The Asus ROG Flow Z13 isnt a gaming laptop, but its not really a gaming tablet either.
I first reviewed an Asus ROG Flow Z13 back in 2022, but I was unfair then.
I was seeing the RTX 3050 tablet through the eyes of someone hunting for thebest gaming laptopon the market.
Really I should have been putting it in its own category.
And yet, the vast majority of players simply wont be interested in owning one.
2025s model is a paradox - both more of the same and completely different.
But it looks, feels, and plays like a next-generation tablet.
The ROG Flows time has come and its battle is in a much more exciting arena.
Look closer and there are subtle changes that elevate the machine well above its ancestors.
Small features like this help the ROG Flow Z13 look less experimental, more serious.
And here we come to the first problem with trying to shoehorn the Z13 into any existing product category.
As a tablet, its proportions are terrible.
Its the same thickness as aRazer Blade 14laptop, and thats just the main screen portion.
The unit as a whole takes a lot of regular cleaning to stay looking sharp.
The included keyboard attaches via a system of strong magnets underneath the machine.
Everything snaps neatly into place and only disconnects when you really make it known that you need it to.
Ill say it now, the keyboard itself isnt anything special.
RGB flits across each key as well as the window at the back of the gear.
Its definitely stronger in this rear window panel, though thats where youre unlikely to ever notice it.
you could upgrade to a Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 for an extra $200.
Thats worth a nod by itself, but eyebrows raise when you consider the enhanced cooling on offer.
After all, this is a full Windows machine consolidated into a tablet.
My test machine also comes stacked with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD for a full PC-like experience.
Windows is less convenient, but still much improved over where it was even this time last year.
Port selection is another area where the 2025 Asus ROG Flow Z13 trounces its competition.
I was a little let down by the speakers on the Asus ROG Flow Z13.
While plenty loud, they dont have the rich, full-bodied power that impressed me in the brands handheld.
The detachable keyboard isfine.
Battery life is as you would expect.
I was impressed with that hour of gameplay, though.
Performance
This is the section I was most looking forward to testing.
Like in previous generations, though, the problem comes with the price.
So yes, youll get better framerates from the much cheaper RTX 4060 Asus TUF A14.
But the Asus ROG Flow Z13 isntexactlycompeting with these devices.
PC Mark 10s dedicated CPU testing reveals that the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 is a serious powerhouse.
The ROG Flow Z13s AI Max 390 sets a new record.
Should you buy the 2025 Asus ROG Flow Z13?
For the right player, its heaven - but those customers are going to be few and far between.
Its a good thing that Im the right player for this machine.
Theres no hiding the fact that Im a fan of Asuss more portable products.
I streamed both HDR and SDR Netflix as well asYouTubein each videos highest available resolution.
For more information onhow we test gaming tabletsandhow we test gaming laptops, check out the fullGamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Im also hunting down all thebest gaming phonesand thebest gaming earbudsfor more portable play.
Or, for something more permanent, check out thebest gaming PCson the market.
