The GPi Case 2 and TRIMUI Smart Brick sit in the same price band ($80–$90 versus $80–$95) and share a vertical form factor, Linux base, and a PSP emulation ceiling. The key difference is architecture: the GPi Case 2 is built around a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, making it attractive to tinkerers who want RetroPie's mature ecosystem and broad community support. The Smart Brick, released three years later in 2024, runs Tina Linux on an Allwinner A133 Plus and suits buyers who prefer a self-contained, ready-to-use device without sourcing a Compute Module separately.
| GPi Case 2 | TRIMUI Smart Brick | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $80–$90 | $80–$95 |
| Brand | Retroflag | TRIMUI |
| Released | 2021 / 12 | 2024 / 11 |
| Type | Vertical | Vertical |
| OS | Linux (RetroPie) | Linux (Tina) |
| Performance | ||
| Chip (SoC) | Broadcom BCM2711 (Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4) | Allwinner A133 Plus |
| CPU | Cortex-A72 | Cortex-A53 |
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore VI | PowerVR GE8300 |
| RAM | 1, 2, 4 or 8 GB (Pi dependent) | 1 GB LPDDR3 |
| Storage | Internal MicroSD | Internal 8 GB eMMC, External MicroSD |
| Cooling | — | ❌ |
| Power tier | Entry | Entry |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 3.0 inch | 3.2 inch |
| Screen type | IPS | IPS |
| Resolution | 640 x 480 | 1024 x 768 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Pixel density | 266.67 PPI | 400 PPI |
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Body & battery | ||
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Weight | 224 grams | 159 grams |
| Dimensions | 135 mm x 81 mm x 32 mm | 73.2 mm x 109.9 mm x 11.8 - 19.9 mm |
| Shell | Plastic | Plastic or Metal (Aluminum) |
| Colors | DMG Gray | Plastic: Black, White, Red, Purple Metal: Gunmetal Gray, Rose Gold, Fluorescent Green |
| Ports & connectivity | ||
| Wireless | WiFi, Bluetooth (Pi dependent) | WiFi 4, Bluetooth 2.1 |
| Video out | USB-C video out (via dock) | ❌ |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C x2 Top & Bottom facing |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone | 3.5mm Headphone Bottom facing |
| Speakers | Single Mono Front facing | Dual Stereo Front facing |
| GPi Case 2 | TRIMUI Smart Brick | |
|---|---|---|
| Game Boy / Color | A | A |
| NES | A | A |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | A | A |
| Game Boy Advance | A | A |
| SNES | A | A |
| PlayStation 1 | A | A |
| Nintendo DS | B | A- |
| Nintendo 64 | B | B |
| Dreamcast | B | B |
| PSP | B | B- |
| Sega Saturn | C | C |
| GameCube | D | D- |
| Nintendo 3DS | F | F |
| Nintendo Wii | F | F |
| PlayStation 2 | F | F |
| Switch | F | F |
| Wii U | F | F |
| PlayStation 3 | F | F |
Bottom line: the TRIMUI Smart Brick is more powerful and emulates more demanding systems.
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