Xteink S4 compact e-reader puts Android on the back of your iPhone

Xteink, the Chinese brand that is challenging the big names in the e-reader market with its compact offerings such as the Xteink X4 and Xteink X3, has launched another device. This new device has been announced in China as the Xteink S4, but what makes it different from its predecessors, is its operating system.

While the Xteink X4 and X3 ship with a proprietary operating system, the Xteink S4 runs Android out of the box, albeit the outdated Android 11. Nevertheless, the switch to Android will give users to a larger library of apps, although these apps may need to be sideloaded, since there's no mention of support for Google Apps and Services.

The Xteink S4 is available in black with large bezels and thick chin that seems to house a capacitive button insetad of physical buttons like on its predecessors. Although, there are still physical buttons on each side of the device. Like the previous models, it attaches magnetically to the back of a smartphone with built-in magnets.

With respect to technical specifications, the Xteink S4 has a 4.3-inch display like the Xteink X4 (available on Amazon for $69). It also has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, with the latter being likely expandable.

The spec sheet also mentions it has an adjustable front light, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and a USB-C port. Finally, the Xteink S4 will have a 1,400mAh battery capacity, which is more than double the 650mAh battery capacity of the X4 and X3. It also weighs 95 grams and has a thickness of 6.98mm.

The Xteink S4 is priced at CNY 339 (~$50/€42) in China, and it has been reported that it will get an international release in the coming months.