Review: ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (GZ301)

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is being touted to be the “world’s most powerful gaming tablet”, and it may be so. The Flow 13, which is actually a convertible powered by Windows 11, packs in some stellar specifications. Now, this includes a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor running at a clock speed of 2.90GHz, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage space.

What’s more, you also get up to NVIDIA RTX 3080 inside, powering all the graphics requirements. You can even hook up the ROG Flow Z13 to the ASUS ROG XG Mobile external GPU for even more frames. In terms of design, the Flow Z13 is quite unique. It comes built into a 13-inch CNC chassis, measures just 12mm thin and weighs just 1.1kg.

On the front of the device, you can choose between either a 4K panel offering a refresh rate of 60Hz or a Full HD panel offering a refresh rate of 120Hz. The panel also offers an aspect ratio of 16:10, and a peak brightness of 500 Nits. In addition, the panel supports Dolby Vision, Adaptive-Sync, and is Pantone certified.

At the back, you get a built-in kickstand that can be opened to 170 degrees, ensuring optimal viewing angles for your games and movies. The Flow Z13 is exceptionally portable and hence, it fits into even small bags and carrying cases.

The included 100W adapter weighs just 300g, which also supports Fast Charging Technology. This means you can charge up the Z13 to up to 50% of its battery capacity in just 30 minutes.

The Flow X13 also comes packed with a keyboard case that is connected magnetically to the device. With N-key rollover, a 1.7mm travel distance, and RGB with Aura Sync support, the keyboard has the same premium feature set as ASUS’ other ROG laptops. In addition, for supported games, the Flow Z13 can also connect seamlessly with wireless controllers to take ultra-portable gaming to a whole new level.

For audio, the Flow Z13 is equipped with Dual Smart Amp speakers with Hi-Res Audio and Dolby Atmos support. For voice communications, a 3-mic array and AI Noise Cancelation keep communications clear for both you and your teammates, even in noisy environments. The two Smart Amp speakers on both sides of the screen ensure the audio level and quality is top-notch.

For connectivity, you get a host of I/O ports. This includes one USB Type-A port and a USB Type-C with Thunderbolt 4. There’s also a MicroSD card slot hidden under the kickstand, giving the side chassis sleeker look and being extra protective to the MicroSD card. In addition, if you connect the Flow Z13 to an XG Mobile, you get additional ports such as DisplayPort, HDMI, and ethernet.

The Flow Z13 also comes with two cameras. The front camera can be used for video chats with friends and family, while the rear-facing 8-megapixel camera can be used for photography and videography. The Z13 also supports the latest Wi-Fi 6E standard, which ensures lower latency and better network connections, even on a crowded Wi-Fi connection.

As with any ROG device, you also get access to the ROG Armoury Crate, which unifies system and lighting controls to put essential settings at your fingertips in a single utility. You can easily define and customise Scenario Profiles that automatically make adjustments when you launch your favourite gaming titles.

When you purchase a brand new Flow Z13, ASUS is kind enough to include a free one-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass. Now, this service offers unlimited access to over 100 high-quality PC games on Windows 11. In addition to all these caveats, the Flow Z13 is versatile enough to use in multiple usage scenarios.

So, though you can use the Flow Z13 as a regular tablet to scroll the web, watch movies, or play mobile games on the touch screen, you can also use it as a productivity tool. This is possible, when you use the device in clamshell mode, using the kickstand and included keyboard case. You can even create the ultimate gaming rig for the latest AAA games by connecting it to an external monitor, mouse, and any other peripherals such as an Xbox controller.

For content creation, you can pair it to the optional XG Mobile and then connect it to extra monitors, ethernet networking, or other USB accessories. You can also leverage the muscle of the XG Mobile for intense loads such as video or 3D rendering, not that the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 isn’t very capable on its own, thanks to the hefty specifications it is built using.

The ASUS ROG Z13 is a very capable convertible laptop that does not take up too much desk real estate and isn’t bulky to carry around. It is a device that can be used for both works and play without any worries. It’s a thin and light device that offers ultra-portability without sacrificing any laptop features that users would want.

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is thus, highly recommended.

Price: AED 8599 onwards