Comparing the XTeink X4 and M5 PaperS3

Описание: A comparison of the two small ereader devices available in January 2026. The X4 is a dedicated ereader, while the Paper S3 is a hacking display with a capacitive, single-point touch screen.

XTeink X4: https://www.xteink.com/products/xtein...
M5 Paper S3: https://shop.m5stack.com/products/m5p...

eReader software:

For the PaperS3, in m5Burner, choose Paper in the list on the left, then search for "PaperS3" to get all the S3 software. The reader I flashed is one of only two: PaperS3_ePub_Reader by juicecultus. github https://github.com/juicecultus/diy-es...

X4 Resource Hub: https://readme.club
X4 web flashing tool: https://xteink.dve.al/
Subreddit:   / xteinkereader  

XTEINK X4: Display: 4.3-inch monochrome e-ink, 480×800 resolution (~220 ppi), no touchscreen, no frontlight. Processor: ESP32-class microcontroller, single core, up to ~240 MHz (exact model not publicly specified). RAM: 128 MB. Storage: microSD card included (typically 32 GB), expandable. Battery: ~650 mAh. Weight: ~74 g. Intended use: dedicated, minimalist e-reader with closed firmware.

M5Stack Paper S3: Display: 4.7-inch monochrome e-ink, 960×540 resolution (~235 ppi), capacitive touchscreen (GT911), 16-level grayscale, no frontlight. Processor: ESP32-S3, dual-core Xtensa LX7, up to 240 MHz. RAM: 8 MB PSRAM plus internal SRAM (~512 KB). Storage: 16 MB onboard flash plus microSD slot. Battery: ~1800 mAh. Weight: ~112 g. Intended use: programmable development device that can be configured as an e-reader or other e-ink applications.

Summary: The XTEINK X4 has much more conventional RAM for its fixed reading firmware but a simpler single-core MCU, while the M5Stack Paper S3 has a faster dual-core processor and touch-capable display but far less RAM, relying on PSRAM and custom software instead of a consumer e-reader OS.

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