Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) Review: The Ultimate Gaming Tablet That Redefines Portability
I'm truly in love with this device. This is probably the most impressive device I've ever experienced. Something that is perfect for travel but has the power of a desktop. This device might be a must-have.
The gaming world is evolving, and Asus is at the forefront with its ROG Flow Z13—a 13-inch gaming tablet that defies expectations. This is no ordinary tablet; it is a full-fledged gaming laptop disguised as an ultra-portable device, powered by AMD’s latest Ryzen AI Max Strix Halo processor.
Imagine a gaming powerhouse with a detachable keyboard, a high refresh rate display, and powerful integrated graphics—all in a form factor that can replace your desktop, laptop, and handheld gaming device. At a starting price of $2,099.99 and a top-tier configuration hitting $2,899, is this the future of portable gaming, or just an expensive experiment?
Let’s dive deep into the ROG Flow Z13 (2025) and find out.
Design and Build: A Tablet With Gaming DNA
At first glance, the ROG Flow Z13 will remind you of a Surface Pro. But this is a beefy Surface Pro look-alike. Its 13.4-inch chassis sports Asus’ signature ROG gamer aesthetic, blending futuristic elements without feeling over-the-top. The device is thin and light, but don’t let that fool you—inside, it packs the power of a gaming laptop.
Key Design Highlights
- Detachable keyboard with ROG Zephyrus-style large keycaps and trackpad
- 180Hz IPS touchscreen with 2560 x 1600 resolution (not OLED, but still stunning)
- Versatile form factor—use it as a tablet, laptop, desktop, or gaming console
- Good port selection for a tablet, including USB-C, USB-A, microSD, and XG Mobile eGPU support
The keyboard feels fantastic, offering responsive keys and a smooth trackpad that rivals full-size gaming laptops. The fact that it detaches means you can use the Flow Z13 like a Steam Deck-style handheld if you add a clamp-on controller.
The device is not just stylish—it is practical. Whether you are:
- Using it as a second screen on your desk
- Docking it to a TV for console-like gaming
- Relaxing on the couch for handheld play
…it adapts to your needs seamlessly.
Would you prefer a fully built-in keyboard, or do you like the flexibility of a detachable design?
Performance: AMD’s Strix Halo Pushes the Limits
The biggest game-changer in the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is its AMD Ryzen AI Max Strix Halo APU. This is the first device to feature AMD’s most powerful integrated graphics, delivering impressive results.
Hardware Specs
- Ryzen AI Max Plus 395 APU (Strix Halo)
- 32GB–128GB of unified memory
- 1TB m.2 SSD
- 2560 x 1600 IPS display, 180Hz refresh rate
Gaming Performance
- Elden Ring (High Settings, 1600p) → 50-60 FPS
- Cyberpunk 2077 (FSR 3 + High Settings, 4K external monitor) → 60-70 FPS
- Modern AAA games at 1200p → 60+ FPS in most cases
This is a significant leap forward, and the original ROG Flow Z13 (2022), which struggled to hit 30 FPS in Elden Ring at 1200p, is a significant leap forward
and more impressively, the Flow Z13 now outperforms the Steam Deck by a massive margin. Elden Ring, a staple of Valve’s $400 handheld, runs at 800p, medium settings, and barely hits 40 FPS on the Steam Deck. Meanwhile, the Flow Z13 doubles that performance at 1600p on high settings.
Would you sacrifice some portability for a device that is this much more powerful than a Steam Deck?
Versatility: A Console, Laptop, and Handheld in One
One of the most exciting aspects of the ROG Flow Z13 is its versatility. It is not just a gaming tablet—it can be:
- A desktop replacement, when paired with an external monitor
- A gaming console, when plugged into a TV
- A portable laptop for work or school
- A handheld gaming device, when used with a controller
This level of adaptability makes it a true all-in-one device for PC gamers.
How would you use the Flow Z13 the most? As a laptop, desktop, or handheld gaming device?
Battery Life: A Major Step Up
One of the biggest complaints about past Flow Z13 models was battery life. Asus has significantly improved this, thanks to the power efficiency of AMD’s Strix Halo.
Battery Life
- Non-gaming tasks (work, web browsing, movies) → 8-10 hours
- Gaming (AAA titles, high settings) → 90 minutes on battery
Compared to the 2023 model (which lasted just 48 minutes while gaming)2023 model (which lasted just 48 minutes while gaming)
How important is battery life to you when gaming on a portable device?
Who Is the ROG Flow Z13 For?
The ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is for a specific type of gamer—someone who:
- Wants the power of a gaming laptop in a tablet form
- Needs a device that can double as a work machine
- Likes the flexibility of switching between handheld, desktop, and console play
- Is willing to pay a premium ($2,099–$2,899) for cutting-edge performance
If you are a casual gamer who just wants something like a Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally, this might be overkill, but where it performance well with gaming, it will be able to handle video editing as well. The Flow Z13 delivers.
Would you buy the Flow Z13 at its high price, or do you prefer a dedicated gaming PC and handheld combo?
Final Verdict: A Supercharged, Super Expensive Steam Deck Alternative
The ROG Flow Z13 (2025) is easily the most powerful gaming tablet ever made. With AMD’s Strix Halo APU, a 180Hz display, and a detachable keyboard, it offers:
- Gaming laptop power in a tablet form
- A versatile design for desktop, handheld, and console gaming
- A massive performance leap over past models and the Steam Deck
- Significantly improved battery life
The only major downside is the price. At $2,099–$2,899, this is a premium gaming device that is not for everyone. This is the perfect machine for travel without sacrificing any performance. I highly recommend this device as this is the perfect content creator device.