The new Asus ROG Flow Z13 represents a strong step towards a new approach.
The Asus ROG Flow Z13 received an update in 2025 that marked a significant advancement in performance for productivity tasks, although its gaming speed saw a less noticeable improvement.
The 2025 Asus ROG Flow Z13, priced at $2,300.00, is designed to deliver exceptional performance for creators and gamers. While it stands out for its robust build quality and cohesive gaming aesthetics, there are aspects to consider.
Strengths include its solid manufacturing quality, excellent performance in productivity and creativity tasks, and notable tablet gaming performance. Its high-quality IPS display and well-designed keyboard add value. However, its high price and relatively high thickness and weight are drawbacks, as is the fact that gaming performance has not significantly improved compared to the previous model.
This device represents the pinnacle of gaming tablet technology, being one of the few models dedicated to intense gaming, unlike other 2-in-1s that focus on productivity tasks.
Specifications and Configurations
- Dimensions: 11.81 x 8.03 x 0.59 inches (tablet only)
- Weight: 2.65 pounds (tablet only), 0.85 pounds (keyboard), 3.50 pounds (tablet + keyboard)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI MAX 390 or 395
- Graphics: Radeon 8060S
- RAM: Options of 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB LPDDR5X-8000
- Display: 13.4 inches QHD+ (2560 x 1600), 180Hz
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
- Ports: 2 x USB4, 1 x USB-A 3.2, 1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x 3.5mm audio, 1 x microSD card reader
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Battery: 70 watt-hour
- Price: Starting at $2,100
There are three versions of the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 available on Asus's website. The base model starts at $2,100, which includes a Ryzen AI MAX 390 chipset, 32GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 13.4-inch IPS display. Upgrading to a Ryzen AI MAX+ 395 chipset adds $200 to the price, while the high-end configuration with 128GB of RAM costs $2,800, making it significantly more expensive compared to alternatives like the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, which starts at $1,000.
Design
The ROG Flow Z13 is not the best choice for those seeking a thin and lightweight device for on-the-go work, as it is thicker and heavier than other market leaders like the Surface Pro 11. However, its design is eye-catching, featuring a matte black finish and ROG design details, including a kickstand similar to that of the Surface Pro. It also features a window with RGB lighting to showcase internal components, which does not interfere with normal device usage.
Keyboard and Touchpad
The detachable keyboard has been improved with larger keys, customizable RGB backlighting, and a good layout that benefits gamers. Additionally, the touchpad is larger, making it easier to use, although the clicks are somewhat noisy.
Cameras and Connectivity
Equipped with a 5MP front camera and a 13MP rear camera, both cameras produce decent images. The AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ chipset features a fast Neural Processing Unit, promising good performance in AI tasks. Connectivity now includes USB4 and an HDMI 2.1 port, in addition to a microSD card reader.
Performance
The ROG Flow Z13 offers two chipset options: the Ryzen AI MAX 390 with 12 cores and the MAX+ 395 with 16 cores, excelling in tasks that require high CPU power. However, the integration of Radeon 8060S graphics does not significantly enhance the gaming experience compared to the previous model. Performance tests indicate that while gaming performance is competent, it does not reflect a significant advancement.
Gaming
Despite advancements in other areas, gaming performance with the Radeon 8060S has not shown notable improvement. Tests in popular games such as Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Cyberpunk 2077 revealed that performance is comparable to the previous generation, making it not a considered advancement in this area.
Battery Life
With a 70 watt-hour battery, one would expect better longevity, but results show performance that barely surpasses the previous generation. The same is true when running demanding tasks, where the duration is below what would be expected from a portable device.
Display and Audio
The 13.4-inch QHD+ display offers outstanding performance, with impressive brightness and color. However, the integrated audio system is average, so using headphones or external speakers is recommended for an optimal experience.
In conclusion, while the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 does not present significant improvements in gaming performance, it remains one of the best devices in its category for those seeking power and productivity in a tablet format. The option to connect an external GPU adds extra value for those committed to intensive gaming.