X3 vs X4 — Which One?
Both are tiny, distraction-free e-readers. They share the same core idea but are not interchangeable. Here's how to pick the one that fits your life.
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On this page
At a glance
| Feature | X3 | X4 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 3.7" e-ink | 4.3" e-ink |
| Screen feel | Higher density, very crisp | Larger, more words per page |
| Port | Proprietary pogo-pin cable | Standard USB-C |
| Size & weight | Smaller, ultra-pocketable | Still tiny, more "book-like" |
| Magnetic phone use | Designed for phone attachment | Also magnetic, larger footprint |
| Best for | Micro-sessions, language learning | Default reader for most people |
| Best for beginners? | Only if you love tiny devices | Yes — better default choice |
How they feel in real life
X4 — the default choice for most people
- The 4.3" screen shows more text per page while staying truly pocketable.
- USB-C charging — reuse your existing cables and chargers.
- For long, relaxed reading sessions, the extra screen real estate matters.
If you're not obsessed with ultra-small devices, the X4 is almost always the safer bet.
X3 — the ultra-portable specialist
- The 3.7" screen is closer to a large credit card than a paperback.
- Higher pixel density makes text very sharp — but fewer words per page.
- The proprietary pogo-pin cable is the price you pay for that form factor.
If you love gadgets that disappear in your pocket and accept the trade-offs, the X3 is a delight. If unsure, the X4 is safer.
Charging and cables
This is one of the most important practical differences.
X4 — USB-C
- Plug into the same charger as your phone or laptop
- Easy to replace cables if lost
X3 — pogo-pin
- Magnetic alignment — must align with contacts
- Losing/breaking the cable is a bigger problem
- Replacements are less trivial to find
If you know you tend to misplace cables, the X4 will be much more forgiving.
Reading behaviour and use cases
Choose the X4 if:
- You want one small reader for both short and long sessions
- You prefer standard charging (USB-C) and minimal maintenance
- You primarily read books, not just snippets or flashcards
It's the device most people should buy if they're choosing only once.
Choose the X3 if:
- You want an always-with-you reader attached to your phone
- You mostly read in short bursts: transport, queues, coffee breaks
- You're okay managing a special cable and a smaller reading window
Owners who have both often use the X3 for "micro-reading" and the X4 for "real sessions".
Using both together
Let the X3 handle:
- Short-form: essays, articles, language learning
- Quick, opportunistic sessions
Let the X4 handle:
- Main queue: novels, non-fiction, long-form
- Longer evenings and weekend sessions
Both can share the same microSD card and firmware family, especially if you explore CrossPoint.
The one-line rule
If you don't already love tiny gadgets: buy the X4.
If your favourite thing in the world is ultra-mini hardware and you accept the downsides: buy the X3.