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Is the word pensei the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

Yes

The spelling, meaning, and grammatical function of "pensei" (the first-person singular, preterite indicative of the verb pensar) are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese. The only difference is in pronunciation. In Brazilian Portuguese, the unstressed "e" in the first syllable is typically pronounced with a more distinct, neutral, or slightly open vowel sound, and the rhythm of speech is more syllable-timed. In Continental Portuguese, unstressed vowels are much more "reduced" or "clipped," meaning the "e" is often shortened to a very subtle, closed sound, contributing to a more stress-timed rhythm.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu pensei que você não viria à festa. (I thought you weren't coming to the party.)
  2. Pensei em te ligar mais tarde para avisar. (I thought about calling you later to let you know.)
  3. Eu não pensei nisso ontem. (I didn't think about that yesterday.)
  4. Pensei que o ônibus já tinha passado. (I thought the bus had already passed.)
  5. Eu pensei que você estivesse ocupado. (I thought you were busy.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. Eu pensei que não ias vir à festa. (I thought you weren't coming to the party.)
  2. Pensei em ligar-te mais tarde para avisar. (I thought about calling you later to let you know.)
  3. Não pensei nisso ontem. (I didn't think about that yesterday.)
  4. Pensei que o autocarro já tinha passado. (I thought the bus had already passed.)
  5. Pensei que estivesses ocupado. (I thought you were busy.)