Asus ProArt PZ13 Review
In the world of tech, it’s rare to find a device that delivers both affordability and functionality without forcing too many compromises. But with the Asus ProArt PZ13, that’s exactly what you get. If you’re on the hunt for a portable, budget-friendly 2-in-1 device that caters to creative professionals or casual users, the ProArt PZ13 might just be the perfect pick. This device presents itself as a solid alternative to the much pricier Microsoft Surface Pro, offering similar features but at a much more palatable price point. But is it worth it? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
Why the Asus ProArt PZ13 Stands Out in the 2-in-1 Market
When the Microsoft Surface Pro first hit the market, it set a standard for detachable 2-in-1 devices. With its sleek design and advanced features, it was a hit for professionals who needed both a laptop and a tablet in one. However, the price tag—often over $1,950—makes it inaccessible for many. Enter the Asus ProArt PZ13, a device priced at around $1,100, which aims to provide a similar experience without breaking the bank. While Asus has made a few compromises to hit this price, it manages to pack in some unique features that could make it a winner for those looking to save.
One of the primary reasons the ProArt PZ13 is garnering attention is that Asus has been able to offer a competitive product at a significantly lower price than Microsoft’s premium 2-in-1 device. If you’re looking for a device that gets the job done without leaving a hole in your wallet, the ProArt PZ13 could be a smart investment.
Features and Design: What’s Inside the Asus ProArt PZ13?
The Asus ProArt PZ13 comes equipped with a 13-inch touchscreen that provides a solid visual experience, though not as vibrant or bright as the Surface Pro’s display. With a resolution of 2,880 x 1,800 pixels, the screen still performs admirably for tasks like photo editing, browsing, or streaming. The slightly lower pixel density might be a deal-breaker for some hardcore users, but for general use, it’s more than sufficient.
Inside, the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus X1P42100 processor powers the ProArt PZ13, which might not compete with the Intel Elite series in terms of raw performance, but it does hold its own in basic tasks. It’s a bit of a step down for heavy workloads like video editing or running demanding apps, but it can handle daily tasks like browsing and light design work with ease. Additionally, it comes packed with 16 GB of RAM, ensuring multitasking remains smooth and responsive. This is particularly useful if you’re someone who tends to juggle multiple tabs or applications at once.
In terms of storage, Asus decided to go big by offering a 1TB SSD right out of the box—twice the size of what Microsoft offers in its base Surface Pro model. For professionals who need space for large files—whether they’re photos, videos, or design projects—this is a game-changer.
The ProArt PZ13 also includes a few bonus features that make it stand out from its competitors. For instance, there are two USB-C 4.0 ports, and a full-size SD card slot—features that make it more versatile for connecting devices and transferring files. However, it’s worth mentioning that one of the USB-C ports and the SD card slot are inconveniently hidden behind a rigid plastic flap. While this design choice doesn’t ruin the overall experience, it does add a layer of frustration for users who frequently need to access these ports.
Portability: A Heavier Load Than Expected
Now, let’s talk about portability, which is one of the most important aspects of any 2-in-1 device. Unfortunately, the Asus ProArt PZ13 has a bit of a problem in this department. While it’s marketed as a portable option, its weight tells a different story. The device itself weighs around 1.9 pounds in tablet mode, which is comparable to the Surface Pro. However, once you attach the keyboard and the kickstand, the total weight jumps to a hefty 3.3 pounds, significantly heavier than the Surface Pro’s combined weight of 2.6 pounds.
This might not seem like a huge difference on paper, but in reality, you’ll feel the extra weight when carrying it around in a bag or holding it for extended periods. On top of that, the kickstand isn’t built into the device like it is on the Surface Pro. Instead, Asus opted for a three-piece design, where the kickstand is a separate magnetic component that attaches to the back of the screen. This makes it slightly bulkier and more cumbersome to use, especially when you’re trying to set it up on the go.
One redeeming quality in terms of portability is its excellent battery life. Asus claims the ProArt PZ13 can last for an impressive 19 hours and 18 minutes on a full charge, and real-world tests seem to back this up. That’s almost enough to get you through two full workdays without needing to recharge. For creative professionals or business users who spend long hours away from a power outlet, this is a significant advantage.
Performance: A Mixed Bag
When it comes to performance, the Asus ProArt PZ13 shows its strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, it handles web browsing, word processing, and light creative tasks quite well. If you’re just looking for a machine to manage your everyday productivity apps, you’ll be satisfied. However, it starts to struggle with more demanding applications, especially graphics-heavy tasks.
In benchmark tests, the Snapdragon X Plus processor doesn’t hold up well against the Surface Pro’s Intel Elite chip. It runs around 13% to 100% slower depending on the task, with the most noticeable slowdowns occurring during AI-driven tasks like Live Captions with language translation or running complex design software. Graphics performance is where the ProArt really stumbles. It couldn’t even complete some of the standard AI benchmark tests, making it less ideal for heavy-duty graphics work or gaming.
Still, for users who primarily need the device for everyday business applications, light photo editing, and streaming, the performance won’t be a deal-breaker. It’s a competent machine for most everyday tasks but lacks the firepower to handle anything too intensive.
The Verdict: Is Asus ProArt PZ13 Worth the Investment?
At the end of the day, the Asus ProArt PZ13 offers a compelling value proposition for users who want a 2-in-1 device without the premium price tag of the Surface Pro. It’s certainly not a perfect machine—its bulkier design, sluggish performance, and oddly placed ports are notable drawbacks. However, for those who need a device that offers solid battery life, decent storage options, and affordability, it’s a strong contender.
The ProArt PZ13 isn’t designed for power users or those who need cutting-edge performance, but it strikes a balance between price and functionality. It could be a great fit for students, freelancers, or business users who need something reliable without overspending.
Conclusion: Should You Buy It?
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly 2-in-1 that doesn’t skimp on essential features, the Asus ProArt PZ13 is worth considering. It’s not without its flaws, but for the price, it’s hard to beat. You’ll get solid battery life, ample storage, and a versatile design that suits both creative professionals and casual users alike.
However, if you’re a professional who relies on top-tier performance for design, video editing, or any other intensive work, you might want to consider spending the extra money on the Microsoft Surface Pro or another high-performance option. That said, for everyday tasks and basic creative work, the ProArt PZ13 provides a solid value and may just be the device you’ve been looking for.
In short, the Asus ProArt PZ13 delivers an affordable entry into the world of 2-in-1 Copilot+ PCs, with enough features to make it worth your while—especially if you’re on a budget.
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FAQs:
- Is the Asus ProArt PZ13 suitable for gaming?
- The Asus ProArt PZ13 is not ideal for gaming due to its slower Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and limited graphics performance.
- How does the battery life of the Asus ProArt PZ13 compare?
- The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 19 hours in video playback tests, making it a reliable option for all-day use.
- Can I use the Asus ProArt PZ13 for video editing?
- While it can handle light video editing tasks, it may struggle with more demanding projects due to its less powerful CPU.
- Does the Asus ProArt PZ13 come with a stylus?
- No, the Asus Pen is sold separately for around $100. There is a loop on the kickstand for attaching the stylus.
- What is the weight difference between the Asus ProArt PZ13 and the Surface Pro?
- The Asus ProArt PZ13 is heavier, weighing 3.3 pounds with the keyboard and kickstand, compared to the Surface Pro’s 2.6 pounds.