ASUS ROG Flow X13 vs Flow Z13 - Don't Choose Wrong!

Summary

In this review, the ASUS ROG Flow X13 and the ZenBook 13 are compared, highlighting their similarities and differences. Both devices offer 2-in-1 functionality, with the X13 as a convertible laptop and the Z13 as a traditional tablet with a Type Cover. The X13 is lighter, has an HDMI port, and better typing experience, while the Z13 features a more gamer-centric design. Performance-wise, the Z13's Intel i9 outperforms the X13's Ryzen 9 in CPU tasks, but the X13 excels in gaming and battery life. The X13 is also more affordable, making it a better value proposition for most users.

Takeaways

• 💻 The ASUS ROG Flow X13 is a convertible laptop with a 360-degree flip display, while the Z13 is a traditional 2-in-1 tablet with a Type Cover.
• 🔍 Both devices have similar hardware specifications but differ in their form factors and some hardware details.
• 📚 The X13 is lighter at 2.43 pounds, compared to the Z13's 2.87 pounds, but the Z13 becomes heavier when the keyboard is attached.
• 🔌 The X13 offers an additional HDMI port, while both have two USB Type-C ports, one of which is Thunderbolt on the Z13.
• 🔑 Both devices feature a USB A port and a side-mounted power button with an embedded fingerprint scanner.
• ⌨ The typing experience is superior on the X13, and the Z13's Type Cover has more flex, reminiscent of earlier Surface models.
• 🖱 The X13 has a larger and more accurate touchpad compared to the Z13.
• 🌈 The X13 features an RGB keyboard, whereas the Z13 has white backlighting.
• 📐 The X13 has sturdier hinges, while the Z13's hinges allow more wobble, typical for convertibles.
• 🎨 Both devices have 1920x1200 displays with 16:10 aspect ratios, 120Hz refresh rates, and nearly identical color accuracy and brightness.
• 📹 Both have 720p front-facing cameras, but the Z13 also has a 1080p rear camera.
• 💨 The Z13 has a faster Intel i9 CPU, but the X13's Ryzen 9 CPU is more efficient and better for gaming and battery life.
• 🔊 The X13 has clearer and louder speakers, while the Z13's sound is a bit tinny.
• 🔌 Both use a 100W USB Type-C power brick, but the X13 is easier to upgrade with a swappable Wi-Fi card and an NVMe SSD slot.
• 🔋 The X13 offers better battery life, lasting over nine hours compared to the Z13's five hours.
• 💰 The X13 is priced at $1599, while the Z13 is $300 more expensive at $1899, making the X13 a better value for the price.

Q & A

What are the two ASUS ROG devices being compared in the script?

The two ASUS ROG devices being compared are the ASUS ROG Flow X13 and the ASUS ROG Z13.

How does the form factor of the X13 differ from the Z13?

The X13 is a convertible laptop with a display that can flip 360 degrees, whereas the Z13 is a traditional two-in-one device similar to the Surface Pro 8, with a detachable tablet portion and a Type Cover.

What is the weight difference between the ASUS ROG Flow X13 and the Z13?

The ASUS ROG Flow X13 weighs 2.43 pounds, and the Z13 weighs 2.87 pounds. However, when connected to the keyboard, the X13 becomes over three pounds, making it technically heavier than the Z13.

What additional port does the X13 have that the Z13 does not?

The ASUS ROG Flow X13 has an extra HDMI port which is not present on the Z13.

How do the typing experiences on the X13 and Z13 compare?

The typing experience is good on both devices, but it's better on the X13 due to its integrated keyboard. The Z13 requires a Type Cover, which is not as comfortable or stable as the X13's keyboard.

What is the difference in the touchpad size and accuracy between the X13 and Z13?

The Z13 has a slightly bigger touchpad, but the X13's touchpad is more accurate and preferred for use.

What unique feature does the Z13 have that the X13 does not?

The Z13 has a second, higher-quality 1080p camera on the back, which the X13 lacks.

How do the displays of the X13 and Z13 compare in terms of specifications?

Both the X13 and Z13 have 1920 by 1200 displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 120 Hz refresh rate, and nearly identical brightness and color accuracy.

Which device has the better performance in CPU single-core and multi-core speeds?

The Z13, equipped with the i9 12900H CPU, has better single-core and multi-core performance compared to the X13 with its Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU.

In terms of gaming performance, which device performs slightly better and why?

The X13 performs slightly better in gaming due to its Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU being able to run hotter and longer, providing a few more frames per second compared to the Z13.

How does the battery life of the X13 compare to the Z13, and what is the reason for the difference?

The X13 has significantly better battery life, offering over nine hours of use compared to around five hours on the Z13. This is attributed to the more efficient 6900HS processor in the X13.

What is the price difference between the ASUS ROG Flow X13 and the Z13, and what conclusion does the script draw about their value?

The X13 is priced at $1599, while the Z13 is priced at $1899, a $300 difference. The script concludes that the X13 is a better deal considering its superior battery life and overall value for the price.

Outlines

00:00

💻 ASUS ROG Flow X13 and ZenBook 13 Comparison

The script introduces a comparison between the ASUS ROG Flow X13 and the ZenBook 13, highlighting their similarities and differences. The X13 is described as a convertible laptop with a 360-degree flip display, while the ZenBook 13 is characterized as a traditional two-in-one device. Both devices share similar hardware specifications, including two USB Type-C ports, a USB A port, and a power button with a fingerprint scanner. The X13 is noted to be slightly lighter and has an additional HDMI port. The typing experience is better on the X13, and it features an RGB keyboard, whereas the ZenBook 13 has a white backlight. The X13's hinges are mentioned to be less tight compared to the ZenBook 13. Both devices have 1920x1200 displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, and support for touch and pen input. The camera quality is the same on both, but the ZenBook 13 has an additional higher resolution rear camera. Performance differences are noted, with the ZenBook 13 having a faster CPU but the X13 providing better gaming performance due to its more efficient CPU. Fan noise is mentioned for both devices, and the X13 is said to have louder and cleaner speakers. The script concludes with a discussion on the ease of accessing internal components, with the X13 being easier to upgrade, and a comparison of battery life, where the X13 outperforms the ZenBook 13.

05:02

🔋 Performance, Price, and Recommendation

This paragraph delves into the performance capabilities of both devices, emphasizing the ZenBook 13's superior CPU performance in creative applications due to its Intel i9 12900H processor and Quick Sync technology. However, for 3D work, the performance of both devices is similar, relying on the RTX 3050 Ti GPU. The X13 excels in gaming due to its Ryzen 9 6900HS CPU's efficiency. The paragraph also discusses the impact of the XG Mobile GPU on the ZenBook 13's performance, allowing it to surpass the X13 when connected. Noise levels during turbo mode are noted to be high but can be reduced by adjusting performance profiles. The X13 is praised for its sound quality, while the ZenBook 13's speakers are described as tinny. Both devices use a 100W USB Type-C power brick. The X13 is easier to upgrade, but the ZenBook 13 offers a slot for drive upgrades. Battery life is significantly better in the X13 due to its more efficient processor. The script wraps up with a price comparison, suggesting that the X13 offers better value for money at $1599 compared to the ZenBook 13 at $1899, and concludes with a recommendation for the X13 over the ZenBook 13, especially considering battery life and price.

Keywords

💡ASUS ROG Flow X13

The ASUS ROG Flow X13 is a convertible laptop designed for gaming and productivity. It is the main subject of the video, where the reviewer discusses its features and compares it with the ASUS ROG Z13. The X13 is highlighted for its 360-degree flip display, making it versatile for various usage scenarios, such as a tablet format. It is also noted for its performance capabilities, especially in gaming.

💡ASUS ROG Z13

The ASUS ROG Z13 is a traditional two-in-one device similar to the Microsoft Surface Pro 8. It is compared with the X13 in the script, emphasizing differences in form factor, weight, and performance. The Z13 is characterized by its tablet portion and type cover, which, when connected, transforms it into a portable device with a more pronounced gamer aesthetic.

💡Form factor

Form factor refers to the physical design and structure of a device. In the video, the form factor is a key differentiator between the X13 and Z13. The X13 is described as a convertible laptop with a 360-degree flip display, while the Z13 is a two-in-one device with a detachable keyboard, affecting their portability and usage flexibility.

💡Weight

The weight of a device is an important consideration for portability and user comfort. The script compares the weights of the X13 and Z13, noting that the X13 is lighter at 2.43 pounds, while the Z13 is heavier at 2.87 pounds, becoming over three pounds when connected to its keyboard.

💡Port lineup

Port lineup refers to the collection of input/output ports available on a device. The video mentions the similarity in port options for both devices, with the X13 having an additional HDMI port, which is absent in the Z13. This difference is crucial for users needing to connect external displays or other peripherals.

💡USB Type-C

USB Type-C is a versatile port standard that supports data transfer, charging, and video output. The script notes that both devices have two USB Type-C ports, with one inside the proprietary connector and the other on the outside. The Z13's port is Thunderbolt 4, indicating faster data transfer capabilities compared to the regular USB Type-C on the X13.

💡Fingerprint scanner

A fingerprint scanner is a biometric security feature that allows users to unlock their devices with a touch. The script mentions that both the X13 and Z13 have a power button with an embedded fingerprint scanner, providing a secure and convenient method of accessing the devices.

💡Typing experience

The typing experience refers to the comfort and ease of use when typing on a device's keyboard. The video contrasts the typing experience on the X13, which has a built-in keyboard, with the Z13, which requires a type cover. The X13 is praised for its sturdiness and comfort, while the Z13's type cover is criticized for its flex and less comfortable feel.

💡RGB keyboard

An RGB keyboard features customizable backlighting with multiple colors and effects. The X13 is noted to have an RGB keyboard, allowing for color changes, whereas the Z13 has white backlighting only. The RGB feature enhances the gaming aesthetic and personalization of the X13.

💡Hinges

Hinges are the mechanical joints that allow a laptop's screen to rotate and fold. The script comments on the quality of the hinges on the X13, stating they are sturdy with minimal wobble, while the Z13's hinges are less tight, allowing the screen to fall back more easily, which is common in convertible devices.

💡Display

The display refers to the screen of a device, including its resolution, refresh rate, and aspect ratio. Both the X13 and Z13 have 1920x1200 resolution displays with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a 120Hz refresh rate. The video emphasizes the similarity in display quality between the two devices, making them suitable for tasks like design and video work.

💡Performance

Performance in the context of the video refers to the processing power and efficiency of the devices' CPUs and GPUs. The X13 is equipped with a Ryzen 9 6900HS, while the Z13 has an Intel i9-12900H. The Z13 has a slight edge in CPU performance, but the X13 excels in gaming and battery life due to its more efficient CPU.

💡Fan noise

Fan noise is the sound produced by a device's cooling system. The video mentions that both devices can get loud, exceeding 50 decibels on turbo mode, but performance can be adjusted to reduce noise levels to around 40 decibels, affecting the user experience during intense tasks.

💡Sound quality

Sound quality pertains to the audio output of a device's speakers. The X13 is said to have louder and cleaner sound compared to the Z13, which has tinnier sound. This is an important factor for users who value audio performance for media consumption or gaming.

💡Battery life

Battery life is the duration a device can operate without needing to be charged. The X13 is highlighted for its superior battery life, offering over nine hours of use compared to around five hours for the Z13. This is attributed to the X13's more efficient processor, making it more suitable for users who require longer usage times between charges.

💡Price

Price is a critical factor in the purchasing decision. The video concludes that the X13, priced at $1599, offers better value for money compared to the Z13 at $1899, especially considering its superior battery life and overall performance, making it a more attractive option for consumers.

Highlights

The ASUS ROG Flow X13 and the Z13 are compared for their similar functionality despite different form factors.

The X13 is a convertible laptop with a 360-degree flip display, while the Z13 is a traditional two-in-one device similar to the Surface Pro 8.

The X13 weighs 2.43 pounds, and with the keyboard, it exceeds three pounds, making it technically heavier than the Z13 which weighs 2.87 pounds.

The X13 has an additional HDMI port compared to the Z13, which is beneficial for users requiring more connectivity options.

Both devices have two USB Type-C ports, with the Z13 featuring a Thunderbolt port, and both include a USB A port and a side-mounted power button with a fingerprint scanner.

The Z13 is thicker when the keyboard is attached, and the X13 appears significantly thinner in some portions.

The typing experience is better on the X13, while the Z13's type cover is less comfortable and has more flex.

The X13 has a larger and more accurate touchpad compared to the Z13.

The X13 features an RGB keyboard, while the Z13 has white backlighting only.

The X13's hinges are sturdier and less wobbly compared to the Z13's, which is common in convertibles due to the 360-degree flip requirement.

The Z13 has a more gamer-oriented design with visible motherboard components, while the X13 has a cleaner look.

Both devices have 1920x1200 displays with 16:10 aspect ratios, 120Hz refresh rates, and nearly identical brightness and color accuracy.

Neither device's 4K panel is recommended due to the small size of the display at 13 inches, which does not fully utilize the 4K resolution.

The Z13 has an additional 1080p camera on the back, providing a better sensor for rear-facing photography.

In terms of performance, the Z13 with an Intel i9 12 900H CPU outperforms the X13 with a Ryzen 9 6900HS in single-core and multi-core speeds.

The X13 excels in gaming performance due to its CPU's better efficiency and ability to run hotter and longer.

When the XG Mobile is connected, the Z13's performance is enhanced due to the RTX 3080 Ti GPU taking over, and the CPU running cooler.

Fan noise can be loud on both devices in turbo mode, but it can be reduced by adjusting performance profiles.

The X13 has louder and cleaner-sounding speakers compared to the Z13, which sounds a bit tinny.

Both devices use a 100W USB Type-C power brick, with the X13 being easier to upgrade due to its swappable Wi-Fi card and accessible SSD slot.

The X13 offers better battery life with over nine hours of use compared to around five hours on the Z13.

The X13 is priced at $1599, while the Z13 is $300 more expensive at $1899, making the X13 a better value for the price.

The Z13 may be a better deal compared to a fully specced out Surface Pro 8, which can cost over $2000.

Transcripts

so this is the asus rog flow x13 i

apologize for the stuff he knows i'm

still getting over you know what but the

show must go on and i was gonna review

this by itself right because it's you

know it deserves to be reviewed by

itself but then i thought more about it

i'm like we really need to compare this

to the z13 because both of these devices

even though their form factors are

technically different they kind of do

the same thing and they have sort of the

same hardware with a few differences and

i figure if you're looking at one you

might be considering the other now the

x13 is more of a traditional laptop it's

technically a convertible because the

display can flip 360 degrees and of

course you could use it in a tablet

format whereas the z13 is more of your

traditional two in one something like

the surface pro 8. you get a little

tablet portion and then you have a type

key connector that hits the bottom and

then all of a sudden you have this

two-in-one portable device the other

thing is the weight right this is 2.43

pounds and this is 2.87 pounds but as

soon as you connect to the keyboard this

ends up being over three pounds and it's

technically heavier the port lineup is

very very similar but you do get an

extra hdmi port on

the x13 which you do not on the z13 so

they both have two usb type-c ports one

of them being inside of the proprietary

connector and then of course the other

one is on the outside like this but the

one on the z13 happens to be thunderbolt

force it's using an intel cpu whereas

the x13 is just you know regular usb

type c they both have a usb a port and

they both have a power button on the

side with a fingerprint scanner embedded

inside of it technically the z13 is

thicker because as soon as you add the

keyboard to it you can see that the

thickness is increased and there's

portions of the x13 which just looks

significantly thinner the typing

experience is good on both these devices

but it's obviously better on the x13

with the z13 you have to use a type

cover and this is not as good as the

newer surface pro 8 type covers this

reminds me of their earlier version so

it works well you can type okay but

there's just a lot of flex

on the top of the keyboard even if you

have it flat against the table it's just

not as comfortable as typing on

something like this you do have a

slightly bigger touch pad it also feels

a lot more accurate on this guy they're

obviously still technically a little bit

small but if i had to use a touch pad i

would rather use the one on the x13 now

this does have a rgb

keyboard right it changes different

colors you can't do perky rgb but you

can change the colors whereas on the x13

you have just white lights and quite

frankly as long as i have a backlight

for my keyboard that's all that really

matters to me i will say this though the

hinges on the x13 they're pretty good

like when i have the laptop on the table

there's no major wobbling but you know

you pick this up and you can tell that

the hinges are is not as tight as i'd

like them you know because you could

actually make this

fall back this is a little bit more

common on

convertibles just because it needs to

flip 360 degrees but i feel like these

hinges could use a little bit more

tightening as for the designs it comes

down to personal preferences like this

z13 has more of a in-your-face gamer

look like this little thing here lights

up and you can see the motherboard

inside which i think looks super cool

whereas the x13 just looks super clean

it has like this black

beautiful case with these lines going

diagonally you open it up you can

actually see the rog logo on the right

hand side of the keyboard deck it just

feels a bit different as for the

displays they're both 1920 by 1200

they're both using 16 by 10 aspect

ratios and they have the exact same

panel like they're both 120 hertz the

brightness the color accuracy is nearly

identical so no matter which device you

go for you're going to have a very

similar display experience they both

support touch they both support pen

input i feel very comfortable designing

or doing any sort of video work on this

since the color accuracy is quite good i

don't think you should go for the 4k

panel like the x13 offers one i don't

think it's worth the extra money like

the display at 13 inches is just not big

enough to really utilize 4k but overall

it's a fantastic panel the camera 720p

on both devices it looks okay there's no

difference they're using the same camera

sensor but the z13 has a second camera

on the back which is better at 1080p

it's not going to beat on an iphone but

you do have a better sensor to use on

the back now performance is where things

get very interesting because they share

a lot of similar specs like ssd size ram

and gpu rtx 3050 ti but the cpu is

completely different you buy the z13

you're getting the i9 12 900 h from

intel it's been power limited a bit just

so that it can run properly in a chassis

this thin but if you buy the x13 you're

getting a ryzen 9 6900 hs if we're

talking about single core and multi-core

speeds the z13 always comes out on top

it's just the faster cpu in general same

holds true if you're using any sort of

creative applications regardless of

whether you're using photoshop premiere

pro or even after effects deset 13 is

going to perform better because it also

utilizes quick sync which rdna 2 as good

as it is

it's just not utilized by these

applications properly however when it

comes to 3d work it really doesn't

matter which one you go for it's just

using the rtx 3050 ti and it performs

very similarly on both of these devices

but the one area the x13 kind of comes

out on top is gaming it got slightly and

i mean a few frames per second more

better scores than the z13 and the

reason being is because this cpu and the

6900 hs

can run hotter longer than the 12900h

it's just a better optimized cpu due to

its efficiency right like this is a six

nanometer

piece of technology compared to the 10

nanometer that's inside of the 12900h

however once you connect the xg mobile

connect

the z13 comes out back on top because it

no longer needs to use that 3050 ti so

all the performance can be sucked up by

that 12 900 h it can run cooler and the

rtx 3080 ti can take over in the gpu

department as for fan noise they

definitely get loud when it's on turbo

mode we're talking over 50 decibels but

since there's different profiles you can

choose from you can nerf the performance

a little bit and you can keep the fan

noise around 40 decibels now when it

comes to sound x13 is louder even though

the speakers are on the bottom compared

to the side on the z13 they just sound

cleaner and get louder the z13 is not

terrible but they do sound a bit tinny

the other thing is they both use a

similar power brick it's 100 watts it's

fairly small and it's usb type-c

internally the x13 is just a lot easier

to get into but you can't really upgrade

anything except for the nvme ssd which

is a 2230 which is smaller than the

traditional 2280s and this has a

swappable wi-fi card the ram is soldered

onto the motherboard and if you want to

upgrade the drive on the z13 there's a

little slot right over here now battery

life is another area where the x13 is

just so much better that 6900 hs

processor is way more efficient and i

got over nine hours of use on this guy

compared to around five on the z13 now

here's the big thing

this x13 is 15.99 right whereas the z13

is 18.99 that is a 300 difference and i

don't think the z13 is worth an extra

300 in terms of performance yes it's

technically the faster device but at the

expense of battery life which the x13

excels and i think for the amount of

money you're spending it just makes a

lot more sense to go for the 1599 model

now don't get me wrong if you're looking

at the surface pro 8 i still think the

z13 is a better deal because a fully

specced out surface pro 8 is well over 2

000

whereas this guy is just under so if you

have to have that two in one hybrid form

factor then yeah get the z13 but if

you're choosing between both of these

guys i think the x13 is a better deal i

hope that answers a lot of your

questions if you have any more let me

know in the comment section down below

like the video if you liked it subscribe

if you haven't already and i'll see you

guys in the next one

you