Is the Xteink waterproof? Water resistance on pocket e-readers, explained

Xteink doesn't say why its readers aren't rated, and it hasn't announced a water-resistant model. Exposed charging contacts and open ports are the usual weak points on any device, so a reader that's been wet should never be charged until it's completely dry.

Water resistance is rated with IP (ingress protection) codes from the IEC 60529 standard. The first digit rates protection against dust and solids; the second rates protection against water. An X in place of the first digit means the device wasn't tested for dust, so IPX8 says nothing about sand.

The ratings are cumulative only up to a point: an IPX7 or IPX8 device isn't automatically tested against jets, which is why some phones list two ratings, such as IP65 and IP68.

• Salt water, chlorine, soap and hot water. Ratings are tested in still, fresh water at room temperature. Bath foam, sea water and hot tubs are harder on seals.
• Pressure. Jets, waves and diving add pressure beyond a still-water test.
• Wear and drops. Seals can be weakened by drops, cracks and age, so a rated device is most resistant when it's new and undamaged.
• Charging while wet. Even a rated device should be dry, including its port, before you plug it in.
• Warranty. Many makers don't cover liquid damage under warranty even on rated devices, so check the terms.

A water rating protects against accidents. It isn't an invitation to read underwater.

Sealing a device adds cost and design work: gaskets around the screen, sealed buttons and a port or contacts that cope with water. Most pocket readers are built to hit $50–110 prices, and their makers have prioritised size and price. That's our reading of the market rather than something makers have said, but it fits the pattern: water ratings appear only on 6-inch readers from established brands, and Moov Pro is the first pocket reader we know of with splash and water resistance.

Moov Pro is splash and water resistant, with a 4.5-inch, 300 PPI screen, a warm/cool front light, a touchscreen, left and right page-turn buttons and USB-C, in a 110 × 66 × 6 mm, 75 g body. It costs $129. Rain, splashes and wet hands are fine.

Moov Lite ($99) shares the same body and screen size but isn't water resistant, so pick the Pro if you read where it might get wet. After salt water or chlorine, wipe it with a cloth dampened in fresh water, and let the port dry before charging. See how Moov Pro compares with the X4 Pro.

• Use a clear zip-lock bag or a waterproof phone pouch; e-ink screens and buttons work through thin plastic, though touch can be less reliable.
• Keep it in a closed bag in your beach or pool bag, away from sand and sun cream.
• Turn pages with the side buttons if touch doesn't work through the pouch.
• Don't leave it in direct sun on a hot day: heat is hard on batteries and e-ink screens.

• Switch it off straight away and don't charge it.
• Wipe the outside dry and shake water gently out of the port or away from the charging contacts.
• Leave it to dry completely at room temperature for at least a day, in a dry, airy place. Don't use a hair dryer, radiator or oven.
• If it was salt water, chlorine or a sugary drink, wipe it with a cloth dampened in fresh water first, so residue doesn't corrode the contacts.
• Once it's dry, check the screen, buttons and charging before relying on it again. Contact Xteink support if anything misbehaves.

Liquid damage can appear days later, as corrosion. If a device has been submerged, back up your books and settings once it works again.