Trimui Brick Review

The Trimui Brick is one of the most talked about budget handhelds in recent memory, and the reason is simple. It packs a stunning 3.2 inch 1024x768 screen into a tiny, boxy body that costs around $40. For pocketable retro gaming up to PS1, the Brick is a genuine standout.

Build and Design

The Brick earns its name. It is a small, square, boxy device that fits easily in a pocket. The design is minimal and charming. Despite the low price, the build feels solid, with a metal back panel and eye catching RGB lights that stand out in this class. The D-pad and buttons are good for the 2D systems this device is built for.

There are no analog sticks. For a vertical pocket handheld focused on retro classics, that is an acceptable choice, but it does limit 3D games. The small size is wonderful for portability and a little cramped for larger hands.

Display

The screen is the star. It is a 3.2 inch IPS panel at 1024x768, which gives it remarkable pixel density for the size. Retro pixel art looks razor sharp, and the 4:3 shape matches the bulk of classic consoles. For Game Boy, SNES, Genesis, and PS1, this is one of the best looking small screens you can buy at any price near this one.

Emulation Performance

The Brick uses the same budget Allwinner class chip as other small Trimui devices. It is excellent for the classics and stops around PS1.

• NES, Game Boy, GBC, GBA: Perfect.
• SNES: Flawless, including special chip titles.
• Genesis, Master System, PC Engine: Perfect.
• Arcade, CPS, Neo Geo: Excellent.
• PS1: Excellent for 2D and many 3D titles, though the lack of sticks limits some games.
• N64: Not practical without analog sticks, and the chip struggles anyway.
• Dreamcast, PSP: Not realistic on this hardware.
• GameCube, PS2, Wii: Not supported.

The Brick is a 2D powerhouse. Buy it for Game Boy through PS1, and do not expect anything above that.

Battery Life

The 3,000 mAh battery is solid for such a tiny device, and it delivers roughly 4 to 5 hours on the systems the Brick runs best. That is plenty for commutes and daily carry. It charges over USB-C, and a small power bank extends long trips easily.

Firmware and Software

The Brick has excellent custom firmware support, which is a big part of its appeal. CrossMix, KNULLI, and MinUI are all popular options. Each adds a cleaner interface, box art, RetroAchievements, and thoughtful features. The community around the Brick is active, and flashing custom firmware is the recommended path to the best experience.

Trimui Brick vs Miyoo Mini Plus

The Brick's most direct rival is the Miyoo Mini Plus, the long standing budget pocket champion. The Brick brings a much sharper screen, a more modern chip, and more firmware options. The Miyoo Mini Plus counters with the polished Onion OS and a slightly larger screen. Our full Trimui Brick vs Miyoo Mini Plus comparison covers the details.

Who Is This For?

The Trimui Brick is a great fit for:

• Commuters who want a tiny, sharp screen handheld
• Game Boy, SNES, and PS1 fans who play mostly 2D games
• Budget buyers who want a lot of screen quality for very little money
• Custom firmware tinkerers who enjoy a flexible device

It is the wrong pick for anyone who needs analog sticks, N64, or long battery life.

Final Verdict

The Trimui Brick deserves the hype. The 1024x768 screen is the best part of the device by far, and at around $40 it is a remarkable value for pocketable 2D retro gaming. The missing sticks and small battery are the costs of the tiny, cheap design.

If you want the sharpest small screen in a pocket handheld and your library is Game Boy through PS1, the Brick is one of the easiest budget recommendations to make.