Short answer: the Trimui Brick Hammer is a CNC-machined metal upgrade of the popular Brick — the same great sharp-screen vertical formula in a far more premium shell. The step-up Brick Hammer Pro U is a different animal: a Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 Android handheld with a 3.95-inch 1024×768 screen, Hall-effect joysticks and USB-C video out, capable of N64, Dreamcast and a solid chunk of GameCube and PS2. The Pro U costs noticeably more than the Pro.
Brick Hammer vs Brick Hammer Pro U
| Spec | Brick Hammer | Brick Hammer Pro U |
|---|---|---|
| Build | CNC metal facelift of the Brick | Fully CNC aluminium |
| Screen | Sharp vertical Brick-class panel | 3.95″ IPS, 1024×768, 60Hz |
| Chip | Brick-class (Linux) | Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 (Adreno A21, Android) |
| Sticks | D-pad focused | Dual Hall-effect joysticks |
| Extras | Premium metal shell | USB-C video out, ALPS buttons, replaceable shoulders |
| Ceiling | 2D + PS1 | N64, Dreamcast, much of GameCube/PS2 |
The Brick Hammer: a metal facelift
If you liked the Trimui Brick’s ultra-sharp screen and compact vertical shape but wanted a more premium feel, the Brick Hammer is exactly that — the same winning formula wrapped in CNC-machined metal. It remains a 2D-and-PS1 machine at heart, which is precisely what most buyers of this shape want.
The Brick Hammer Pro U: a genuine power jump
The Pro U is not a facelift, it is a different class of device. A Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 with an Adreno A21 GPU running Android gives it enough headroom for Nintendo 64, Dreamcast and a respectable share of GameCube and PlayStation 2 — systems well beyond any budget Linux handheld. Dual Hall-effect joysticks, ALPS action buttons, replaceable shoulder buttons and USB-C video output round out a properly premium package.
Pricing and who each suits
The Pro U commands a significantly higher price than the Brick Hammer Pro for its Android silicon. Buy the Brick Hammer if you want the best-feeling compact 2D/PS1 handheld; buy the Pro U if you genuinely want GameCube and PS2-era emulation and Android flexibility, and have the budget for it.
The budget perspective
If all you actually play is NES through PlayStation 1, you do not need the Pro U’s power — a handheld like the R36 Max covers that catalogue for a fraction of the cost. See our R36 Max vs Trimui Brick comparison for that trade-off in detail.
The verdict
The Brick Hammer gives Trimui’s excellent Brick a premium metal body without changing what it is. The Brick Hammer Pro U is the one to watch if you want serious emulation power in that compact vertical shape — just be ready for a premium price.
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Prefer the original? Read our Trimui Brick review.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Trimui Brick and the Brick Hammer?
The Brick Hammer is essentially a CNC-machined metal version of the Trimui Brick — the same sharp-screen vertical formula in a more premium shell. The bigger jump is the Brick Hammer Pro U, which is a Snapdragon-powered Android device in a different performance class.
What can the Brick Hammer Pro U emulate?
Its Snapdragon G2 Gen 1 with Adreno A21 GPU handles Nintendo 64 and Dreamcast comfortably, plus a respectable chunk of GameCube and PlayStation 2 — far beyond what budget Linux handhelds can manage.
How much does the Trimui Brick Hammer cost?
The more powerful Android Brick Hammer Pro U sits at a significantly higher price point than the Brick Hammer Pro. Check current retailer listings, as pricing has shifted since announcement.
Is the Brick Hammer Pro U worth it over a budget handheld?
Only if you want GameCube, PS2-era emulation or Android flexibility. If your library is 8-bit through PlayStation 1, a budget handheld like the R36 Max plays all of it for a fraction of the price.
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