At a Glance
- The 2-in-1 market is a competitive one, with the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 standing as two of its most prominent players.
- The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, features a more classic design with a kickstand that provides a stable base for various orientations.
- The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, offers a more balanced experience with a higher-resolution display, longer battery life, and the option of Windows 11 Pro.
The 2-in-1 market is a competitive one, with the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 standing as two of its most prominent players. Both devices offer a unique blend of portability, performance, and versatility. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and Surface Pro 9, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The ROG Flow Z13 boasts a sleek and futuristic design, with a magnesium alloy chassis that exudes durability. Its unique 360-degree hinge allows for a wide range of usage modes, from traditional laptop to tablet. The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, features a more classic design with a kickstand that provides a stable base for various orientations. Both devices are well-built and offer a premium feel.
Display
The ROG Flow Z13 features a 13.4-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels. It supports a high refresh rate of 120Hz, providing smooth scrolling and gaming experiences. The Surface Pro 9 offers a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a higher resolution of 2880 x 1920 pixels. Its touch sensitivity is excellent, making it a joy to use.
Performance
The ROG Flow Z13 is powered by the latest Intel Core i9-12900H processor, which delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks. It also features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card, making it capable of handling even AAA games. The Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i7-1255U processor, which provides solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Battery Life
The ROG Flow Z13 has a 56 Wh battery, while the Surface Pro 9 has a 47.7 Wh battery. In terms of battery life, the Surface Pro 9 has the edge, lasting up to 15 hours on a single charge. The ROG Flow Z13, with its more powerful hardware, offers a more modest battery life of around 8 hours.
Connectivity
Both devices offer a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, and USB-C ports. The ROG Flow Z13 has the advantage of an additional Thunderbolt 4 port, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and external display connections.
Operating System
The ROG Flow Z13 runs on Windows 11, while the Surface Pro 9 can run either Windows 11 or Windows 11 Pro. Windows 11 Pro offers additional features such as BitLocker encryption and Hyper-V virtualization.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Choice for Your Needs
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and Microsoft Surface Pro 9 are both excellent 2-in-1 devices with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The ROG Flow Z13 is the superior choice for those who prioritize performance, versatility, and gaming capabilities. The Surface Pro 9, on the other hand, offers a more balanced experience with a higher-resolution display, longer battery life, and the option of Windows 11 Pro. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Questions You May Have
1. Which device has a better keyboard?
The Surface Pro 9 has a slightly larger and more comfortable keyboard than the ROG Flow Z13.
2. Can the ROG Flow Z13 be used as a tablet?
Yes, the ROG Flow Z13’s 360-degree hinge allows it to be used as a tablet, tent, or laptop.
3. Does the Surface Pro 9 come with a stylus?
No, the Surface Pro 9 does not come with a stylus. However, it supports the Surface Pen, which can be purchased separately.
4. Which device is more portable?
The ROG Flow Z13 is slightly more portable than the Surface Pro 9, weighing 1.19 kg compared to 1.24 kg.
5. Can the ROG Flow Z13 connect to an external GPU?
Yes, the ROG Flow Z13 has a dedicated port that allows it to connect to the XG Mobile external GPU for even greater performance.