Is metal really better in a budget handheld? – TrimUI Brick Hammer – Short-Term Review🪨🎮
- P'Nick
- Sep 15
- 6 min read
Hey fam! 👋
It’s Monday, and you know what that means… time for an in-depth written review. This week we’re talking about the TrimUI Brick Hammer, a little device that’s stirring up conversations because of one thing: it’s made of metal. But is that really enough to make it stand out in the crowded sub-$100 handheld market?
Let’s break it down together, in detail, so whether you’re brand-new to handhelds or a seasoned collector, you’ll walk away knowing if this one is worth your time and money.
My Review Scale 🎯
If you’re new here, quick reminder: I don’t use a 10-point scale. Instead, I use my own 0–69 system. Why 69? Because it gives more granularity, it’s unique, and it makes the numbers stick in your head better. Plus, it’s fun. 😉
Every category — from unboxing to controls to value — gets its own score. Then I average them out at the end for the overall rating.
Unboxing 📦
Opening the TrimUI Brick Hammer is simple but surprisingly satisfying. Instead of a plain cardboard box with foam, you get a retail-ready package with a proper manual and accessories tucked neatly inside.
What does that tell us? That TrimUI is taking this device seriously. They want it to feel like a real consumer product, not just a hobbyist toy. Compared to some competitors that ship their devices in generic boxes with barely a charger inside, this felt thoughtful and professional.
Score: 61/69
Internals / Specs ⚙️
Here’s a full look under the hood:
Spec | Details |
CPU | Allwinner A133 Plus Quad-Core |
RAM | 1GB LPDDR4 |
Storage | MicroSD (ships with preloaded card) |
Screen | 3.45" laminated IPS, 4:3 aspect ratio, 640×480 resolution |
Battery | 3,000 mAh |
Charging | Dual USB-C ports |
Other | RGB lighting, mute switch, OTG support |
Now, let’s unpack this in plain English.
Allwinner A133 Plus: This isn’t a powerhouse chip, but it’s perfectly fine for the kind of retro emulation this device is built for (8-bit, 16-bit, up through PS1). Don’t expect Dreamcast or PSP.
1GB RAM: Low by modern standards, but plenty for lightweight Linux-based handheld firmware.
Laminated screen: This is a big deal! Laminated means no gap between the glass and the display. It looks sharper, colors pop more, and it reduces glare. Many cheaper handhelds skip this.
3,000 mAh battery: Respectable for the size. Expect 4–6 hours of play depending on what you’re running.
Dual USB-C: A rare convenience. One can be used for charging while the other can connect to accessories (like controllers or OTG storage).
RGB and mute switch: Fun extras that show TrimUI is paying attention to little details.
Overall, for the price bracket, these specs make the Brick Hammer stand out.
Score: 56/69
First Impressions 👀
When you pick up the Brick Hammer for the first time, you notice two things instantly: the weight and the feel.
The CNC-machined aluminum shell feels premium. This isn’t a cheap plastic box; it has the heft and sturdiness of something twice its price.
The RGB lighting on the power button is a charming touch. It’s subtle, not gamer-gaudy while the other RGB lighting is fully optional.
The mute switch is genuinely useful. Being able to silence a handheld instantly without diving into menus? That’s a small quality-of-life feature I wish more companies copied.
The dual USB-C ports again add convenience and versatility.
On the downside:
It is heavier than plastic competitors, which some people may not enjoy for long sessions.
The inline shoulder buttons are a design choice that not everyone will love (more on that later).
Overall, though? This feels like a premium object in your hands.
Score: 59/69
Ease of Use 🕹️
TrimUI nailed the out-of-the-box experience.
The included microSD card is already loaded up with a user-friendly Linux-based OS. That means if you’re brand new, you can boot it up, pick a game, and start playing without any setup headaches.
The menu system is clean and simple. It doesn’t overwhelm you with settings you don’t understand.
For newcomers, this is about as plug-and-play as it gets.
That said:
Advanced users might find it too basic. If you’re used to the customization options of something like GarlicOS on the Miyoo Mini Plus, you’ll notice the difference.
But for the audience TrimUI is chasing? It’s right on target.
Score: 42/69
Customizability 🔧
This is where things get interesting.
Firmware flexibility: While the stock OS is simple, the community is already poking at it. TrimUI has a track record of getting community support (like the Smart Pro), so I expect more options to appear.
RGB lighting: Being able to tweak this gives it a fun personal touch.
Accessories: Thanks to its USB-C ports and OTG support, it has real potential for expansion — controllers, docks, and more.
Hardware mods: The aluminum body makes it harder to mod physically, but that’s the tradeoff for durability.
Compared to devices like the Anbernic RG35XX Pro, which has a thriving GarlicOS scene, the Brick Hammer is a bit behind — but it has room to grow.
Score: 63/69
Controls 🎮
Controls make or break a handheld, and here’s where TrimUI made some tradeoffs.
The good:
The D-pad is snappy and responsive, perfect for retro games where precision matters.
The face buttons feel solid, not mushy.
The not-so-good:
The inline shoulder buttons are awkward. Instead of stacked triggers like modern controllers, they’re placed side-by-side. For PS1 games that use both L1/L2 and R1/R2, this feels cramped.
There are no analog sticks, which locks this device firmly into the 2D and early 3D era.
If you stick to NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA, or PS1, it’s fine. But if you want N64 or later, this isn’t the one.
Score: 57/69
Value 💰
Here’s where the Brick Hammer shines brightest. At under $100, it gives you:
A laminated IPS screen (rare at this price).
A metal CNC body (almost unheard of).
A plug-and-play OS for newcomers.
Yes, it has compromises — inline shoulder buttons, weight, no analog sticks — but when you compare it to the RG35XX Pro or Miyoo Mini Plus, this feels like the premium option in the entry-level market.
Score: 50/69
Recap Scores 📝
Category | Score |
Unboxing | 61/69 |
Specs | 56/69 |
First Impressions | 59/69 |
Ease of Use | 42/69 |
Customizability | 63/69 |
Controls | 57/69 |
Value | 50/69 |
Overall Average: 55/69
Top Pros ✅
Premium CNC aluminum build 🪨
Laminated IPS screen with great clarity 🖼️
Thoughtful extras like dual USB-C and mute switch 🔌
Plug-and-play OS for newcomers 🎮
Top Cons ❌
Heavy compared to plastic rivals ⚖️
Inline shoulder buttons feel cramped 🎯
No analog sticks ➡️ limits game library 🎲
Stock firmware may feel too simple for advanced users ⚙️
Personas 👤
Who should buy this:
Anyone who loves premium build quality and wants something that feels like a luxury item at a budget price.
Newcomers who just want a ready-to-go device without tinkering.
Who should skip this:
Players who want to emulate beyond the PS1 era (N64, PSP, Dreamcast).
People who prioritize comfort and lightweight design over sturdiness.
Conclusion & Where to Buy 🏁
So, is metal really better? In the case of the TrimUI Brick Hammer, the answer is yes — if you value build quality and screen clarity over absolute versatility. This device doesn’t try to be everything. It tries to be a solid, premium-feeling retro handheld for under $100. And in that mission, it absolutely succeeds.
If you’d like to pick one up, you can grab it through my affiliate link or the non-affiliate link. Either way, you’ll pay the same price — so it’s totally up to you. I just appreciate the support if you choose the affiliate route. 🙂
And now I’d love to hear from you! 💬 What do you think of the Brick Hammer? Is metal worth the tradeoffs in weight and comfort? Let me know in the comments below, or come join the discussion in the forum “สุ่มศูนย์ของ Handheld Hodgepodge” over at pnicks-handhelds.com/forum/handheld-hodgepodge.
If you’re curious about accessories to pair with this device, check out my handheld accessories guide, and if you want to see how TrimUI’s other device stacks up, don’t miss my review of the TrimUI Smart Pro.
Until next time — keep playing, keep tinkering, and keep having fun with your handhelds.
P’Nick
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