Main points
- The Surface Pro 9 boasts a more impressive battery life, lasting up to 15 hours on a single charge.
- The Flow Z13 comes with a detachable keyboard that doubles as a gaming controller, providing a versatile and immersive experience.
- The Flow Z13 is the clear winner for gaming and demanding tasks, while the Surface Pro 9 excels in portability and battery life.
In the realm of 2-in-1 devices, two titans stand tall: the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 9. Both offer a tantalizing blend of portability and versatility, but which one reigns supreme? Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to uncover their strengths, weaknesses, and the ultimate winner.
Design and Build Quality
ASUS ROG Flow Z13:
The Flow Z13 exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, with a magnesium alloy chassis that feels both sturdy and lightweight. Its 13.4-inch display boasts slim bezels, providing an immersive viewing experience.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9:
The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, oozes elegance with its premium aluminum construction. Its 13-inch display is slightly larger than the Flow Z13’s, but the bezels are more noticeable.
Display
ASUS ROG Flow Z13:
The Flow Z13’s 13.4-inch IPS display offers a stunning 3840 x 2400 resolution, delivering sharp and vibrant images. Its 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9:
The Surface Pro 9’s 13-inch PixelSense display features a 2880 x 1920 resolution, which is still excellent but falls short of the Flow Z13’s sharpness. Its 120Hz refresh rate matches the Flow Z13 for a responsive experience.
Performance
ASUS ROG Flow Z13:
Powered by an Intel Core i9-12900H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics, the Flow Z13 is a powerhouse. It can handle demanding tasks and games with ease.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9:
The Surface Pro 9 offers a range of processor options, including Intel Core i5-1235U, i7-1255U, and i7-1265U. While it’s no slouch, it falls behind the Flow Z13 in terms of raw performance.
Battery Life
ASUS ROG Flow Z13:
The Flow Z13’s battery life is a bit underwhelming, lasting around 6 hours on a single charge. However, it supports fast charging, so you can quickly juice it up when needed.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9:
The Surface Pro 9 boasts a more impressive battery life, lasting up to 15 hours on a single charge. This makes it a better choice for extended use without an outlet nearby.
Features
ASUS ROG Flow Z13:
The Flow Z13 comes with a detachable keyboard that doubles as a gaming controller, providing a versatile and immersive experience. It also features a built-in kickstand and a Thunderbolt 4 port for fast data transfer.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9:
The Surface Pro 9’s signature feature is its Surface Pen, which offers precise input and artistic capabilities. It also has a built-in kickstand and a Thunderbolt 4 port.
Price
ASUS ROG Flow Z13:
The ROG Flow Z13 starts at $1,299 for the base configuration, while higher-spec models can cost up to $2,499.
Microsoft Surface Pro 9:
The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 for the entry-level model, with more powerful configurations going up to $2,599.
Wrap-Up: The Ultimate 2-in-1 for Your Needs
Both the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 are exceptional 2-in-1 devices, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Flow Z13 is the clear winner for gaming and demanding tasks, while the Surface Pro 9 excels in portability and battery life. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which device has a better display?
A: The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has a slightly sharper display with a higher refresh rate.
Q: Which device is more powerful?
A: The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 offers more powerful hardware options, making it better suited for gaming and demanding tasks.
Q: Which device has a longer battery life?
A: The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 has a significantly longer battery life than the Flow Z13.
Q: Which device is more portable?
A: Both devices are lightweight and portable, but the Surface Pro 9 is slightly more compact.
Q: Which device is better for artists?
A: The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 with its Surface Pen is a better choice for artists and designers.