Surface Pro 9 vs. ROG Flow Z13: Which 2-in-1 Reigns Supreme in 2024?

The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 are two highly acclaimed 2-in-1 devices that offer a blend of power, portability, and versatility. Whether you’re a professional, student, or gamer, these devices promise to elevate your productivity and entertainment experiences. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, design, and other aspects of the Surface Pro 9 and ROG Flow Z13 to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 exudes elegance with its sleek, minimalist design. Its magnesium alloy chassis is lightweight and durable, making it easy to carry around. The iconic kickstand provides multiple angles for comfortable use.

ROG Flow Z13: The ROG Flow Z13, on the other hand, boasts a more angular and gaming-centric design. Its magnesium-aluminum alloy construction ensures durability, while the RGB lighting adds a touch of flair. The 360-degree hinge allows for various usage modes.

Display

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 features a 13-inch PixelSense Flow display with a 2880 x 1920 resolution. It supports Dolby Vision for vibrant and immersive visuals. The refresh rate of 120Hz provides smooth scrolling and animations.

ROG Flow Z13: The ROG Flow Z13’s display is slightly larger at 13.4 inches, with a 1920 x 1200 resolution. It boasts a 165Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. The IPS panel offers wide viewing angles and accurate colors.

Performance

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 processors. It comes with up to 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. The performance is impressive, handling demanding tasks and multitasking efficiently.

ROG Flow Z13: The ROG Flow Z13 packs an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS processor, which is a high-performance mobile CPU. It features up to 16GB of DDR5 RAM and 1TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. The dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card provides excellent gaming performance.

Battery Life

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9’s battery life is rated at up to 15.5 hours of video playback. In real-world usage, you can expect around 8-10 hours of battery life with moderate use.

ROG Flow Z13: The ROG Flow Z13’s battery life is slightly shorter, rated at up to 10 hours of video playback. With mixed usage, you can expect around 6-8 hours of battery life.

Features and Accessories

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 comes with a built-in kickstand, a magnetic Surface Pen, and a detachable keyboard. It supports Windows 11 Pro and offers a wide range of accessories, including the Surface Dock 2 for expanded connectivity.

ROG Flow Z13: The ROG Flow Z13 includes a detachable keyboard with RGB lighting. It supports Windows 11 Pro and is compatible with the external ROG XG Mobile graphics card for even better gaming performance.

Price and Availability

Surface Pro 9: The Surface Pro 9 starts at $999 for the i5/8GB/256GB model. The top-of-the-line i7/32GB/1TB model costs $2,599.

ROG Flow Z13: The ROG Flow Z13 starts at $1,299 for the Ryzen 5/16GB/512GB model. The Ryzen 9/16GB/1TB model with the RTX 3050 Ti costs $1,999.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize portability, versatility, and a premium experience, the Surface Pro 9 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a gamer or require more powerful graphics performance, the ROG Flow Z13 is the better option.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which device is better for productivity?
A: Both devices offer good productivity features, but the Surface Pro 9 has a slight edge with its more optimized software and longer battery life.

Q: Which device is better for gaming?
A: The ROG Flow Z13 excels in gaming thanks to its dedicated graphics card and higher refresh rate display.

Q: Which device is more portable?
A: The Surface Pro 9 is more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight.