TrimUI Smart Pro: Another Budget Contender

[@RetroGameCorps]

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

[@MJosephJr]

Maybe do one of those Shorts videos showing the better performance?

[@CT-ue4kg]

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

[@adinwalls]

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!

[@Zanpaa]

@@CT-ue4kghe did one like 3 months ago

[@NormalPerson229]

@@CT-ue4kg He put up a video doing exactly that, late in the summer of this year.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

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.

[@JoeysRetroHandhelds]

I think that might be what happened here, shot him a message to let him know.

[@jd5787]

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)

[@StormcloudLive]

@@jd5787 I have this system, you can turn that button from being a battery save mode (which is turned on in this video) into a performance button which increases the cpu speed from 1.2ghz to 2ghz and does make N64, psp and Dreamcast perfectly playable. It can play most psp games at 2x res even with games like Gran Turismo and God of War needing to be scaled back to just 1x to run perfectly fine.

[@greenshell5735]

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

[@banban5568]

Uhm the retroids and anbernic rg4 series can run ps2

[@greenshell5735]

@@banban5568 I know I bought an rp4 pro but that didn't exist 2 months ago

[@benc.5558]

Of all the sub-$100 emulation handhelds this year, this is certainly one of them.

[@adrianyambao3792]

The Smart Pro is truly one of the handhelds of all time.

[@adinwalls]

Sub 100 is turn in into the hot category for 2023!

[@benc.5558]

@@adrianyambao3792 First handheld to sell over a trimuillion units

[@buhshmuh]

One of the worst joke formats of recent times.

[@AnonYmous-xw1jn]

This surely is a handheld

[@JustFUTchris]

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!

[@jd5787]

Good deal. Where did you score this please?

[@Mrs-utche]

I would like to know this as well please! 😄

[@ChaossX77]

To the other comments since he isn't replying it's now $88 from the link in this video.

[@rafael_1912]

Hi im consider buying for 64€, how has the experience been with it with the software updates? Thanks in advance!

[@f937r]

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.

[@obvious_giraffe8386]

Yes, but why?

[@idkanymore3382]

@@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

[@armyofninjas9055]

​@@obvious_giraffe8386Because cell phones

[@KyleRuggles]

"just comes down to availability and low cost" @@obvious_giraffe8386

[@RandomPlaceHolderName]

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.

[@deadox]

Man when I first saw the render really wanted this to be a 3x res PSP machine :( Love to see T618 version of this.

[@Pridetoons]

That would be pretty amazing. The Powkiddy X28 is the closest thing to a Handheld with those specs.

[@mitchthepreacher1512]

Retroid Pocket 3+ just went on sale for 11/11, that's your device.

[@anci9295]

@@mitchthepreacher1512 it isn't because some of us want a devise that resembles a psp/vita

[@Pridetoons]

​@@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.

[@toycoma98]

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.

[@Diggy22]

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.

[@jalen1838]

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.

[@wweyler]

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!

[@DaPohli]

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

[@preke953]

Hey, im very new to this scene. Could i run garlic os on it?

[@PinkDan12345]

Anyone else see “tiramisu” when they read the name of this? Lol

[@Talthain]

Lol, I do!

[@RahFah]

I would like to see an update of this review, because 7 months later, we already have modifications to the factory firmware, in addition to the alpha version of Knulli. Performance has improved a lot! 👍

[@Twaschillbro]

You should definitely do an awards show for devices annually

[@Pridetoons]

I'd like to see this too.

[@simiuciacia]

I liked but I'm also replying to bump. This'd be a great idea

[@SamuHell782]

You just want to see him in a tux admit it!

[@Twaschillbro]

@@SamuHell782 I meannn I can’t lie

[@BtotheDon12]

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.

[@Autotrope]

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.

[@joeysherrett]

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

[@Mister_Phafanapolis]

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.

[@bruciekibbutz2947]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis This. I see no other explanation for some of these strange design decisions like reversed volume buttons and start and select on top.

[@joeysherrett]

@@Mister_Phafanapolis damn that makes sense :S

[@TitaPopo]

Every new device release always feels like "it's not there yet"

[@DavidFilskov]

Totally! :)

[@skippyb.coyote895]

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.

[@bruciekibbutz2947]

you can use widescreen hacks, plus the gba library, and some psp games will make use of the aspect ratio.

[@alvaromireles]

I just bought it on Aliexpress for 48 dollars

[@luisromero6435]

But Russ, is it bigger than a Steam Deck? I need you to tell me with your words

[@KesSharann]

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.

[@NeroVingian40]

Vita is closer to $150-200 though.

[@arunca190]

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!

[@wonder8899]

Thanks for the review! I was strongly considering making this my first retro handheld. Had to wait until your review to make a decision

[@Pridetoons]

I can't wait to test N64, PSP, and Dreamcast games on this GPU.

[@joelcave1500]

Might aswell get the rp2s 4gb ram model for 99$ on sale rn. You’ll be able to even play some PS2

[@wonder8899]

Definitely a strong contender. I liked the look of this one more which is why I was more interested in it

[@joelcave1500]

@@wonder8899 I like it to, but seeing it can barely handle n64 is pretty sad ngl

[@wonder8899]

PSP is what is stopping me. Mainly looking to play GBA, DS and PSP

[@Orniflyer]

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?

[@EliasPfaiffer]

Firmware 1.0.4 is out (with vulkan support), can we expect an updated review + setup guide?

[@jacobdad2742]

I don't understand why they would make such a nice device with all the controls necessary for gamecube and ps2 games but then use a chipset that can't even play the full n64 library. Seems like a lot of wasted potential.

[@gvanderlee2703]

Would be great if this one gets a dpad mod and custom os. Very nice for this price point

[@retrohandhelds]

I like this one, but the price reallly hurts it.

[@gustavinus]

Got mine today. Wonder why it smells so bad. LOL

[@cyberoach]

Lmao seriously?

[@gustavinus]

@@cyberoach seriously... took a month to smell ok

[@cyberoach]

@@gustavinus the chinese manufacturer probably hid it... In the only place he could...

[@noelsilva8887]

I’m sorry but that F-zero game looked playable to me? But I agree with that Dreamcast.

[@EliasPfaiffer]

With tomato OS = BEST budget handheld ever

[@xerxestelevision6666]

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.

[@mikearisbrocken8507]

Ok, I will NEVER understand. People complaining about black sidebars because the screen is "too wide". And the retro bezels look worse.

[@J0HnDq3]

hey, mate, your reviews are the best! please, , make updated version of this one!

[@thekidfromyesterday]

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

[@ingramli7733]

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....

[@corsinivideos]

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+.

[@JohnnyFiction]

4:3 device would be amazing on a 6 inch screen.

[@Pridetoons]

I can't wait to get PortMaster games running on this Handheld!

[@Gnoxxify]

lol it cant play all N64 games

[@KyleRuggles]

Can't wait for a custom OS on this! Really not a fan of the gui, but it's good for newbies.

[@FighterPilot72]

As an integer scaling snob who grew up on a GBA, 640x480 is the enemy.

[@sandplasma]

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!

[@SenpaiMD]

This is the final one. I think he should revisit it because I think it’s one of the best handhelds in its category

[@MangaMiyn]

@21:59 Top g mode

[@Szabbyhun]

Looks good, but this SoC for this price is not worth it.

[@Sneakers8b]

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…

[@HeroGameCompany]

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

[@HerrBart.]

Love your reviews, Russ! Please give us a re-review of this handheld. Especially with Crossmix and Knulli being a thing now. Just say „Yeah man, I wanna do it!“

[@michalbisch]

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.

[@wilsonnchamp]

It doesn't look like a $90 handheld at all

[@requiett]

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.

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

I just don’t see how anybody could justify this device at $90 when for nine dollars more you can get a Retroid Pocket 2s. They’re not even in the same stratosphere as far as performance. Once the 2S came out it really made it hard to look at other devices under $100.

[@yashe6780]

in china retail price for TrimUI Smart Pro is around $60 and Retroid Pocket 2s around $100, so the price difference is more reasonable

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

@@yashe6780 yeah, that definitely makes sense.

[@DavidFilskov]

Two new mods: Shorten the triggers' travel ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJSpiWqtmL1-aKs ) or add back buttons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIGWk3qKltNpb5o

[@TheRealAlpha2]

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._

[@yashe6780]

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

[@mitchthepreacher1512]

The Retroid Pocket 2S is $99 (even the 4gb model as of this morning) and can do 2x on almost ALL PSP games.

[@GalacticBlader]

is this better than the Retroid Pocket 3 Plus

[@DannerBanks]

Shame it is not a touch screen. I'm not a Nintendo DS super fan but there a few games that require the touch screen that everyone should play once

[@noelsilva8887]

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?

[@AndroidFerret]

Its Getting RIDICULOUS . So much e waste

[@Endelin]

It looks like the joysticks would be fine if you roll the stick on your thumbs instead of pivoting your thumb (like how PS3 controller joysticks work)

[@RahFah]

I would like to see an update of this review, because 7 months later, we already have modifications to the factory firmware, in addition to the alpha version of Knulli. Performance has improved a lot! 👍

[@Ibzen]

Is it possible thet you will make a beginners guide and how to update the system and how to install tomato ??? always checks your channel first.... Its your fault I was able to update powkiddy max 2 and also some Anbernic handhelds......other guides are ok, but you seem to make so even beginners like me can figure it out. :) Thank you and cheers. :)

[@cyberoach]

Ordered one for $30

[@wordsmith451]

I just got a white psp go off eBay. Replacing the battery, modding storage. Can't wait

[@ericstockdale3199]

Have literally just ordered this handheld, I loved your breakdown video and normally you bore me with stats etc but on this occasion you grabbed my attention.....so Thank You ❤

[@ustradingdiary]

Too many device? Can suggest what is the best currently $150 device currently on the market?

[@TX_Eric]

what position should the FN switch be on for full performance?

[@Wolf_Huntsman]

If it's not Sho-Ryu-Ken-able or Ha-Dou-Ken-able, it ain't for me.

[@SansINess53]

the speakers aren't front firing, russ, they are actually behind the screen, so basically it stinks as the sound doesn't come out easily.

[@SansINess53]

trimUI smart pro has the level of power as the RG35XX PLUS/H

[@Hauntcade]

And.... and it taste nothing like a Tiramisu.

[@mrburns366]

I wish this was called Trim-oooey. 😂

[@cyberoach]

Try Moowey 😂

[@YawAsareOwiredu]

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.

[@jonathonearl482]

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.

[@MasDouc]

A case of design over function. Looks great but plays pretty bad in practice

[@darwishakmal5992]

Can it activate GTA cheat ?.I just try but it didn't work.

[@TVsBen]

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.

[@julianacosta697]

What’s better !? TRIMUI Smart Pro !? Or the ANBERNIC RG35XX H !? Please help idk what one to get 😔

[@julianacosta697]

What’s better !? TRIMUI Smart Pro !? Or the ANBERNIC RG35XX H !? Please help idk what one to get 😔

[@EliasPfaiffer]

since yesterday with Vulkan Support!! Hell yea

[@EliasPfaiffer]

which adapter do you use to charge it? is a 5v 1.5a really important?

[@ddbhaha1529]

So.... up to PS1. Price looks a bit too high for that. Looks great though.

[@W4llingford]

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

[@samhuang683]

Any plans of taking another look at this with all the updates since then? Interested to see some comparison in performance with the H700 devices especially with the harder systems.

[@soaremicheledavid6020]

Whats your problem with the analog sticks?!! You never had a PS Vita?!! Guess you are a Switch user, with joycons. I think is much better, also dont drift and are low profile.

[@lincolnvillanueva8647]

Do you know where I can find a replacement IPS LCD screen for this device? my nephew accidentally broke mine.

[@GrimMeeper3305]

Personally for my use case i love this handheld with MinUI running on it ,With that being said i think i would like knulli more it just doesn't seem to support (or show at least) all the systems i want to run at the moment

[@Bydlaq25]

Hey, is there option to connect it to the tv and pair controller via bt?

[@blkkb3rry]

Is there any game included in the console or do we need to download them

[@mark_midmark]

Hi Russ, with the RG40xx out, do you have intentions on revisiting the Trimui Smart Pro?

[@Mike-42069]

Have you had any issues with the handheld loading a game but then none if the buttons work? I can't turn it off or turn down the volume.

[@209rc7]

This one or the RG35XX H? I’m torn between these 2

[@EliasPfaiffer]

This

[@209rc7]

@@EliasPfaifferthanks

[@JoelsterG4k]

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.

[@shanetheundertaker8474]

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. ✨⭐🙏⭐✨

[@ChxrryBlvssom]

Do i need a sd card usb adapter to connect it to the pc, or can i connect it with the usb c cable ?

[@ẞïGmÃbØī]

So i found one of these for 65$ used according to seller turned on less than 10 times

[@zgerman989]

“Sometime in the future” is now. 😊

[@santiniperico8627]

Seems like a great girlfriend gift

[@DenistJed]

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.

[@mitchthepreacher1512]

In practice, the RK3566 seems to blow this thing out of the water.

[@torq21]

X55 is a solid choice! Because of the screen size I'm enjoying it far more than the RP3+.

[@RR-ho3td]

Earned a sub just from the Hadoukenable bit. Love it!

[@1NaJoh4]

Hello ! I want to buy i handheld retro device, but i don't really want to struggle with a "nude" android system (like the retroids) I really prefer to have nothing to do and just play. Or just put more games. So in my conclusion i'm thinking about the powkiddy x55 and this one. Im i right ? Or, is there a better solution ?

[@entiar1]

x51 powswitch

[@rares_1]

👍

[@pepito69]

👍🏽

[@AguFungus]

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?