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TrimUI Brick Pro Review: A Bigger, Sharper Budget Brick
2026-06-17 · 4.0 / 5 · $85 to $100
Affiliate disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and Anbernic affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
The original TrimUI Brick became a cult favorite because of one thing, its stunning sharp screen at a tiny price. The one common complaint was that the 3.2 inch panel was small. The Brick Pro answers that directly. It keeps the sharp high resolution display and the budget price, then stretches the screen to 3.95 inches. For a lot of buyers, that is exactly the upgrade they wanted.
This is still a budget Linux handheld built for 2D retro gaming. It is not a power device. Judge it on what it sets out to do, which is sharp, cheap, pocketable play up to PS1.
Specs
| Screen | 3.95 inch IPS LCD, 1024x768, 60Hz, 324 ppi, fully bonded |
| Processor | Allwinner A133P (quad-core Cortex-A53 @ 1.8 GHz) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 |
| RAM | 1 GB |
| Storage | 8 GB internal, microSD expansion |
| Battery | 3000 mAh, about 5 hours |
| Connectivity | USB-C 2.0, Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 4.2 |
| OS | Linux (CrossMix / KNULLI / MinUI) |
| Design | Vertical, polycarbonate, Black / White / Gray |
| Price | Around $100, often discounted to about $85 |
The Bigger Screen Is the Headline
The original Brick packed a 3.2 inch 1024x768 panel that looked razor sharp because of its high pixel density. The Brick Pro keeps that same 1024x768 resolution and grows the panel to 3.95 inches. That is a meaningful jump in usable screen size while staying sharp.
For pixel art, the result is a screen that is both large enough to enjoy and dense enough to look clean. It is a 60Hz LCD rather than OLED, which is expected at this price. The 4:3 friendly shape suits the retro systems this device is built for.
Build and Design
The Brick Pro keeps the boxy vertical shape that gives the Brick line its name. The shell is polycarbonate, available in a few colors. It is pocketable and comfortable for its size, though the boxy body can feel cramped for very large hands during long sessions.
There are no analog sticks. That is a deliberate choice for a 2D focused device, and it keeps the size and price down.
Emulation Performance
The Allwinner A133P is a budget chip. It is the same family that powered the original Brick, so its limits are well understood.
- NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy through GBA. Full speed across the board.
- PS1. The library runs well. This is the ceiling.
- Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, PSP. Not the device for these. The A133P and the lack of analog sticks rule them out.
The Brick Pro is a 2D machine. If you want N64, PSP, or Dreamcast, you need a stronger device like the GameMT EX8 or the Retroid Pocket Mini. For everything up to PS1, the Brick Pro is excellent.
Software
The Brick Pro shines on custom firmware. Out of the box it runs TrimUI's stock Linux, but most owners move to CrossMix, KNULLI, or MinUI for a cleaner experience. CrossMix is the most feature rich, KNULLI is the most polished all rounder, and MinUI is the minimalist choice. See the muOS vs KNULLI vs Onion OS comparison for how these philosophies differ.
Battery and Charging
The Brick Pro carries a 3000 mAh battery rated at about 5 hours, which is a solid afternoon of 2D play. Charging is over USB-C.
Who Should Buy the TrimUI Brick Pro
Buy the Brick Pro if you loved the original Brick but wanted a bigger screen; you want a sharp, cheap, pocketable handheld for 8 bit through PS1; you enjoy custom firmware and a tidy 2D library.
Skip the Brick Pro if you want N64, PSP, Dreamcast, or anything 3D; you need analog sticks; you want the premium Snapdragon experience of the TrimUI Brick Hammer Pro U.
The Brick Pro is the Brick that more people will be happy with. It fixes the one real complaint about the original while keeping everything that made it great.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the TrimUI Brick Pro cost?
Around $100 at retail, often discounted to about $85 with promotions or a no-card bundle.
What can the TrimUI Brick Pro emulate?
Everything from 8 bit and 16 bit systems through PS1. N64, PSP, and Dreamcast are beyond its chip.
How is the Brick Pro different from the original Brick?
The main change is the screen. The Brick Pro grows the panel to 3.95 inches while keeping the same 1024x768 resolution. The chip family is similar, so performance is comparable.
Does the Brick Pro have analog sticks?
No. It is a 2D focused device with a d-pad and face buttons only.
What firmware should I use on the Brick Pro?
CrossMix, KNULLI, and MinUI are the popular options. CrossMix is the most feature rich, KNULLI is the most polished, and MinUI is the minimalist pick.
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