Verge Readers Flock to Discounted Apple Hardware and Compact E-Reader During Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is generating broad purchasing activity among technology consumers, with The Verge reporting that its readers have gravitated toward discounted Apple devices and Kindle products — while the Xteink X4, a compact e-reader priced at $55.20 at Amazon, has emerged as a surprise top seller during the sale.
Key takeaways
- The Xteink X4 compact e-reader, priced at $55.20 (down from $69) at Amazon, has become a surprise top seller during Amazon Prime Day according to The Verge.
- The Verge reports its readers gravitated toward discounted Apple devices and Kindle products during the sale.
- The AirPods Pro 3 dropped to $179 (from $249) and the Apple Watch SE 3 fell to $199 (from $249) at Amazon.
- The 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite, The Verge's favorite ebook reader, sells at $124.99 with ads or $144.99 without ads, reduced from $159.99 and $179.99.
- The Fitbit Ace LTE kids' fitness tracker saw one of the sharpest markdowns, falling to $59.95 from $179.99 at Amazon.
Amazon Prime Day is generating broad purchasing activity among technology consumers, with The Verge reporting that its readers have gravitated toward discounted Apple devices and Kindle products — while the Xteink X4, a compact e-reader priced at $55.20 at Amazon, has emerged as a surprise top seller during the sale.
Xteink X4 Outperforms Expectations
The Xteink X4's traction is notable given its position against Kindle and Kobo models that dominate the category. The device, listed at $69 and reduced to $55.20 at Amazon, is smaller and more pocketable than competing e-readers and includes magnetic mounts compatible with MagSafe-enabled smartphones. The bundled software carries rough edges, but the Amazon version supports a free firmware upgrade to CrossPoint Reader, which offers a more refined interface. The device's breakout performance signals consumer willingness to test alternatives in a market Amazon has long controlled with its Kindle line.
Apple Products and Kindles Anchor Volume Sales
Expected top performers are holding their own. The AirPods Pro 3 is available at $179 at Walmart and $179.99 at Best Buy, down from $249. The Apple Watch SE 3 has dropped to $199 at Amazon from $249. The 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite — which The Verge describes as its favorite ebook reader — is selling at $124.99 with ads or $144.99 without ads, reduced from $159.99 and $179.99 respectively. The Kindle Colorsoft Essentials Bundle, which includes a leather cover and wireless charging dock, is discounted to $182.97 from $334.97.
Steep Cuts in Kids' Tech and Gaming
The Fitbit Ace LTE, a fitness tracker designed for children, fell to $59.95 at Amazon from $179.99 — one of the sharpest markdowns in the roundup. The BirdBuddy Pro solar smart bird feeder, which The Verge describes as a surprising reader favorite, is available at $168 at Amazon, down from $299. In gaming, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater — a remake of the 2004 title Metal Gear Solid 3 — is priced at $25.38 for PS5 and $24.99 for Xbox at Amazon, reduced from $69.99. The Google Nest Wifi Pro dropped to $85.49 at Amazon from $199.99.
The Verge updated its Prime Day tracker on June 26th to add a discount for the Xteink X40 e-reader alongside revised pricing across several listings.