ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) Review

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is the fastest 13" gaming tablet on the market offering incredible performance in a compact profile, my full review.

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is a portable powerhouse that redefined my expectations for what’s possible in the 13” form factor. Blurring the lines between a tablet and an ultra-thin gaming laptop, this hybrid machine continues ASUS’ tradition of pushing boundaries in industrial design and raw performance.

"...this hybrid machine continues ASUS’s tradition of pushing boundaries in industrial design and raw performance."

Packed with cutting-edge hardware, smart thermal engineering, and an impressively lightweight design, the 2025 Flow Z13 is not only the fastest gaming tablet I’ve tested—it’s also one of the most versatile gaming devices I’ve ever used.

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) Review Hardware Key Specs

• Processor: AMD AI Max 390 (12-core / 24-thread)

• Graphics: Radeon 8050S (0.5–24GB VRAM dynamic allocation)

• RAM: 32GB DDR5

• Display: 13.4” QHD+ Touchscreen, 120Hz refresh rate

• Resolution: 2,560 x 1,600 (16:10 aspect ratio)

• Storage: Up to 1TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD

• Weight: 2.65 lbs (4.8 lbs with charger)

• Ports: USB-C, USB-A, microSD, 3.5mm combo jack, XG Mobile port

• Operating System: Windows 11 Pro

• Camera: 13MP (rear), 5MP IR (front)

• Dimensions: 11.81" x 8.03" x 0.51" - 0.59"

• Weight: 2.65 pounds

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 Design

The futuristic design of the ROG Flow Z13 appears to have been plucked straight from Cyberpunk 2077. The aluminum and plastic hybrid chassis feels premium, with a unique blend of materials and sleek modern accents. The hardware also features an RGB-lit window on the back, allowing you to peek at the internal hardware. It’s a really cool touch and makes the Flow stand out from the crowd.

A sleek, ultra-portable profile

Despite its gamer DNA, the Z13 maintains a clean profile. If you’ve owned gaming PC hardware, generally the chassis are quite big and bulky to house bigger performance components. At just 2.65 lbs, the Flow bucks this trend; it’s lighter than many ultrabooks. With the compact 130W charger included, you’re looking at a total carry weight of around 4.8 lbs—still extremely travel-friendly, especially for what this tablet can do.

Fold-out, Removable Keyboard

Its detachable keyboard magnetically snaps onto the base of the tablet and folds shut like a folio. The keyboard includes a faux leather palm rest that gives it an unexpected tactile softness. While the keys themselves are surprisingly comfortable to type on, the keyboard deck does have a little too much flex, especially when gaming on your lap. That said, for a keyboard this slim and portable, ASUS has done a great job balancing travel and tactility.

Incredible Power Under the Hood

This is where the Z13 truly blew my expectations out of the water. Under its compact frame lies an AMD AI Max 390 processor, boasting 12 cores and 24 threads, paired with a Radeon 8050S GPU that dynamically allocates 0.5 to 24GB of VRAM depending on the workload. Add 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and you're staring at specs that rival many full-sized gaming rigs.

Whether you're rendering high-res video, running multiple virtual machines, or just fragging enemies in The Last of Us Part I, the Flow Z13 never skips a beat. In fact, this is easily one of the most powerful devices I’ve tested in its category, consistently punching well above its weight class in both performance and versatility. Game load times are lightning fast, multi-tasking is buttery smooth, and the performance uplift over last year’s Z13 is substantial, especially in AI-assisted tasks and real-time graphics rendering.

Performance – Flagship Gaming on a 13” Screen

Gaming on a 13” display might seem like a compromise—until you actually try it on this machine. The 120Hz QHD+ touchscreen offers crisp visuals and responsive input, while front-firing speakers provide decent stereo separation, though they could benefit from a bit more bass depth.

Titles like The Last of Us Part II, and Forza Horizon 5 ran remarkably well at high settings with only slight dips in particularly taxing moments. For a tablet running on integrated graphics, it’s hard to believe just how capable the Radeon 8050S is, especially when AMD’s dynamic memory scaling kicks in. The Flow Z13 also supports external GPUs (via ASUS’s XG Mobile), but for most mainstream gaming, it’s absolutely not required, as the Flow can easily hold its own.

Thermals and Engineering – Cool Under Pressure

Thermal management is another area where the Flow Z13 left me very impressed. Thanks to ASUS’s clever engineering, the device pulls air through the back and exhausts it through top-mounted vents. This keeps the heat away from your hands and lap while maintaining near-whisper-quiet fan noise, even under sustained load. It’s a design that works surprisingly well.

Limited Upgradability

However, due to the tablet form factor, upgradability is limited. You’ll want to max out your configuration when purchasing, as storage and RAM are not user-replaceable. It’s a small trade-off for such an impressively thin and light machine, but one worth considering if you want to future-proof your setup, especially if the Flow Z13 is going to be your centre-piece.

Cameras, Audio & Extras

The Flow Z13 features both front and rear-facing cameras, which is a rare find on gaming devices. While they won’t compete with flagship smartphones, they’re more than adequate for video calls, scanning documents, or snapping reference photos on the go. The rear 13MP camera captures decent detail in well-lit environments, while the 5MP front-facing IR camera also supports Windows Hello for fast and secure facial recognition, adding a touch of convenience and security to the package.

The front-facing speakers deliver clear audio that’s great for watching videos or casual gaming, though true audiophiles will still want a good pair of headphones or external speakers for the best experience. That being said, for such a small footprint, the Z13 still outputs some great sound.

Final Thoughts on the ASUS ROG Flow Z13

The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) isn’t just the fastest gaming tablet available—it’s a compelling look at what the future of portable PC gaming can be. From its beautiful and functional design to its incredible performance packed into a tiny frame, the Z13 stands alone in its category.

While its limited upgradability might be a concern for some, maxing out your specs at purchase makes it a machine that’s ready to take on AAA games, demanding workloads, and creative projects for years to come. Whether you're a gamer, content creator, or just someone who wants serious power in a lightweight form factor, the Flow Z13 is an absolute beast.

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) Pros + Top-tier performance in a tiny package + Gorgeous futuristic design with RGB window + Excellent screen and cooling + Lightweight and travel-ready

ASUS ROG Flow Z13 (2025) Cons - Limited upgrade options - The keyboard has some flex - Speakers are decent but not room-filling

Verdict: 9/10 – The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is pricey, but its portable power perfected.

---

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

---

 dappertux.com uses affiliate links to provide a way for this website to earn advertising income. The blog may earn a referral commission on purchases made via these links.