ASUS ProArt PZ13 review: cool, capable 2-in-1 Studiobook-lite laptop is surprisingly rugged

ASUS enters the Qualcomm PC era in considerable style.

An ASUS ProArt PZ13 laptop on a wooden desk
(Image: © Future / Erlingur Einarsson)

Our Verdict

The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is the most compact member of ASUS' newly retooled ProArt family, but instead of being the runt of the litter, the PZ13 is a unique proposition: Snapdragon-powered 2-in-1 for creative pros on the go. It combines refinement and ruggedness in a unique way, too, and as we've grown to expect from ASUS, the screen is brilliant for any number of creative pursuits. It would benefit from more raw power, though, but with all accessories included in the purchase, it's a thoroughly worthy value proposition for ambitious creators.

For

  • (Nearly) full Creator Hub
  • Lots of accessories included
  • Looks, feels, works amazing

Against

  • Snapdragon software compatibility still catching up
  • Fairly heavy for a tablet computer
  • Not the most powerful Copilot+ model

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The ASUS ProArt PZ13 caps a trifecta of new ProArt laptop releases for creative wild children ASUS in 2024. Never content with travelling the road more travelled, the Taiwanese tech company continues its experimental streak with this innovative 2-in-1, which aims to be a Surface Pro rival, iPad Pro killer, and the lightweight device of choice for the outdoorsy creative in your life, all at the same time.

And you know what? It sort of pulls it off. Yes, it's not as powerful as its bigger siblings, the PX13 or the mighty P16, but it offers something unique instead: a compact tablet-laptop hybrid that - once Qualcomm's ARM has achieved software compatibility on par with x86 processors - does everything you'll need from a laptop (as long as you're not running a 3D studio).

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CPU:Snapdragon X Plus (3.4GHz)
NPU:Qualcomm Hexagon, 45TOPS
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno GPU
Memory:16GB LPDDR5X RAM
Screen size:13.3in OLED touchscreen
Resolution:2880 x 1800
Refresh rate:60Hz
Colour gamut (stated):100% P3
Storage:1TB SSD
Connectivity:Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, 2x USB-C 4.0, SD Express 7.0 card reader
Dimensions:29.77 x 20.29 x 0.90 cm
Weight:850g (without keyboard or sleeve)
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ASUS ProArt PZ13 benchmark scores
Cinebench 2024Row 0 - Cell 1
CPU single-core102
CPU multicore601
Geekbench 6Row 3 - Cell 1
CPU single-core2404
CPU multicore11369
Battery life:20h 12m
Handbrake6m00s @ 52.6fps
Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)

The most powerful iPad ever is a creative dream, so if you're more enamoured with the Apple ecosystem, want lots of power in a tiny package, and don't mind the extra cost of all the accessories, this is your choice.

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge

Samsung Galaxy Book 4 Edge

A slightly cheaper 2-in-1, this Samsung Galaxy Book is not quite as custom-made for creatives, but will cover all the basics for a little bit less.

ASUS ProArt PX13

ASUS ProArt PX13

Conversely, if you want more graphical prowess, simply move up a notch on the ProArt ladder to this pocket rocket of a creative laptop for the AI age.

The Verdict
8

out of 10

ASUS ProArt PZ13

The ASUS ProArt PZ13 is the most compact member of ASUS' newly retooled ProArt family, but instead of being the runt of the litter, the PZ13 is a unique proposition: Snapdragon-powered 2-in-1 for creative pros on the go. It combines refinement and ruggedness in a unique way, too, and as we've grown to expect from ASUS, the screen is brilliant for any number of creative pursuits. It would benefit from more raw power, though, but with all accessories included in the purchase, it's a thoroughly worthy value proposition for ambitious creators.

Erlingur Einarsson
Tech Reviews Editor

Erlingur is the Tech Reviews Editor on Creative Bloq. Having worked on magazines devoted to Photoshop, films, history, and science for over 15 years, as well as working on Digital Camera World and Top Ten Reviews in more recent times, Erlingur has developed a passion for finding tech that helps people do their job, whatever it may be. He loves putting things to the test and seeing if they're all hyped up to be, to make sure people are getting what they're promised. Still can't get his wifi-only printer to connect to his computer.