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.