ASUS ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM Review: Taking Gaming Laptops to the Next Level

The gaming laptop has always been the go-to option for gamers in search of a portable gaming solution. However, hybrid devices such as the ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM strive to provide the best of both worlds by serving as both a laptop and a tablet. With its 13.4-inch screen and detachable keyboard, users have the flexibility to utilize it as either a tablet or a laptop whenever necessary.

Although the concept is innovative, it raises questions about its practicality. The ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM has more than enough power under the hood to serve as a powerful gaming solution – making it a unique device that caters to a specific niche. However, its high retail price and certain limitations come with it.

Throughout my testing, I asked myself – why would anyone choose the ROG Flow Z13 over a traditional gaming laptop such as the company’s own ROG Zephyrus M16 line? In this review, I aim to answer this and identify the target audience for whom the ROG Flow Z13 would be a reasonable purchase.

A powerful device, but are form factor and unique design more important than functionality?

First off, you get pretty competent and powerful gaming-centric specs with the ROG Flow Z13. In addition to getting the latest Nvidia RTX 40 series GPU in the form of the RTX 4070 with 8GB of GDDR6 memory, you also get a 13th Gen Intel Core™ i9-13900H chipset clocked at 2.6GHz. It is a 14-core processor with 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores. ASUS has also made sure there is plenty of RAM, with 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM on offer.

Simply put, the performance you get from the device is certainly good, running most AAA games at high peak settings at decent frame rates, but there is a big caveat that we’ll talk about later in this review.

I played titles like The Last of Part II, Apex Legends and Returnal at max settings and the system did not disappoint. When turning Apex Legends on performance-oriented settings, the system averaged a comfortable 180-200 fps and didn’t drop. Even The Last of Us Part I, running on high settings, delivered a solid 55-60 fps. This is very commendable for a device of this size. And combined with a robust 13.4-inch IPS QHD+ panel that refreshes at 165Hz, you’ve got a solid portable gaming setup on your hands. The display itself is quite bright, has accurate color reproduction, and is certainly sharp with a 2560 x 1600 resolution.

However, to use the ROG Flow Z13 to its full potential, you’ll need to use a controller with it, or perhaps the included magnetic keyboard and mouse. In my experience, the keyboard is mixed. Not only is the font hard to read, but the keys themselves are sticky and not what you’d expect from a gaming PC. So, here’s how I used the ROG Flow Z13 during my testing: I got rid of the keyboard and simply used the PlayStation DualSense controller to play games on it.

Detachable parts consisting of both keyboard and trackpad are easily removable as they are magnetically attached, so users can easily remove them without any hassle.

In addition, the back of the device has a built-in stand that is quite sturdy, so you can simply open it, connect the controller and start playing.

In terms of design and aesthetics, ASUS has collaborated with the design clothing brand ACRONYM, and thanks to the font and solid metal structure offered by the ROG Flow Z13, the design inspiration is certainly visible. The back is full of interesting design choices that I haven’t seen before – ever. It is undeniably striking. To say it looks straight out of a cyberpunk setting would be an understatement. I remember taking the Flow Z13 to a friend’s co-op and everyone there was surprised to see the Flow Z13. So if you’re looking for a gaming statement piece, the device won’t disappoint.

Combined with the straps in the box – which you can attach to your tablet/laptop or whatever you want to call it – the briefcase design that goes with some streetwear is sure to create a statement look. But in reality, would you want to carry your expensive investment on your shoulders – no matter how durable it is? Well, I wouldn’t do that, but I know many who could.

Big warning

Like most gaming laptops, the ROG Flow Z13’s battery life isn’t great. You can barely play an hour and a half of big, power-hungry AAA games like The Last of Us Part I or even Apex Legends, and that’s what wins the portability factor for me.

Also, to get the maximum performance out of the RTX 4070, you’ll need to plug in the included 130W charger anyway, and gaming without AC isn’t an experience you’d want after spending close to Rs.3000.

So here’s the thing: the ROG Flow Z13 is certainly a capable machine that’s quite the eye candy; it’s well built and can handle anything you throw at it – but only when you’re plugged in.

You can use Asus’ Armory Crate app to switch between different modes to optimize performance for the task at hand. For example, you don’t need to keep your computer running at full power when you’re just writing a document. This is where the Armory Crate app comes in handy.

Good heat for victory?

I was particularly impressed with the ROG Flow Z13’s thermal management. The device never slowed down even after playing several Apex Legends games. The temperature rose to 75 degrees Celsius, but this did not affect performance. Titles ran smoothly with no frame drops.

I think the large air intakes on the back of the system and the two large outlets on the top contribute to good heat management – and if you’re looking to play competitive shooters with the ROG Flow Z13, you won’t be disappointed.

Verdict: Should you invest in a laptop/tablet hybrid?

As mentioned earlier – the ROG Flow Z13 is there to use – and it might appeal to those looking for its quirky, head-turning design. The question remains, though: does it justify its Rs 2,84,990 asking price — and should gamers looking for a reliable gaming laptop setup choose it over alternatives like the company’s own ROG Zephyrus M16 2023?

The straight answer is no. Opting for the ROG Flow Z13 over alternatives like the ROG Zephyrus M16 2023 – which can now be had for under 3 lakhs – would not be wise. The latter offers a more practical gaming experience with a better keyboard, trackpad and significantly better performance; You also get a larger screen that improves media enjoyment.

We reviewed the ROG Zephyrus M16 2023 earlier this; you can read the review here.

However, it seems that ASUS never intended to target hardcore gamers when designing the ROG Flow Z13; Instead, the company created a product that appeals to those looking for a secondary gaming device that serves a purpose other than gaming—perhaps even a style statement—and that they can take anywhere thanks to shoulder straps that let you wear it.

Although, thanks to its 13.4-inch size, it may not correspond to the use case of a traditional gaming laptop – but that’s what might attract the attention of “hype beasts” and people who want more than just a gaming device. In conclusion, the ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM does indeed have a specific use case and is tailored for a niche audience that appreciates what it has to offer – whether it’s its unique design or top-notch one-touch performance.