Pocket e-readers are getting more popular, and it is easy to see why. They’re small enough to carry everywhere and make it easier to read during short breaks without the distractions that come with reading on a phone. Two models that stand out in this category are the XTEINK X4 Pro and the BOOX Picco. Both have a touchscreen, physical buttons, and a warm and cool front light, and both can be attached to the back of a phone, although they take quite different approaches. So which one fits your reading habits better?
Screen Size and Battery
The X4 Pro has a 4.3-inch display, while the Picco comes with a 3.97-inch screen. On a reader this small, that difference matters: the larger screen gives you more room for text and larger fonts, while the Picco has the advantage in weight at about 58g compared with 72g for the X4 Pro. Battery capacity goes the other way. The X4 Pro packs a 1100mAh battery compared with 920mAh on the Picco, giving it more capacity for longer reading sessions and front-light use. If you care most about keeping the device as light as possible, the Picco has the edge; if you prefer more screen space and a larger battery, the X4 Pro has more to offer.
Two Different Approaches to Magnetic Reading
Both readers can travel on the back of a phone, but the magnetic setup is different. The X4 Pro has magnets built directly into the reader, so it can attach to a compatible phone without requiring a dedicated magnetic case. Two adhesive metal rings are also included in the box. The Picco takes another approach, with its magnetic ring built into a dedicated protective case, making the case part of the setup. Neither approach is necessarily right for everyone, and compatibility can depend on the phone and case you use, but the X4 Pro keeps the magnetic hardware inside the reader itself.
Firmware and File Support
Units bought from the official XTEINK website come without third-party firmware restrictions, giving experienced users more freedom in how they use the device. Problems caused by unofficial firmware or other software modifications, however, are not covered by the warranty. The XTEINK app can be used to manage books, wallpapers, fonts, and other reading-related features, while books can also be transferred through microSD or by USB cable from a computer. The Picco supports file transfer through BOOX Tiles or the web, as well as USB-C with OTG support, and it has an advantage when it comes to file compatibility because it can open a wider range of formats directly, including MOBI and AZW3. On the X4 Pro, EPUB and TXT work directly, while PDF and MOBI may not be fully supported, so XTEINK recommends converting them through the official app.
So, Which One Should You Choose?
The choice really depends on what you want from a pocket reader. The XTEINK X4 Pro makes more sense if you want a larger 4.3-inch screen, a bigger battery, magnets built directly into the reader, and more firmware freedom. The BOOX Picco is the stronger choice if keeping the device as small and light as possible matters most, or if you regularly use different file formats and would rather not convert them. Both offer touchscreen controls, physical buttons, and adjustable front lighting, so the differences come down more to portability, screen space, battery capacity, and how you prefer to manage your books.
Final Verdict
The BOOX Picco is a compact and capable little e-reader. It is lighter, a bit sharper, and opens more formats directly, making it a good fit for readers who want the smallest possible device and broad file compatibility. The X4 Pro takes a slightly different route: its larger screen gives text more room, the 1100mAh battery provides more capacity for front-light use, and the built-in magnetic design keeps the phone attachment simple. It has also recently been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2026, giving XTEINK’s pocket reader notable recognition beyond the brand itself. Neither device wins in every category, but for readers who value the larger display, battery capacity, and built-in magnetic design, the X4 Pro makes a strong case.
XTEINK’s Halloween promotion runs from October 21 to 31, 2026, with discounts of 13% to 17% depending on the model and promotion period. Deals will also be available on Amazon, although discounts may vary between platforms.
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