--- source_url: "https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-a-comparison-of-the-xteink-x3-vs-x4-buyers-guide/" title: "Guide: XTEINK X3 vs X4 Compared (Buyers Guide)" mirrored_at: 2026-08-21T01:00:58.548Z host: www.joshualowcock.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-a-comparison-of-the-xteink-x3-vs-x4-buyers-guide/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-a-comparison-of-the-xteink-x3-vs-x4-buyers-guide/ _**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). It’s only $1.99. If you could consider buying a copy, that would be wonderful. 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). **UPDATES** **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/). **EEGO A4 Review.** I managed to get my hands on the EEGO A4, a competitor to XTEINK. It’s an X3-sized touchscreen, USB C and backlit reader. Read my [review of the EEGO A4 here](https://www.joshualowcock.com/eego/first-review-eego-a4-microreader/). Now back to the blog post… Update: With the XTEINK X4 Pro now available, I made a [quick comparison table of the X4 Pro vs X4 and X3](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/quick-guide-xteink-x4-pro-vs-x4-vs-x3-compared/). You can [find it here](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/quick-guide-xteink-x4-pro-vs-x4-vs-x3-compared/). If you’re thinking of [buying an XTEINK X4](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPXPK65X?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.M4JOKO8E1D6C&linkCode=tr1&tag=txz9evt4sr6bh-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.M4JOKO8E1D6C_1777659549529) ([grab one now on Amazon!](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPXPK65X?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.53SOFA83RZ89&linkCode=tr1&tag=txz9evt4sr6bh-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.53SOFA83RZ89_1780690363770)), I love mine – it’s fun, hackable, and despite the limitations it helps me read more distraction free as it’s small enough to be always in my pocket. ![XTEINK X3 attached to the back of an iPhone Pro Max](https://www.joshualowcock.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/XTEINKX3-iPhonePro-261x300.png)In December, XTEINK [announced the X3](https://amzn.to/4fJV1kq), a smaller version of the X4 (grab [an X3 on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSZX5MWR?ref=t_ac_view_request_product_image&campaignId=amzn1.campaign.53SOFA83RZ89&linkCode=tr1&tag=txz9evt4sr6bh-20&linkId=amzn1.campaign.53SOFA83RZ89_1780690692921)). Pre-orders sold out quickly and started shipping in February 2026. I didn’t pre-order, but now was able to grab one later (you can also now [buy the X3 from 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_1786714187305)). The big selling point of the X3 is smaller form factor and higher DPI (see table below) but they abandoned USB C for a pogo plug cable. I really don’t like pogo cables, as it’s just not as convenient as USB C and adds a ‘replacement cable’ risk but there [are X3 replacement cable options](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/xteink-x3-replacement-cable-x3-compatible-charger/). Which one is right for you? Given the X4 is available now, I’d recommend the X4 but the X3 is also fun. Here’s the features of the X3, my thoughts are after the “|” symbol: - Smaller and lighter, just 55 g with a 3.7-inch display | better if you want to stick to the back of your phone - Higher resolution at 250+ PPI | improves readability - Built-in gyroscope for motion-based page turning | cool, but whatever… - NFC support | feels like a novelty - Magnetic Pogo Pin charging (cable included) | ugh… not a fan - Time display and battery percentage | cool, but battery percentage can be done with Crosspoint firmware - Expanded smart features such as cloud content push, subscriptions, weather, calendar and more There’s a lot of me sounding negative ha! but the smaller size and weight and better resolution is good to see. The reading experience is still very good on the X3. I do have a YouTube short preview of the X3, thanks to some friends in China (but c[heck out Amazon for lots of recent images](https://amzn.to/4fJV1kq)). The X3 pre-orders started shipping February 5th, 2025, new orders ship end of March 2026, Amazon orders ship next day. Important to know, as of April/May 2026, X3’s shipped from AliExpress may have the ability to flash custom firmware locked down – but there is a [workaround for X3 firmware flashing](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-xteink-unable-to-flash-custom-firmware-fix-for-x3-users/) but Amazon models are not locked down. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cm4tBV5AiSg #### **the X3 and the XTEINK iOS App**  With the X3 you can use the iOS App to push to web pages, articles, and articles to your X3. The native XTEINK App suports weather and calendar makes the X3 a great companion device to eInk writing tablets like the [Remarkable](https://www.joshualowcock.com/remarkable). The [official XTEINK iOS app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xteink/id6754496214) is already available if you’re interested in having a play and get a preview of what XTEINK is thinking. To register and use the app (email) you need to be on OS 5 or higher. There’s an XT Cloud setting, plus the ability to import content (links, books, comics, PDFs, and create albums). #### **Replacement X3 Cable Charging Cable** On the XTEINK discord server, multiple users have confirmed this [adapter works](https://amzn.to/46HJYTy). It’s a sub US$10 adapter that attaches to any standard USB C cable. So don’t panic if you lose the charging cable! Finally, for those interested, the following comparison table gives a quick rundown of how the X3 vs X4. #### **XTEINK X3 3D Printed Case** The best (current) 3D printed case for the XTEINK X3 case is this [3D Printed XTEINK X3 flip case](https://makerworld.com/en/models/2421244-xteink-x3-flip-cover#profileId-2655356). X3 X4 Display Size 3.7" 4.3" Resolution 480x800 480x800 Pixel Density 220 PPI 250 PPI Size 98 x 64 x 4.98 mm 114 x 69 x 5.98 mm Weight 55g 74g E Ink Yes Yes NFC Yes No Gyroscope Yes No Backlight No No Internal Storage microSD microSD XTEINK Cloud Yes - Enhanced Yes Battery 650mAh about one week 650mAh about one week Charging Custom USB C Available Shipped Feb-26 Now Let’s see what XTEINK brings us when they ship! The versions in China are on early versions of the firmware (v1.09). If you’re going to get the X4 instead, I wrote [a great getting started guide for X4 owners](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/the-best-guide-tools-hacks-and-more-for-xteink-x4-owners/). If you’re wondering about the [XTEINK S4](https://www.joshualowcock.com/xteink/guide-xteink-s4-all-we-know-about-the-potential-successor-to-the-x4/), which is a rumored upcoming device which will be Android based, but still lightweight and small. Supposedly there will be an announcement in early 2026. They have been testing this since around August 2025 (according [to this post](https://www.xiaohongshu.com/explore/68a3f077000000001d01fe58?app_platform=android&ignoreEngage=true&app_version=9.11.6&share_from_user_hidden=true&xsec_source=app_share&type=video&xsec_token=CB1sXheBQ7MEuSHxE_ukZYP1isjVOzpgWJyCRDcdS4SOM=&author_share=1&shareRedId=OD8yNzlLN0I2NzUyOTgwNjk6OTdGPDc7&apptime=1765912678&share_id=aa1ada8fdfdd4da292df234886d226ec&share_channel=copy_link&appuid=69076f39000000003700b712&xhsshare=CopyLink)). It has new software and looks like a big upgrade on the X4. That said, if it approaches the [base kindle price](https://amzn.to/4a5WfTW), it would be a hard sell even with the small size. 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 and microreader 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/) **EEGO Devices** - [Preview EEGO A4 and P4](https://www.joshualowcock.com/eego/preview-the-eegogo-a-new-micro-eink-reader-from-china/) - [First review, EEGO A4 microreader](https://www.joshualowcock.com/eego/first-review-eego-a4-microreader/) _**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). It’s only $1.99. If you could consider buying a copy, that would be wonderful. 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!_