ASUS ROG Flow Z13 review
The Asus ASUS ROG Flow Z13 ranks as the #21 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 83. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #21-ranked connectivity among 68 laptops. Consider the Alienware x16 R1 or Acer Swift 3 OLED, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is an innovative portable gaming machine that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a tablet form factor. While its performance is impressive, especially with the XG Mobile external GPU, the price point is steep and hard to justify for most users. Unless you're a hardcore gamer or need extreme portability, there are more cost-effective options available. With expectations set accordingly, it can be a good gaming tablet and laptop hybrid, but its high price tag makes it a tough sell for many.
Build
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 boasts an impressive build that's both sleek and durable. Its slim design makes it perfect for portability, while the sturdy construction ensures it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The 1080p display is crisp and vibrant, making gaming and general use a pleasure. The device's versatility is enhanced by its ability to transform into a laptop with ease, thanks to its clever hinge mechanism. Overall, the Flow Z13's build is a testament to ASUS' commitment to innovation and quality. For an improved build, Asus ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED UM325 is worth considering.
Display
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 boasts a 12.3-inch display that shines with vibrant colors and crisp details. The screen's resolution is 2560 x 1600 pixels, making it perfect for gaming and productivity tasks. However, its main drawback is the lack of a 4K option, which might be a letdown for some users who crave even sharper visuals. Still, the display's 100% sRGB color gamut ensures accurate colors, while its 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth motion. Overall, the Flow Z13's display is a solid choice for those seeking a portable gaming and productivity device. You might want to check out Apple MacBook Pro 13, featuring an upgraded display for a superior experience.
Performance
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13's performance is a mixed bag. While it can handle casual gaming sessions, its internal RTX 3050 Ti struggles with demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring. Frames per second (FPS) are often choppy, especially at medium settings. However, when paired with the optional XG Mobile external GPU, performance improves significantly, hitting above 60 FPS on ultra settings. This makes the Flow Z13 a viable option for gamers willing to invest in additional hardware, but its standalone gaming capabilities leave something to be desired. Take a look at Asus ASUS ExpertBook B5 - its improved performance sets a new standard.
Battery and Charging
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13's battery life is decent, but its performance is heavily dependent on the game being played. During intense gaming sessions with Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, I found that the tablet had about a third of its battery left after half an hour. This suggests that gaming will not be the most power-efficient use for this device. Charging it back up to full capacity takes around 2 hours, which is relatively quick considering its size. However, this may vary depending on usage patterns and the type of games being played.
Connectivity
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13's connectivity is its strongest feature. With USB-A, USB-C, and an HDMI port, users can easily connect their devices and peripherals. However, the inclusion of an Ethernet port would have made it a more comprehensive package for those who need wired internet access. Nevertheless, its wireless capabilities are robust, making it suitable for most use cases. It’s worth checking out Asus ASUS ExpertBook B5 Flip, delivering remarkable connectivity.
Features
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 offers impressive features, including a 12.6" display, Intel Core i9 processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, and up to 64GB RAM. The tablet is designed for gaming and content creation, with a sleek and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry. It also supports external GPUs for enhanced performance. Give Asus ASUS ZenBook 13 UX334 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled features.
Support and Maintenance
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is a formidable gaming tablet that shines when paired with its external GPU, the XG Mobile dock. However, without this add-on, performance expectations may be set too high. The internal RTX 3050 Ti struggles to deliver smooth gameplay, especially in demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring. Battery life during gaming sessions is also a concern, with significant battery drain observed even on lower settings.
Pros
1. It's a good laptop and with expectations in check it's a good gaming tablet too
2. The xg mobile dock is fast you'd hope so right though performance will likely be less impressive if you pair the xg mobile with the z13 that has the 4k display compared to the 1080p version that i've been testing
3. Buying the xg mobile add-on is a tempting proposition for more reasons than just faster gaming performance in the case of connectivity and power it helps the z13 reach well beyond its means
4. It offers a glimpse of how awesome the future of portable gaming will be
Cons
1. It doesn't deliver the same kind of performance you get from a similarly priced gaming laptop
2. The xg mobile dock makes the tablet less portable because it's clunky and requires awkward cable management
3. You'll spend way more than you need to for a portable gaming machine if you pair the z13 with the xg mobile
4. It's costly and may not be worth it for most people, especially when compared to gaming laptops
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features