TrimUI Smart Pro: Another Sub-$100 Contender
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- čas přidán 27. 05. 2024
- There are so many good retro handhelds available for under $100, and another one just entered the chat. The TrimUI Smart Pro has excellent build quality and controls, and has a lot of potential for custom firmware in the future. In this video we'll do a deep-dive review to see if it's worth your consideration.
Buy one here: www.keepretro.com/products/tr...
UPDATE: it turns out that the mysterious FN button on the bottom of the device is a PowerSave toggle (and not rumble like I previously thought). Unfortunately, all of my emulation testing in this video was done with the PowerSave turned on, so the demonstrated performance is WORSE than expected. At the time of making this video I compared the performance to the RK3326 chipset (so the Anbernic RG351 series), but with PowerSave turned off it is closer to RK3566 (Anbernic RG353 and PowKiddy RGB30) in terms of performance.
I redid my testing on the higher-end systems and here are the results:
- N64: mid-tier games like Super Mario 64 and F-Zero X are now playable. High-tier games like Cruis'n USA and Conker are still unplayably slow
- Dreamcast: mid-tier games like Sonic Adventure 2, Dead or Alive 2, and Crazy Taxi 2 are now playable but with the core's auto-frameskip enabled, so it's not a perfect or full-speed experience
- PSP: mid-tier games like Ridge Racer and Virtua Tennis still struggle to maintain full speed at a 1x resolution. Average frame rate is 55fps which means you'll get slowdowns and audio crackling unless you apply emulation hacks. Lite games (2D and puzzle games) still play fine
Timestamps:
00:00 introduction
01:37 pricing and specs
02:52 first impressions
04:06 d-pad, buttons, and analog sticks
08:33 I/O, shoulders, and trigers
11:08 ergonomics and comfort
11:57 size and pocketability
14:37 software experience
19:29 game testing
25:43 microSD card & customization
28:51 summary (likes and dislikes)
31:35 conclusion
This was a review unit sent to me by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, they did not see this review ahead of time, and no money was exchanged in any way.
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#TrimUI #retrohandheld #emulation #PSP #PSVita - Hry
UPDATE: it turns out that the mysterious FN button on the bottom of the device is a PowerSave toggle (and not rumble like I previously thought). Unfortunately, all of my emulation testing in this video was done with the PowerSave turned on, so the demonstrated performance is WORSE than expected. At the time of making this video I compared the performance to the RK3326 chipset (so the Anbernic RG351 series), but with PowerSave turned off it is closer to RK3566 (Anbernic RG353 and PowKiddy RGB30) in terms of performance.
I redid my testing on the higher-end systems and here are the results:
- N64: mid-tier games like Super Mario 64 and F-Zero X are now playable. High-tier games like Cruis'n USA and Conker are still unplayably slow
- Dreamcast: mid-tier games like Sonic Adventure 2, Dead or Alive 2, and Crazy Taxi 2 are now playable but with the core's auto-frameskip enabled, so it's not a perfect or full-speed experience
- PSP: mid-tier games like Ridge Racer and Virtua Tennis still struggle to maintain full speed at a 1x resolution. Average frame rate is 55fps which means you'll get slowdowns and audio crackling unless you apply emulation hacks. Lite games (2D and puzzle games) still play fine
Maybe do one of those Shorts videos showing the better performance?
At this point a roundout (possibly even quarterly) of all the best options at each budget would help so much.
Its so confusing, there are so many, that have gibberish names, from brands we don't always know, that look the same.
Like up to $50
Upto $100
Upto $200
The rest
Thanks I was just going to comment and blame it on the fact that we all got preproduction software. On that note, had we received some sort of instructions with the device you would have known you had power save mode on (I thought it was to turn rumble and LED lights off) My analog stick is mapped opposite and I have to keep remapping it which is infuriating!
@@CT-ue4kghe did one like 3 months ago
@@CT-ue4kg He put up a video doing exactly that, late in the summer of this year.
Joey from Joey’s handhelds found out that that function bottom button actually puts it into a battery saver mode and it down clocks the CPU quite a bit. Depending on how you had it set, you may have got better performance with it set to the FN mode.
I think that might be what happened here, shot him a message to let him know.
So there is a chance we can play PS3 on this? 😉Joke aside, it would be good to have more payable content from more event consoles (PSP, dreamcast, n64)
I think the answer to the "Why 16:9 aspect ratio" just comes down to availability and low cost. There's so many options for screens in this aspect ratio that it is just better to use instead of finding a different option.
Yes, but why?
@@obvious_giraffe8386Are you daft to the current market or…. Dude everything in the past 12 years have been widescreen. 4:3 died so long ago that screen makers really dont waste their time
@@obvious_giraffe8386Because cell phones
"just comes down to availability and low cost" @@obvious_giraffe8386
Aye, it's also larger which is good imo. 5" 16:9 gives you a 4" 4:3 image. So even for a retro device, this screen makes sense.
Imo this is be best form factor I've seen for one of these devices, can't wait for the day we can get a handheld this size that can handle all the PS2 and GameCube games
Uhm the retroids and anbernic rg4 series can run ps2
@@banban5568 I know I bought an rp4 pro but that didn't exist 2 months ago
So I pre-ordered this yesterday, and based off your review I'm pretty happy, considering I got it for $80 with a 128G card. I'm new to this, and like the ergonomic look. thanks for a great review!
Good deal. Where did you score this please?
I would like to know this as well please! 😄
To the other comments since he isn't replying it's now $88 from the link in this video.
Hi im consider buying for 64€, how has the experience been with it with the software updates? Thanks in advance!
Of all the sub-$100 emulation handhelds this year, this is certainly one of them.
The Smart Pro is truly one of the handhelds of all time.
Sub 100 is turn in into the hot category for 2023!
@@adrianyambao3792 First handheld to sell over a trimuillion units
One of the worst joke formats of recent times.
This surely is a handheld
Man when I first saw the render really wanted this to be a 3x res PSP machine :(
Love to see T618 version of this.
That would be pretty amazing. The Powkiddy X28 is the closest thing to a Handheld with those specs.
Retroid Pocket 3+ just went on sale for 11/11, that's your device.
@@mitchthepreacher1512 it isn't because some of us want a devise that resembles a psp/vita
@@anci9295That was my point in recommending the Powkiddy X28. It's the closest Handheld to a PSP that can emulate Sega Saturn and below at full speed. The Retroid Pocket 3 resembles a Nintendo Switch and has horrible ergonomics.
I thought this was a step up to Miyoo mini plus, was interested in this but it sucks. I'll stick to miyoo mini plus.
You have the best reviews. I don’t end up wasting money and I get things I know I’ll be happy with. You are hiiighly appreciated!
Thanks for the review! I was strongly considering making this my first retro handheld. Had to wait until your review to make a decision
I can't wait to test N64, PSP, and Dreamcast games on this GPU.
Might aswell get the rp2s 4gb ram model for 99$ on sale rn. You’ll be able to even play some PS2
Definitely a strong contender. I liked the look of this one more which is why I was more interested in it
@@wonder8899 I like it to, but seeing it can barely handle n64 is pretty sad ngl
PSP is what is stopping me. Mainly looking to play GBA, DS and PSP
Seems like a great entry and newbie handheld. Easy to pick up, a nicely done firmware, not too cluttered with options you'll never use. I dig it
Hey, im very new to this scene. Could i run garlic os on it?
There are so many handhelds coming out in the past week alone, it feels like there isn’t any chance for customers to just settle with one and get the full features. There are so many being churned out constantly, it’s overwhelming. For now, I’m just sticking to the Miyoo Mini Plus that I just ordered and using my Galaxy A20 with a D3 controller. Anything else at this point will just feel excessive.
Update: Well, after a month, I finally decided to bite. As much as I love my Mini+, I was curious about the TrimUI Smart Pro. It was a great overall out-of-the-box experience. I found myself going straight to the arcade games, and I was pleasantly surprised. Games like Street Fighter III and Martial Masters handled well, and Gameboy games handled well too. The precision with the NES was iffy, but that's a small complaint. Overall, the TrimUI Smart Pro isn't the go-to retro handheld, but its graphic capabilities make it a solid option. I'll still keep my Miyoo Mini Plus handy, but if I ever feel like playing arcade games with a wider screen, I can alternate between my A20 and my Smart Pro.
Imo It can seem kimda hard to catch up with these new releases , well for me . Then it constantly changes the bar for the customer satisfaction. Im constantly looking up handheld after handheld, its hard to stay satisfied when so much is thrown out at you at once. Not literally but figuratively buts thats Internet in genral . Always looking up the next hot thing you can be loss sight of what you got.
Nice review! I would have liked to have seen a Max 2 next to the Trimui Smart Pro. Especially, comparing the thinnest of the shells and the trigger buttons of the two.
Hi Russ'
I love your channel.
Hearing the sentence. . .
Shirukenable or Hudukenable had me in stitches😂
Thank you for making my day !
Blessings to you and your family.
✨⭐🙏⭐✨
Trimui! Put the T618 chip, retroid pocket 2s analog sticks and a 3:2 screen on this and you will have the perfect clicky button handheld!
Omg... Aside from the left analog position this looks perfect for me. Watching the review
hey, mate, your reviews are the best! please, , make updated version of this one!
Lanyard holder! I miss them so much - I remember when smartphones had them, and almost always would attach, aptly, a lanyard from my Wii Controller. Didn't have to worry about losing or dropping my phone, like I do all the time now.
Looks like a VITA in contruction! I would pick one of these up for sure in the future! Thanks for the awesome video!
I've seen some other reviewers try to cover up the speaker grills and find they weren't actually emitting the audio. Rather they were finding the speaker was rear mounted on the back despite there being no speaker grill or holes back there.
Handheld makers really should just reach out to review channels like yours and get feedback on their designs while developing... there're always a few things off with these devices, like the analog sticks in this case. Small stuff/changes that i feel guys like you might point out before designs are locked in
Talk Udon has done some of that kind of work. I have heard a conspiracy theory that manufacturers don’t want to built an “ultimate” device because they’re in the business of selling hardware and baking in small flaws insures customers buy the next version.
@@Phafanapolis This. I see no other explanation for some of these strange design decisions like reversed volume buttons and start and select on top.
@@Phafanapolis damn that makes sense :S
You should definitely do an awards show for devices annually
I'd like to see this too.
I liked but I'm also replying to bump. This'd be a great idea
You just want to see him in a tux admit it!
@@SamuHell782 I meannn I can’t lie
This review came sooner than I anticipated. 😳
Would be great if this one gets a dpad mod and custom os. Very nice for this price point
Given the pricepoint and size it'd be nice to see the current emulator state of the PS Vita compared to the TrimUI. Vita's can be had for around $110 and give native support for Vita, PSP, and PSX.
Vita is closer to $150-200 though.
Put this on my Christmas list, hopefully they come out with a custom firmware soon! I think this could be a really really cool device!!
Can't wait for a custom OS on this! Really not a fan of the gui, but it's good for newbies.
Earned a sub just from the Hadoukenable bit. Love it!
I REALLY hope you do indeed intend to return to this console, even with the powersave button shenanigans I was still impressed with this console enough based off this particular video to pull the old proverbial trigger on Aliexpress...it should be here in 10 days or less (if not i get a free one dollar coupon, joy) I'm super hoping we get CFW and you're my tutorial guy of choice. Thanks Russ
Every new device release always feels like "it's not there yet"
Totally! :)
Awe the looks and the way everyone says this thing feels, I’m think it’s beautiful to my eyes. Let me tell you I love Linux too retro gamers, but I got all my bases covered already. It’s very nice to look at though…
I love the tinker process. Seeing what I can achieve with all kinds of hardware for emulation. The setup and tinker is more fun sometimes than playing the games. 😜
I definitely don’t want to add to your load, but one thing that would be helpful for me is a cross comparison of your favorite handhelds in the sub-100 category. I’m thinking of getting a device for my kids and there are so many to choose from.
Man, I really loved the look of this device so much but I'm super disappointed that it doesn't run at least up to PSP well. If they come out with version with a stronger SOC, or even if custom firmware/updates make it better, it would probably be an easy pick up for me.
It does run psp quite well, see the top comment about Russ accidentally having this on power save mode when testing and also see custom firmware, tech toy tinker made a preview version of tomato os.
I can't wait to get PortMaster games running on this Handheld!
While I'm not sure that it needed anything but 4:3 for most systems, I'm sure 16:9 is the cost. They're made in huge quantities where 4:3 seems more niche. The aspect of the display is better for GBA games than a 4:3 screen because of the GBA's 3:2 aspect ratio, too. Hopefully they can get PSP working better and make good use of it there, too.
Decided to go with this one, been doing a ton of research an heard nothing but good review on this one. I read a ton of bad review on RG353V & VS, & RG4005V this seem most affordable an reliable. Hoping to spend become a paper weight we shall see!
Hi, nice video. Just a question about the emulators name. You said that you changed the names. How do you do this? Changing the folder name seems not to be enough. Is there a config file to edit? Thank you
This device honestly looks so nice, the formfactor is a lot nicer than most devices in the price category. But tbh i would rather it was more high powered or they made a pro version. A T618 or equivalenet power version would really shine and without android they could surely bring it under the RP3+ price then it would actually be a solid competitor. Also If they kept improving their custom linux FW or handed over to the community, it would be much more plug and play than something like the RP3+.
I'm pretty impressed with this device so far, especially for the cost. Updated the firmware but encountered a couple of issues I haven't solved yet. GB games don't save, despite playing with global settings in Retroarch. Also doesn't recognise save files I've brough over from another device. Looking forward to more updates on this device.
With tomato OS = BEST budget handheld ever
I love the grey model design ❤, waiting mine at 60€ from aliexpres black friday.
Well dude, what's your verdict?
Thank you for this awesome video! I was wondering which one would you pick if you had to choose one. Would you pick the rgb30 or this one? Thanks again.
Russ, I know you do the best handhelds of the year every year, but have you ever thought about doing another set of best handhelds based on stuff like best feeling d-pad? I know its a very subjective thing but I think it'd be a cool video
I really wanted this to be PSP capable at least, but the early reviews kinda damned it for me and I decided to go for the RGB30 for a sub $100 device, and I'm kinda glad I did. It might not be the best system for PSP either, but at least it's not pretending to be. I don't mind that it doesn't fit 4:3 content as long as the screen is high res, but we already have plenty of "up to PS1" capable devices to choose from. Also, there are no guarantees when buying a system for what you hope it will become versus what it is _now._
if something is priced less than $100 it can't possibly play psp games. Maybe in a few years when high end chips would cost less, that will be possible
The Retroid Pocket 2S is $99 (even the 4gb model as of this morning) and can do 2x on almost ALL PSP games.
I just got a white psp go off eBay. Replacing the battery, modding storage. Can't wait
the 16:9 ratio would have made sense on an android device - especially paired with a somewhat high-res screen (720p), because it would allow for game streaming. is there a way to maybe get inhome pc streaming set up on this later?
Hey Russ, slim chance you'll see this a month later, but how did you remove the systems you aren't going to play on this device? Also having heck of a time trying to figure out how to scrape box art. Bought one without an sd card since I already have my own library.
Also I think this could be a really great place for people looking in to emulation handhelds.
Do these types of handhelds generally support a gamelist.xml in the roms folder? I am using retroarch on the pi3, windows and batocera with the same rom folders which all have the gamelist and artwork already configured.
Are there any teardown videos for this device? Mine came with a right trigger that feels a bit stuck and I wanted to check what is causing this.
This is seriously not to be slept on!!
I underestimated this. Don't be like me.
This handheld is a literal gem at its price point
Hey Russ, when do you expect your Legion Go Review to come out? I know theres been some issues with shipping, so I wasn't sure if you have been on the unlucky end of shipping delays.
It was a pity that the device was configured to be a relatively budget device. I mean, it has got such a nice layout for a retro handheld, especially its ergonomics, if the analog stick is made slightly higher profile, combine with a more powerful chipset (allowing it to run PSP titles), this device would really shine for GBA, PSP that fully utilize the real estate of the screen....
My thoughts exactly. If this had the power of the RP3+ like a T618 or simialr and they optimzed the firmware it would actually be much more user freindly and cheaper option than using something android based like the RP3+.
what position should the FN switch be on for full performance?
Are the analog nubs removable so you could attach a longer stick and maybe get more travel?
which adapter do you use to charge it? is a 5v 1.5a really important?
Dang, I’ve been hoping to find a reason to buy something with a bigger screen that the retroid pocket 2s 3.5 inch screen but hearing him talk about these analogue stick shoots this one down for sure.
I really like how tight the dpad is. I want to intentionally move to the corner to get that diagonal, I don't wanna slide to the edge of the down/up button.
Agreed!
@8:10 Yeah, but that’s something I have wanted since 1996. The analog stick on the N64 always felt like I was playing with a D-pad on stilts and it was uncomfortable so it disincentivized me from playing it. So, for me, it’s between the Trimui Smart Pro and the new Retroid. Since I can’t go to the store and try them out myself, it comes down to cost and design. I may wait if Trimui makes a new one with a touch screen or brings this one down in cost. I have a limited budget so I’m still deciding.
since yesterday with Vulkan Support!! Hell yea
Firmware 1.0.4 is out (with vulkan support), can we expect an updated review + setup guide?
I’m getting this because I order it. For smaller games. But I want to know if those SD card will it play on my Asus rog ally?
Hi,
Retro Game Corps, please tell me which console to buy for ps2 emulation? will retroid 3 plus be suitable?
Was there ever a final review? I can't find it. It would be nice if you had a link to the final review in the description. Thanks Ross!
This is the final one. I think he should revisit it because I think it’s one of the best handhelds in its category
Jus picked one up. The update i hear is nice. Mainly got this for rpgs for my niece to have good literature
Nice review. How does the Allwinner chip compare to a RK3566?
I'm also in the market for a sub £100 handheld. Now I have to choose between this, RGB30 and maybe the X55 as well.
In practice, the RK3566 seems to blow this thing out of the water.
X55 is a solid choice! Because of the screen size I'm enjoying it far more than the RP3+.
Best budget ergonomic handheld look in 2023 but sadly at that 16:9 ratio , PSP should be smooth.
I love it!
Hi, where can I find the config file in which I can change, for example, "sfc" to "snes"?
Let's see if there will be improvements in the future
Master Corp. Between this handheld and Powkiddy X55. Wich one you'll choose if you have to?
I was going to watch this video but I don't have my favourite drink at hand. Guess I'll have to wait to watch it until after I've been shopping.
Would it be possible to use moonlight with this?
Does this have Pokémon? Is it better than Anbernic, and can I cloud game are the joysticks Hall effect?
The TrimUI Smart Pro is a beautiful little handheld and I think they got a lot right with it, but that 16:9 screen just kills it for me. If a device is only capable of playing up to PS1 at 100% full speed with no issues then it really should have a 4:3 aspect ratio screen. There's no point in having a 16:9 screen if the device can't play 16:9 aspect ratio games.
you can use widescreen hacks, plus the gba library, and some psp games will make use of the aspect ratio.
Can you hook it up to a tv and use a different remote (PS4 or PS5 controller) to play the games?
Cheers Russ. Hopefully there is a little more performance to untap, pinned comment not withstanding. It has good bones as Zu might say.
I also have this handheld and I like it a lot, but I can't figure out why the ROMs I downloaded don't work, they work with the rgb30 but not with the trimui.
Hi There. What to choose? Trimui smart pro or RGB30 for GB=>PS1? Thankx in advance.
Hi, firmware 1.0.4 is out (with vulkan support), can we expect an updated review ?
What a bummer the n64 isn't playable. Love the clean look of this one. Any recommendation for the best plug & play out of thd box device that tops out @ n64, but plays correctly??
Thanks,
I appreciate the review. I’m looking for a great 16:9 that can play God of War and LOTR Two Towers. I was thinking this. Any other reasonable suggestion?
Hi guys, I am new to the retro gaming community and considering to take advantage of AliExpress’ Black Friday sale. I am torn between Trimui Smart Pro and Powkiddy RGB30, any suggestions on which one to get? 🙏🏽
“Sometime in the future” is now. 😊
When are you reviewing the legion go?!
is this better than the
Retroid Pocket 3 Plus
I had high hopes for this device, but it cant play psp, dreamcast, n64. I'll stick to my miyoo mini plus. You are right about why the screen is so wide when it can only do ps1 and below. I do like that its not a android with touchscreen, those are too complicating for me. Thank you for review.
Gotta quick question: Can trimUI play online? Like Ds,3ds, psp games etc most got online multiplayer wanna see if trimUI can work with it
I've read that the analog sticks are not clickable, which could be a problem for PS1 games that use R3 and L3. Is this true?
Sooooo, This or the Rg35xx H ? looking at getting one for my travels.
Lol I was wondering where the review was!
Hey man. How does this play DS games. I have purchased a RG35XX Plus and H recently. But want to know out the 3 which is the best one
Not well. I would consider any DS games you can play as a bonus
It is in the same price range as RGB30, which one do you suggest ?
how do you put your own games on this trimui pro
Do you think Jelos (if it is made available) would help improve performance for playing higher end consoles games? Thanks!
That will literally decide if this is my first handheld emulator. I always wanted something this size and formate with that style of triggers, but nothing was really that size. I hate the square top hat triggers on the anbernic stuff
I wondered about this too, the JELOS devs have an early unit from what I hear, but I don't think it's the OS is the issue. I think it's just too weak a chip to get much more.
Jelos and other cfw support a new sega saturn cores
It's better than nothing.
When displaying 4:3 content is it closer to a 4 or 3.5 inch screen?
4:3 on this screen has 4,1 inch diagonal
Great video. I have three questions.
1. It seems like some reviewers are getting a 4000mah battery and others a 5000mah battery as seen when they are opened up. More confusing is the websites carrying this device have conflicting battery info on the same page. Have you reached out to the to figure out which will be standard?
2. Between this and the X55 which would you recommend? 3. Do you think either handheld, with some tweaks or updates will be able to at least handle psp or dreamcast well?
X55 is more poweful, so it would run PSP games better. I have RG353V with the same chip as X55, and it honestly struggles with heavy PSP and dreamcast games. You'll have to look at more expensive consoles for flawless gaming.
rp3+ is worth it at this price point (it’s only 50 bucks more) if you want flawless psp and Dreamcast/n64
For me the X55 screen makes a better contender than a lot of other handheld options. In my opinion the screen on the RP3+ is too small to really enjoy the higher end 3d games like GC and PS2 and on top of that it still struggles with these systems. For that reason I don't find it stacks up very well against other systems. I haven't tried using the X55 for psp or dreamcast so I don't know how it does with those systems.
@@torq21 yeah, but rp3+ is better in value. but if you don’t like the size, just save your money and get 1 main system, Odin 2, steam deck etc. which you would use for 3+ years
@@poffy02 I hear ya. That said I'm enjoying the screen on the X55 and play ps2 and gamecube on my phone. I'm going to sell my RP3+ and then who knows... Steam Deck me thinks!
This looks like a cool little device, but i wonder as it is a linux console, do you think it would be possible to boot and run SteamOS on this little guy to get the "steam deck mini" experiance?
Does Amiga work well on this Trimui smart pro?
What type of systems / game can I play over lan if I had 2 of these? Cna I play 2 player fighting arcade games??
checked out ur other vids, thanks!
I'm assuming the speaker grills are also used as the vents for the Smart Pro.
Vents would suggest that it gets hot enough to need them... I seriously doubt that.
@@TheRealAlpha2 There are some CZcamsrs stating that the unit gets rather heated after a while of playing.
Also, I remembered seeing a CZcamsr open the Trimui Pro to take a look inside. The speakers are located not at the grills but higher up into the console pointed at a downward position. There is some space between the actual speakers and the grills. As if the sound is coming down a small chamber.