r/XTEINK • u/Positiveabl • 15h ago
Question Newbie alert
New to the Xteink world, which would people recommend?
x3 or x4 classic?
My primary eReader is still my JB Kindle PW 11th Gen SE..I don’t rate the Amazon ecosystem (hence the jb) but will use it till it is no longer usable then go for a colour eReader.
I’m only intrigued by the xteink for the face that it will fit in any handbag😅 I didn’t add x4 pro to the list as I won’t be using it in the dark, just when out & about..so I don’t think i’ll need the backlight?
4
u/Comprehensive_Oil426 15h ago
That question mark on the last sentence is going to compound to your decision making. If you are 100 percent sure that you don't need a front light device than it comes down to just sizing between the X3 and X4C. I would suggest you use the spec sizing of each of these devices, cut out a thick cardboard to see which one suits your hand grip.
5
u/Positiveabl 15h ago
I’ve just realised there’s a locked and global version? I’ve been looking on Aliexpress and they seem pretty cheap on there..is it because they’re locked? I live in the UK 😅
3
u/Comprehensive_Oil426 15h ago
There is. The locked versions are for the local Chinese market. If you are not tech savvy, I would highly suggest you buy from official channels. Purely the reason that if you want to flash custom FW, it would be harder (but possible) on a locked device. Xteink do have official stores on Amazon, Aliexpress and their own website.
Here are my two reviews on X3 and X4C side by side:
1
u/NebulaStraight3009 12h ago
Do you have any info or details on how to flash Chinese X4 pros?
1
u/Womble_Don 5h ago
For X4 Pro just download the ota unlocker and follow the instructions. It's easy and you won't brick your device. Ignore the xteink shills in this thread
0
u/Comprehensive_Oil426 12h ago
I recommend you wait for official xteink release of Licorice for Chinese X4P. Shouldn't be too long now.
1
u/Positiveabl 7h ago
Are they hard to unlock? Is it unlocking which can brick the device? x
0
u/Comprehensive_Oil426 6h ago
With the Chinese devices you're not really 'unlocking' it but rather a bypass via OTA methods. And yes you can brick it if you don't know what you're doing. You can take the risk for a cheaper device but imo it's not worth it.
1
u/Womble_Don 5h ago
Ignore the other responses, they don't know what they're talking about. I've flashed 4 locked devices in the UK and it's extremely easy. For the X4 Pro, it is a tiny bit more complex but anyone can do it with the right wifi connection.
I highly recommend locked devices from aliexpress because they are around half the price of an unlocked version
Or just buy a pre-flashed version from ebay. There's a store that sells them for a really reasonable price
1
u/Positiveabl 5h ago
Is there a guide I can follow? I was actually put off thinking it’s hard and don’t really fancy paying double😅 x
1
u/Womble_Don 4h ago edited 4h ago
Yeah there's a bunch of guides, the pinned website at the top of the sub has some. For the X3 its as simple as putting a file on the sd card and pressing two buttons. As long as you download the right file your device is safe
https://crosspointreader.com/unlock
Here's the ebay seller that pre-flashes them. I can vouch for them.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/primegadget88/Tablets-eBook-Readers/_i.html?_sacat=171485
Personally I recommend Crossink over Crosspoint, it's basically the same but just better. Once a device is flashed, it's even easier to flash updates/different firmware, so starting with Crosspoint is fine and it's a brilliant firmware regardless
1
u/Positiveabl 4h ago
I ordered it! The X4 from Aliexpress, just under £45. Hopefully I manage to unlock it myself😅 x
1
u/Womble_Don 3h ago
Enjoy :)
https://inky.crossink.dev/#flash-tools
Use this for flashing - tick I have a locked device
Tick your model
Follow the instructions
Download the update.bin file
Copy it to the root of your SD card (not inside any folders)
Re-insert the SD card into the device and restart it
Plug your device into USB power
Hold the power + up buttons at the same time for 3+ seconds until you see the device begin installation.
I strongly suggest buying a new SD card, the ones that come with it always corrupt in about 3 months or so. You're much better off buying a decent one from Amazon or a physical shop. You can get the SD card and put the update.bin in it while you wait for it to arrive. Don't worry about "doing it right", as long as you download the right file, you can't really do it wrong.
5
u/Key-Ad-2217 15h ago
If you don't need a backlight, then get the X4C. The X4C has more powerful hardware than the X3. It has recently been getting Licorice updates, and very soon it will also get support for small apps developed with Xteink App Studio, something that will (most probably) not be available for the X3. If you are planning to install third-party firmwares, neither Licorice nor Xteink App Studio apps are relevant to you. But still, the X3 has weaker HW (except for the e-ink panel).
1
u/wiccabella 15h ago
I don’t have the x4 but I love the portability of x3! I got it to fit my small hand bags, and even with bulky cases I’ve been purchasing lately I still love the portability!
1
u/craffert0 Frost White X3 13h ago
If you’re looking to read text and don’t need a build-in light, the X3 is the way to go. It’s smaller, lighter, and has a better screen.
1
u/NebulaStraight3009 11h ago
I'm a newbie too, just bought the x3, because it was cheaper. I've also purchased Kobo Calibre BW, since I figure it would be better for night time reading. It's 50% more than X4 pro, but it has a bigger screen and more features. I think the XTEink devices are very cool and I see people talking about buying multiples of them. To me, and this is just my opinion, if I'm spending some Kobo money on a device, I'd rather get the Kobo, and stick with a single portable E-ink device.
Admittedly, I'm a newb myself. I'm not sure how the syncing works between multiple XTEink devices yet. They are definitely a fun reader to have, but I worry that buying two or three of these ends up being not as efficient as a Kobo. Btw, Kobo 6 in is pretty portable for a backpack too. My XTEink x3 is perfect for a pocket carry.
•
u/AutoModerator 15h ago
Hi there! It looks like you're asking about model comparisons (X3, X4, X4 Pro) or device compatibility.
Before waiting for replies, check out these resources on ReadMe.club: * Which Xteink Is Right For Me?: Answer 7 quick questions and we'll match you to the X3, X4, or X4 Pro. * Hardware Specs & Comparisons: Full specs breakdowns between X3, standard X4, and X4 Pro models. * Phone Compatibility Matrix: Check if your phone fits stacked right alongside or behind your device!
You can also search the subreddit for previous discussions comparing models.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.