aka-x4l/) **XTEINK X4 V2 aka X4C** - [A preview of the XTEINK X4 V2 aka X4C](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/preview-xteink-x4c-the-x4-classic-a-new-xteink-device/) **XTEINK X4 Pro**  - [Touchscreen XTEINK X4 with backlight](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-x4-v2-pro-xteink-x4-with-backlight/) **XTEINK X3** - [A comparison of the XTEINK X3 vs X4](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-a-comparison-of-the-xteink-x3-vs-x4-buyers-guide/) - [Replacement cable for XTEINK X3](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-x3-replacement-cable-x3-compatible-charger/) - [Buy the XTEINK X3 on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSZX5MWR?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.3JZ7TOASDXWH0&linkCode=tr1&tag=txz9evt4sr6bh-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.3JZ7TOASDXWH0_1786713367800) **XTEINK S4** - [XTEINK S4 Specs, Price, and more (Android 11 eInk microreader)](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-xteink-s4-all-we-know-about-the-potential-successor-to-the-x4/) **XTEINK Wallpaper eInk Card** - [XTEINK Color eInk ID Card/Wallpaper Device](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-color-eink-nfc-id-card-wallpaper/) **XTEINK YouTube Videos** - [XTEINK X4, X3, and S4 YouTube Videos](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm4tBV5AiSg&list=PLstxOGPS64IlDYBBfFpYRu6iZVHOZC21L) **XTEINK vs EEGOGO Memory Dispute** - [The XTEINK v EEGOGO 128m v 400k Memory Dispute](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-vs-eegogo-on-board-memory-dispute-400kb-vs-128m-error/) _**An August 2026 ask…** I have a short fiction piece titled “[The Last Message from Mars](https://amzn.to/3U4GAP3)“. It’s on [Amazon](https://amzn.to/3U4GAP3), [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Joshua_Lowcock_The_Last_Message_from_Mars?id=MvT8EQAAQBAJ). For the [Kobo.](https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-last-message-from-mars) And [non DRM here](https://www.joshualowcock.com/the-last-message-from-mars/) (great for XTEINK). Thank you. – Joshua_ _Any and all advice, guides, and reviews are unbiased and based on my personal experience. If you buy through affiliate links, I may earn commissions, which helps support my website. This does not have an impact on posts or my opinion of any reviewed products._ _If you find this post helpful and want to say thanks, please [buy me a coffee](https://ko-fi.com/joshualowcock) or [take a look at my book on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3U4GAP3). It keeps this site ad-free. Thank you!_