Fantastic performance in 2-in-1 format: Asus ROG Flow Z13 in review

04/06/2022 18:47

Fabian of Thun

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Conclusion from 4/4/2022

Equipped with an i9 processor and a GeForce graphics unit, the performance of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 sets standards in our 2-in-1 leaderboard test. In addition, it offers a beautiful FHD display, which does not offer an extensive color palette, but scores with high brightness and 120 Hertz. The very high-quality processed keyboard unit can be connected stably via pins and removed again if necessary. However, the Flow Z13 lacks individual interfaces such as LAN or HDMI and the battery life is only average.
AdvantagesGaming convertible with top performanceBright 120 Hz displayVery good handlingRTX graphics with ray tracing and DLSSDisadvantagesNo LAN or HDMI
From €2,099.00: Find the best price for Asus ROG Flow Z13 GZ301ZE-LD002W
Test ratings from the CHIP test center (as of April 4th, 2022)
CHIP ratingGood (1.6) Price assessmentAcceptable (3.3)Price from €2,099.00
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (GZ301ZE-LD002W) in review: Beautiful, compact display
When it comes to the display, buyers of the ROG Flow Z13 can choose between a 4K panel with 60 Hertz or Full HD with 120 Hertz. In the case of our test model, we took a closer look at the latter.
It has a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 pixels on a diagonal of 13.4 inches, which is displayed in 16:10 format. This is particularly pleasant for working, but some horizontal black bars can be seen in series and films. The pixel density of 169 ppi ("pixels per inch") ensures that the display is still sharp with a normal seat distance.
The 120 Hertz refresh rate ensures particularly smooth and responsive movements on the display – this is particularly noticeable in games and when scrolling through websites. At the same time, this also reduces the battery life, which is why the frame rate can be reduced manually and automatically.
In terms of quality, the touch display of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 cuts a fine figure in the test lab. At 501 cd/m², we even determine the highest brightness in our 2-in-1 best list at the time of the test – followed at a reasonable distance by the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 with 439 cd/m².
The Asus' color reproduction is natural and pleasant, but doesn't set any standards. Although the standard color space is covered by 98 percent, the extended DCI-P3 and Adobe color spaces are only represented with around 82 and 77 percent, respectively. OLED panels offer far more in this regard. The display is not ideal for professional image editing. The contrasts are also solid, we measure 132:1 in the checkerboard test.
Thanks to the adjustable kickstand, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 can also be folded backwards by up to 170 degrees. Alternatively, the keyboard is completely separated from the tablet unit and the device is operated via touch from now on. The use of a stylus is also supported, but one is not included in the scope of delivery.
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The display of the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is sharp and bright, but the color space coverage is only average.

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Top performance thanks to i9 and RTX

As a 2-in-1 notebook, the ROG Flow Z13 may seem inconspicuous at first, but there is surprisingly competent hardware under the hood. Our test configuration is an Intel Core i9-12900H processor with 14 cores and a clock speed between 1.8 and 5 gigahertz. The CPU is supported by 16 GB of DDR5 RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti.
This runs with a maximum of 40 watts, also supports ray tracing and the AI upscaling technology DLSS. The latter is interesting to achieve a higher speed in games with only a small loss of quality.
In the practical test, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 proves to be one of the most powerful detachables on our entire list of the best. The processor shines in particular in the single-core benchmark, although multi-core doesn't quite match the possibilities of the i9 due to the case – our experts compare the performance with an i7 Alder Lake in a good fan environment.
Specifically, the Z13 lined up behind the i7 of the more conventional gaming notebook MSI Katana GF66 in turbo mode. The CHIP homepage built up within 0.043 seconds without any delay. The ventilation is still effective and pleasantly quiet. The CPU keeps the 80 degrees, but the case gets noticeably hot.
You can choose between different performance modes via the free Asus software Armory Crate. We used the performance mode for our benchmark test, but you can also choose between a turbo mode with increased power consumption or a weaker silent mode. Optical improvements can also be made in this way. If you want to improve the performance, you can connect an external RTX 3080 thanks to the support of the XG Mobile, for example, and benefit from additional connections such as HDMI or LAN.
In gaming practice, our test model achieves an average value of 83 fps in Dirt in Full HD with the quality level "Ultra" – the device has an average total consumption of 72 watts. The Total War Warhammer 2 campaign is shown in "High" at 70 frames per second on the display, while the "Ultra" quality Battle mode drops to an average of 42 fps. The standard value of 30 fps is never exceeded.
The kickstand allows the display to be tilted by up to 170 degrees.

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Round equipment with individual gaps

Compared to conventional notebooks, the ROG Flow Z13 can be used much more flexibly as a 2-in-1 device. The keyboard, which is connected to the display via pins, can be easily removed and the Z13 can be used as a tablet via the touchscreen. If desired, the base on the back of the case supports this, with which the device can be tilted backwards by up to 170 degrees.
The keyboard unit itself is impeccably finished and has keys that can be illuminated in three different colors. However, the exposure cannot be switched on easily due to a lack of emphasis in the dark. The keyboard cannot offer its own interfaces or an additional battery.
On the tablet unit, on the other hand, the selection of interfaces is pleasantly extensive. Two USB-C ports with DisplayPort function are available here, which can also be used to connect external monitors. The manufacturer says they have Thunderbolt 4, but our experts deny this due to the lack of characteristic Power Delivery.
A conventional USB-A port is available and microSDs can be fed in via the memory card reader. HDMI and LAN are not available. The Internet connection is therefore only wireless via WiFi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth is also offered.
The case of the Asus ROG Flow Z13, which is mainly made of aluminum, makes a high-quality impression. With a weight of around 1.2 kilograms, it is quite light, at least compared to gaming notebooks, but it is one of the heaviest detachables on our list of the best. The keyboard connection and the base appear very stable, the handling is excellent.
The colorful viewing window allows a look at the inside of the Flow Z13 tablet.

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Battery life for gentle work

Gaming notebooks are not exactly known for their long-lasting batteries, so a gaming tablet should have a particularly hard time, right? no In fact, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 ranks near the bottom of our leaderboard in this regard, but performs better than some of its notebook counterparts.
On the other hand, if we use it more actively for everyday work, the lights go out after around 3:50 hours. It doesn't last an entire working day, so users should keep the power adapter within easy reach. The Z13 was able to run the continuous loop of the benchmark program PCMark 10 for 03:07 hours.
If the Asus ROG Flow Z13 is used in battery mode, it automatically switches to silent mode. This reduces the refresh rate from 120 to 60 Hertz and keeps the overall energy consumption within limits. The scope of delivery includes a 300 gram USB power adapter with an output of 100 watts, which charges the 56 Wh battery by up to 28 percent after 30 minutes.

Review: Sven Wolf

Editor: Fabian von Thun

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Step-by-step guide: find the right 2-in-1 tablet

Asus ROG Flow Z13 not the right 2-in-1 tablet for you? Then try our personal step-by-step guide to find the right model for you:

Always up to date: Our 2-in-1 tablet leaderboard

If you are looking for alternatives to the Asus ROG Flow Z13, you can also use our 2-in-1 leaderboard. Here you will find all the products we have currently tested sorted according to their overall rating, value for money or certain aspects and subcategories. You can see the five best-placed models in the following list.

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