ASUS ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM Review: Beyond The Gaming Laptop – News18

The gaming laptop computer has lengthy been the popular alternative for avid gamers looking for a transportable gaming answer. Nevertheless, hybrid gadgets just like the ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM goal to supply one of the best of each worlds by functioning as each a laptop computer and a pill—as its 13.4-inch show and removable keyboard present the choice to make use of it as a pill or laptop computer when wanted.

Although the idea is revolutionary, it raises questions on its practicality. The ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM has greater than sufficient energy below the hood to function a succesful gaming answer—making it a novel system catering to a particular area of interest market. However, its excessive retail value and sure limitations include it.

Throughout my testing, I saved asking myself—why would somebody select the ROG Flow Z13 over a standard gaming laptop computer like the corporate’s personal ROG Zephyrus M16 lineup? In this evaluation, I goal to reply this and determine the target market for whom the ROG Flow Z13 would make sense as a purchase order.

Powerful Device, however Is the Form Factor and Unique Design More Important Than Functionality?

For starters, you get pretty competent and highly effective gaming-centric specs with the ROG Flow Z13. Not solely do you get the newest Nvidia RTX 40 sequence GPU within the type of the RTX 4070 with 8GB GDDR6 reminiscence, however you additionally get the thirteenth Gen Intel Core i9-13900H chipset clocked at 2.6 GHz. It is a 14-core processor with 6 efficiency cores and eight effectivity cores. ASUS has additionally made certain the RAM is beneficiant, with 32GB LPDDR5 RAM on provide.

Simply put, the efficiency you may get out of the system is definitely good, and it’ll run most AAA video games at high-ultimate settings at first rate body charges, however there’s a giant caveat that we’ll speak about later on this evaluation.

I performed titles like The Last of Part I, Apex Legends, and Returnal at most settings, and the system didn’t disappoint. With Apex Legends turned to performance-oriented settings, the system averaged round a cushty 180-200fps and didn’t drop. The Last of Us Part I operating at excessive settings, too, delivered a steady 55-60fps. This is sort of commendable for a tool this measurement. And, coupled with the stable 13.4-inch IPS QHD+ panel that refreshes at 165Hz, you have got a sturdy transportable gaming setup in your fingers. The show itself is sort of vibrant, has correct coloration rendition, and is definitely sharp with a decision of 2560 x 1600.

However, to make use of the ROG Flow Z13 to its full potential, you’ll have to use a controller with it or maybe use the equipped magnetic keyboard and a mouse. The keyboard, in my expertise, is a combined bag. Not solely is the font exhausting to learn, however the keys themselves are mushy and never the type you’d count on from a devoted gaming laptop computer; Ergo, right here’s how I used the ROG Flow Z13 throughout my testing: I removed the keyboard and easily used a PlayStation DualSense controller to play video games on it.

The removable elements—which encompass each the keyboard and the trackpad—are simply removable as they connect magnetically, so customers can simply take away them with out effort.

Moreover, the again of the system includes a built-in kickstand that’s fairly sturdy, so you may merely pop it open, pair a controller, and begin gaming.

For the design and aesthetics, ASUS has collaborated with ACRONYM, a designer attire model, and thru the font work and the rugged metallic construct that the ROG Flow Z13 gives—the design inspiration is definitely seen. The again is a flurry of attention-grabbing design decisions that I haven’t seen but—ever. It is definitely eyeball-grabbing. It can be an understatement to say that it seems to be straight out of a cyberpunk setting. I bear in mind carrying the Flow Z13 to a good friend’s home for a co-op gaming session, and everybody there was shocked seeing the Flow Z13. So if a gaming assertion piece is what you’re after, the system won’t disappoint.

Coupled with straps in-box—which you’ll connect to the pill/laptop computer or no matter you wish to name it—the briefcase-like design, carried together with some streetwear, will definitely create a placing look. But, in actuality, would you need to carry your costly funding in your shoulders—regardless of how sturdy it is perhaps? Well, I, for one, wouldn’t try this, however I do know many who may.

The Big Caveat

Like most gaming laptops, the battery life you may count on from the ROG Flow Z13 isn’t nice. You can hardly play an hour and a half of huge, power-hungry AAA video games like The Last of Us Part I and even Apex Legends, and that is what defeats the portability issue for me.

Moreover, to extract the utmost efficiency from the RTX 4070, you’ll have to plug within the equipped 130W charger anyway, and taking part in with out being plugged in isn’t an expertise you’d need after spending near Rs 3 lakh.

So, right here’s the factor: the ROG Flow Z13 is definitely a succesful machine that’s fairly the attention sweet; it’s well-built and might deal with something you throw at it—however solely if you end up plugged in.

You can use Asus’ Armoury Crate app to change between completely different modes to optimize efficiency for the duty at hand. For instance, you wouldn’t have to preserve your laptop operating at full energy whenever you’re simply typing a doc. This is the place the Armory Crate app is useful.

Good Thermals for the Win?

I used to be notably impressed by the ROG Flow Z13’s thermal administration. The system by no means slowed down, even after taking part in a number of video games of Apex Legends. The temperature reached 75 levels Celsius, however this didn’t have an effect on efficiency. The titles ran easily with none body drops.

I consider, the sizeable air intakes on the again of the system and the 2 giant retailers on the highest contribute to the great thermal administration—and that if you intend on taking part in aggressive shooters on the ROG Flow Z13, you’ll not be disillusioned.

Verdict: Should You Invest In a Laptop-Tablet Hybrid?

As talked about beforehand—the use case for the ROG Flow Z13 exists—and it would attraction to these looking for its quirky, head-turning design. However, the query stays: does it justify its asking value of Rs 2,84,990—and do avid gamers in search of a dependable transportable gaming setup ought to select it over choices like the corporate’s personal ROG Zephyrus M16 2023?

The simple reply is not any. Opting for the ROG Flow Z13 over alternate options just like the ROG Zephyrus M16 2023—which might now be bought for below Rs 3 lakhs—wouldn’t be sensible. The latter offers a extra sensible gaming expertise with a greater keyboard, trackpad, and notably improved efficiency; additionally, you get a bigger show for enhanced media enjoyment.

We reviewed the ROG Zephyrus M16 2023 earlier this; you could learn the evaluation right here.

However, it appears ASUS by no means meant to focus on the hardcore avid gamers when designing the ROG Flow Z13; Instead, the corporate created a product interesting to these looking for a secondary gaming system that serves a function past gaming—maybe even making a method assertion—which they’ll carry in all places they go, because of the shoulder straps that allow you to “wear” it.

Admittedly, with its 13.4-inch measurement, it might not match the use case of a standard gaming laptop computer—however that’s exactly what might entice the eye of “hypebeasts” and individuals who want greater than only a gaming system. In conclusion, the ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM does certainly have a particular use case and is tailor-made for a distinct segment viewers that appreciates what it has to supply—be its distinctive design or the high-end efficiency at a faucet.