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Diving into the heart of the “you” in this headline: it certainly doesn’t point to my fellow tech enthusiasts who are often open to overlooking a device’s drawbacks if it offers enough excitement and thrill.
Ever since I got my hands on the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025), I’ve known it’s both a fun and thrilling piece of tech. I’m always eager to applaud any company that ventures into creating something as unique as this souped-up Windows 2-in-1 tablet.
This device boasts a robust chassis filled with unique features you’ll rarely find elsewhere, making it a dream come true for some tech lovers and a glimpse into the technological future.
However, every design benefit brings along a compromise. Most people looking for an ideal device that’s both budget-friendly and fulfills all their needs might hesitate over these compromises.
Whether you decide to purchase one of ASUS’s more extravagant creations or not, reviewing it was an absolute thrill for me.
This review was supported by a sample from ASUS. They had no involvement in the content of this review and did not see it prior to publication.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Pricing and specifications
One glance at the ASUS ROG Flow Z13, and you know it’s something special. Sporting that unmistakable Republic of Gamers design, it’s unquestionably unique. Priced starting at $2,100—higher than initially expected—it can go up to $2,800 if you want the maxed-out RAM version. Options are scant, and every model is pricey.
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is priced in line with bespoke devices, those rare creations that are as unique as they are expensive.
Reviewed configuration: Price: $2,299.99 at ASUS; Display: 13.4-inch IPS LCD Nebula with a 16:10 aspect ratio, QHD+ resolution, 180Hz refresh, 3ms response time, AMD FreeSync Premium, Windows Dynamic Refresh Rate, Pantone Validated, and 500nits brightness. CPU: AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 (16 cores, up to 5.1GHz). GPU: AMD Radeon 8060S. NPU: AMD XDNA 2 (50 TOPS). RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X @ 8,000MHz. Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD. Battery: 70Whr. Dimensions: 300 x 204 x 12.9-14.9mm. Weight: 1.2kg without the keyboard, 1.59kg with.
Much like the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14, which I previously reviewed, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 offers a one-of-a-kind experience, which somewhat justifies its steep price tag.
Starting from $2,099.99 at ASUS, this model is positioned in the high price bracket. The starting tier comes with a 12-core AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 and carries a lighter price tag. The version I reviewed, at $2,299.99, upgrades you with a 16-core processor and Windows 11 Pro.
The top-tier version extends the RAM up to 128GB, which, albeit ludicrous, pushes the price tag to $2,799.99.
Affordability isn’t part of the package with the ASUS ROG Flow Z13, but the performance it offers ensures you’re getting value for your money. It’s a premium product that stands at the forefront of tech innovation. But its need to stay on the cutting edge might not suit everyone.
Inside the package, you’ll find the device itself, a detachable keyboard cover, a 200W ASUS DC charger, and a 3-month PC Game Pass subscription. The standard ASUS 12-month warranty covers the product.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Design and build quality
Ther ASUS ROG Flow Z13 may not be thick or heavy per se, but its density and the gamer aesthetics make it an intriguing contender in the 2-in-1 space. The industrial design is adorned with all sorts of gamer embellishments, making it a surprisingly convincing Surface Pro rival. However, while it’s fun, its practicality is debatable.
Defining the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is its bold design; envision a gaming tablet complete with a kickstand and detachable keyboard.
Essentially, it’s a 2-in-1 form factor similar to the Surface Pro. Although competitors usually stick to making ultra-portable devices, ASUS has deviated, creating a 2-in-1 heavyweight packed with serious gaming hardware—a refreshing change.
On paper, this device isn’t particularly hefty or thick—1.2kg to 1.59kg and 12.9mm to 14.9mm, respectively—but it feels dense due to its compact spread over a 13.4-inch frame. The matte black aluminum frame gives off an industrial vibe with its stern lines and cuts, and ASUS didn’t miss a chance to incorporate intriguing design features.
Sticking to ‘gamer’ aesthetics, the ROG Flow Z13 uses textures and shapes to create a dramatic flair. It sports a raised kickstand and vent placements, with laser-cut spaces and various easter eggs that make this device essentially an art piece.
Moreover, the transparent window on its rear, glowing with customizable RGB lighting, allows a peek at the device’s internals—over-the-top yet intriguing, much like the rest of the ROG Flow Z13.
Despite the outlandish design, the ROG Flow Z13 is surprisingly practical. The selection of ports is well-considered despite the intricate internal hardware leading to some odd placements.
The display supports multi-touch and stylus input, although you’ll need to buy a stylus separately. There’s a rear-facing 13MP camera—perfect for document scanning or, if feeling adventurous, taking photos with a giant tablet.
The kickstand is robust, giving a decent degree of movement and having a silicon tab for easy handling. The detachable keyboard is securely connected, offering an angled typing experience while magnetically sealing to the display to keep the device awake or put to sleep as needed.
Overall, ASUS has done a commendable job with the ROG Flow Z13 design. It’s a refreshing take on the Surface Pro style—premium yet amply supported. Yet, the Surface Pro form comes with weaknesses, accentuated by added weight and thickness, creating inefficiencies when used on a lap or small surfaces.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Display quality
Embracing a 13.4-inch IPS LCD touchscreen, the ROG Flow Z13 doesn’t shy from showcasing a spectacle. It’s a consistent, comfortable performer equally fit for gaming, productivity, and media consumption. With a rating of four and a half stars, this display commands attention.
Though it doesn’t sport an OLED panel, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13’s 13.4-inch IPS display packs a punch.
The 16:10 aspect ratio works well for a tablet, providing a QHD+ resolution, or 1600p, with a 180Hz refresh rate. Assuredly, the ROG Flow Z13 possesses the power to game reliably at this resolution.
A response time of 3ms is decent, turning such activities as gaming, consuming content, and working into smooth experiences.
The touch input responds well, using Windows 11’s limited touch gestures effectively. It supports stylus input, but take note—the stylus is an additional purchase.
Like any IPS panel, the ROG Flow Z13’s screen offers long-lasting comfort. Slightly warm in tone, it falls just shy of 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, but delivers beautiful content.
However, where the ROG Flow Z13 does shine is in its brightness, reaching a promised 500nits—enough brightness for outdoor use and environments free from direct sunlight. Dolby Vision support means HDR gaming or media is also on the table.
Contrast ratios are standard; you won’t find OLED-level blacks here, but backlight bleed is largely absent, with minor traces in the corners.
While not suitable for professional color-critical work, it stands up to a host of tasks without severely impacting battery life. The 180Hz refresh rate comes paired with AMD FreeSync Premium for enhanced performance in games and Windows Dynamic Refresh Rate for overall efficiency.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Performance and thermals
Now featuring AMD’s Ryzen AI MAX, the ROG Flow Z13 stands as a powerful tablet. It’s a performance beast, though it can run a bit hot, garnering a performance rating of four stars.
Having already experienced the power of AMD Ryzen AI’s mobile platform, the ROG Flow Z13 showcases a notable evolution in that trajectory.
The newly unveiled Ryzen AI MAX platform there is a powerful tool for gaming enthusiasts. My model came with the highest-end variant on this platform’s first outing—the MAX+ 395.
Packed into this compact design is a 16-core CPU, a vibrant NPU, a top-of-the-line 40-core integrated GPU, and up to 128GB of shared RAM.
ASUS reworked the device’s internals, enhancing compact efficiency courtesy of cutting-edge tech.
The day-to-day operation feels effortlessly smooth; I challenged the system with multiple tasks and the ROG Flow Z13 handled them with aplomb.
Even in benchmarks, the ROG Flow Z13 occupies top tier status, thanks in part to this new platform.
The Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 is a competent CPU performer, even outmatching desktop devices in Geekbench 6. When paired with that blazing-fast RAM and an efficient PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD, it’s safe to say no task will faze it.
What steals the show, though, is the integrated GPU. The Radeon 8060S—an RDNA 3.5 GPU with 40 cores—blows the previous high-end Ryzen AI out of the water.
Its performance rivals mid-range systems’ GPUs with enhanced efficiency—though not rendering discrete NVIDIA GPUs superfluous, the display trumps Intel’s latest iGPU efforts by a mile.
ASUS utilizes vapor chambers, liquid metal, and dual fans to handle thermals, channeling hot exhaust out the device’s top. Even so, keeping the Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 cool is difficult in confined spaces. The ROG Flow Z13 does get hot and loud, and you’ll encounter some thermal throttling.
After 25 3DMark Time Spy benchmark runs, framerate stability settled at 91.6%, well short of top gaming laptops.
Gaming performance at QHD is impressive when targeting 60 FPS, but dropping to FHD (which still looks good for this screen size) lets you maximize that 180Hz refresh rate.
Overall, the experience is robust, with minimal stutters and smooth visuals. Resource management is autonomously handled, but you can manually assign more VRAM if ever required.
Platform drivers still present some quirks—games may be uncooperative at times or struggle to identify components correctly.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Software and AI experience
Sporting Windows 11, the ROG Flow Z13 is a fully equipped Copilot+ PC, optimized for AI workloads, landing a solid software rating of four stars.
There’s more than meets the eye with the ASUS ROG Flow Z13, a Windows 11 device leveraging its Copilot+ PC capabilities, emphasizing AI development.
Its impressive NPU supports up to 50 TOPS of AI computational power—a peek into the future wrapped in a tablet. Ryzen AI MAX+ boasts a trifecta of CPU, NPU, and GPU—all geared toward AI operations. But there’s a unique twist—the possibility of equipping up to 128GB of shared RAM.
ROG Ally manages RAM autonomously but allows dedicated memory allocation up to 96GB for the GPU—specialization tailored for local AI workloads.
Thus, right now, the ROG Flow Z13 may be top-tier for AI enthusiasts. Yet, this isn’t pivotal for most, given the scant consumer-grade AI solutions available currently. Nevertheless, its future-readiness isn’t in question.
In other software applications, Windows 11 performs smoothly, free from bloatware, with any pre-installed ASUS apps easily removed.
A small gripe persists regarding how ASUS UI options split between MyASUS and Armoury Crate—a mild inconvenience at worst, but with potential for improvement. On this device, Armoury Crate could be more refined.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Battery experience
With a sizable 70Whr battery and the latest AMD platform, the ROG Flow Z13 holds the promise of extended battery endurance. However, it falls short of being an all-day powerhouse, earning it three and a half stars in battery life.
One of the largest perks of an all-in-one chipset is improved heat performance, as well as efficiency—not that it’s revolutionary, just not quite what you’d hope for in such a dear product (and being a tablet doesn’t aid one bit).
Sporting a robust 70Whr battery, ASUS fine-tuned internal efficiencies, promising an energy-efficient Ryzen AI MAX+ 395. Theoretically, the ROG Flow Z13 should cater to off-charger needs exceptionally well.
Indications in synthetic benchmarks back this assertion. During Procyon’s one-hour consumption test, the ROG Flow Z13 lost 8% charging with Office running, and 9% during video playback at 200 nits, 50% volume, the Balanced profile, and Dynamic Refresh Rate activated.
With optimal settings, it will last 6–8 hours without explicitly enabling energy-conserving traits. However, consistency is questionable.
Typically, gaming laptops or machines with standalone GPUs never flaunt impressive battery life, where the GPU bears the brunt of blame. Near-identical tasks on the ROG Flow Z13 can yield vastly different longevity results.
With my typical workload of a dozen browser tabs, a half-dozen apps, VPN, and background tunes, occurrences varied—sometimes an ideal endurance, others, a mere 3–4 hours.
Based on the Windows battery report, average usage responded just shy of 5 hours. Despite potentially squeezing more life by reducing extraneous features or throttling performance, full-day reliance is too inconsistent.
As drivers and tuning develop, this might improve, but that’s not the case now. Additionally, performance throttling is less favorable than other AMD Ryzen AI systems—a 15% CPU and 18% GPU performance decline using maximum power.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Keyboard and touchpad
Displaying a great keyboard and touchpad combo for a 2-in-1 tablet, though not entirely suited for gaming, lands it a four-star rating.
A hurdle for many Surface Pro contenders is creating a stellar keyboard attachment. Designing a thin, flexible, yet comfortable and tactile keyboard is no easy feat.
Surprisingly, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 outshines many in that area. With ASUS building good keyboards lately, this cover flaunts a familiar, spacious layout with practical hotkeys and shortcuts.
Even as a thin device, the keyboard offers an unexpected 1.7mm key travel. The keys have tactical sound feedback and are responsive with N-Key rollover.
Ditching typical white LED for single-zone muted RGB lighting in this format is a neat feature—distinct yet understated, it’s not always effective in some lighting environments.
Detaching the keyboard, or propping it at an angle thanks to magnetic clips, and knowing Windows 11 will intuitively adapt—perfect for touch interaction—is impressive. Shuts tight too, encapsulating reading-to-sleep indicators.
Covering an unexpectedly large touchpad, its glass surface enables Microsoft Precision drivers for seamless multi-touch gestures. It’s not haptic, and the keyboard doesn’t support wireless modes, but inclusion in the package is appreciated.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Other hardware
Well-rounded hardware yet lacking in some respects leads to a four-star rating overall.
As a high-end product, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 doesn’t hold back, offering the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity options.
The 5MP webcam is decent, sufficing for meetings and occasions. But quick and reliable Windows Hello support adds premium functionality. However, ambient light sensors lack auto-brightness tuning, and Human Presence Detection isn’t available.
Indeed, the 13MP rear camera pales photographing, but excels as an adept document scanner.
A quad-speaker setup with Smart Amp and Dolby Atmos seems promising, yet ASUS’s good speaker performance does not carry over. Volume reaches high levels but distorts at upper ends, with an overall lack of clarity.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Also consider
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ROG Flow Z13 review: Score card
Rating Component: Notes
Value: 3/5
It’s quite the targeted device, an okay buy if you’re waiting for something very specific.
Design: 4/5
The ROG Flow Z13’s vibrant design exudes fun; however, practicality with gaming remains debatable.
Display: 4.5/5
Comfortable, sharp, bright, and fast display fits the bill perfectly, nailing its purpose.
Performance: 4/5
Ryzen AI MAX platform holds immense power, yet ROG Flow Z13’s constraints lead to heat and throttling.
Software: 4/5
Windows 11 delivers, prepped for future AI features; ASUS’s software could show improvements.
Battery: 3.5/5
Promises substantial longevity but falls into inconsistency—undermining its full potential.
Keyboard: 4/5
A firm contender with smooth touchpad integration—not particularly apt for gaming, though.
Hardware: 4/5
Execution is fine overall; minimal premium tech aside the speakers is lackluster.
Overall: 3.5/5
A captivating device, albeit not quite practical for those seeking strong, compact gaming rigs.
ROG Flow Z13 review: Final thoughts
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) stands as a quirky, unique device—a peek into what could be, but might not be necessary. It would resonate with a niche, offering a cool factor that appeals to enthusiasts, its distinct approach lending it a certain allure.
Encapsulating powerful hardware in an unusual format achieves mixed results. Despite its innovation, the ROG Flow Z13 faces growing pains—heat issues, inconsistent battery life, and misfit gaming needs.
Traditional, clamshell laptops likely boast better solutions for many users. Yet, it’s hard to dismiss what makes this ROG Flow Z13 special; its promise lies beyond practicalities.
Should you fancy buying it, the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is available from $2,099.99 at ASUS.
