As a creative professional who spends most of my days working with images and digital art, I find the ASUS ProArt PZ13 to be an excellent choice for my needs. The device’s OLED screen, compatible with the ASUS Pen 2.0, provides a vibrant and color-accurate canvas that has greatly improved my workflow.
Initially, we labeled it as one of the most thrilling Copilot+ PCs expected in 2024, but now I’ve got a chance to personally test out ASUS’ latest offering, the ProArt PZ13.
This new device is quite intriguing for several reasons. Primarily, it marks a significant challenge to Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11, which makes it noteworthy. Additionally, it boasts Qualcomm’s latest 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip variant, thus broadening the scope of Windows on Arm category.
The ProArt PZ13 mirrors our assessment of ASUS’ classic VivoBook S15 (Snapdragon 12-core X Elite) model, hinting at another intriguing AI-powered computer for evaluation.
I’m testing the ASUS ProArt PZ13 Copilot+ PC to determine if it can match up against Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro and Apple’s iPad Pro tablets for mobile creators, as part of my review process.
ProArt PZ13: Price, availability, and specs
Currently, the ProArt PZ13 is not found on ASUS’ official US store when I’m writing this. But don’t worry! You can grab it for $1,099.99 at Best Buy, either for in-store pickup or delivery. Keep in mind that members of My Best Buy might have additional purchase options, so make sure to check beforehand.
The PZ13 model from ASUS doesn’t offer any customization options for its internal components, meaning the device comes as it is shown. According to my review unit, the PZ13 is equipped with Qualcomm’s latest 8-core version of their Snapdragon X Plus processor, specifically the X1P-42-100, which features pre-installed 16GB LPDDR5X RAM that users can’t manually upgrade. Additionally, it includes a built-in Qualcomm Hexagon Neural Processing Unit (NPU) rated at 45 TOPS for AI tasks.
Nevertheless, this model boasts a spacious 1TB solid-state drive (SSD), specifically the high-speed WD SN740 from Western Digital, pre-installed with Windows 11 Home. It’s designed for seamless compatibility with Windows on Arm. Upon first use, you’ll find it relatively uncluttered, offering a few ASUS companion apps and the Capcut video editor as key features.
The PZ13 is designed according to the robust MIL-STD 810H military standard. It features an IP52 water and dust resistance rating, and it comes with a magnetic keyboard case and front cover included in the package. However, it’s important to note that the ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus, which my sample had, is sold separately. At the moment, you can find this stylus on Amazon for $69.99.
On the PZ13 device, the primary 5MP camera incorporates an IR sensor to align with Windows Hello, while the secondary 13MP camera manages standard photography and 4K video capturing. This model boasts a dual connection of USB-C 4.0 ports and a microSD card reader. It also adheres to the most recent Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 specifications for wireless device connectivity. ASUS advises using the provided 65W AC adapter, but it is compatible with other suitable USB-C power sources for charging purposes as well.
ProArt PZ13: Design & setup
The ProArt PZ13 arrives in eco-friendly, reusable cardboard packaging that neatly segregates the AC power adapter, a microSD to full-size SD card adapter, and an optional ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus compartment (similar to the Zenbook Duo 2024). The design is minimalistic, featuring a reflective logo on the box’s front side. What stands out initially is the substantial weight of this Copilot+ PC – a surprising 3.35lbs (1.52kg) when fully assembled.
Individually, the ASUS ProArt PZ13 tablet weighs approximately 877 grams (1.93 pounds). The majority of its additional weight comes from the keyboard cover, which adds about 373 grams (0.82 pounds), with a further 274 grams (0.60 pounds) contributed by the magnetic rear kickstand cover. Fortunately, ASUS has designed these magnetic covers to be both attractive and functional; when the detachable keyboard and touchpad are closed, they automatically put the device into sleep mode.
Yes, the kickstand is built into the rear cover and not the device itself, but the magnets are strong enough to hold it in place. A circular cutout for the rear camera is positioned next to a soft material stylus strap, which helps remove the rear case if you ever need to. Still, I’m used to working with a 2.86lb (1.30kg) Surface Pro X and 14-inch laptops like the 3.15lb (1.43 kg) Lenovo Slim 7i 14 (Gen 9) so the ProArt PZ13 feels heavy.
Indeed, the kickstand isn’t part of the device itself, instead, it’s attached to the rear cover. However, the magnets are robust enough to keep it securely fastened.
Starting up Windows 11 with the 24H2 update, one noticeable change is the increased display scale at 250%, making the nine initially pinned app icons stretch across the entire taskbar, which automatically hides itself. This seems to be aimed at providing a touch-focused user experience, but reducing it to 200% felt more convenient and offered more space for navigating the system.
Subsequently, I spotted an enduring ASUS emblem incorporated into the Copilot+ PC wallpaper design, which features a rainbow ribbon. It seemed as though the ProArt and branding weren’t enough, given this additional logo. Changing it is straightforward for those accustomed to customizing Windows 11, and since this device caters to creators, it’s likely that the user will modify their wallpaper first before making other adjustments.
Upon initial boot, the ProArt PZ13 computer features the MyASUS companion app and StoryCube media management apps on the taskbar, much like a standard installation. However, Windows Recall, which utilizes the 45 TOPS NPU within, is not listed in Settings. There are no intrusive startup programs to disable, and while CapCut, a TikTok-focused video editor, may be considered bloatware by some users, I’d still recommend DaVinci Resolve for aspiring editors.
Installing a gamut of patches from Windows Update and the latest versions of each pre-installed app from the Microsoft Store didn’t take long, and the MyASUS app handled firmware hotfixes. The only Microsoft software I removed was OneDrive, as I had no real need for it on a sample machine and didn’t want my personal files on the ProArt PZ13, but everything else remained the same. Checking the speakers with some video and music provided almost no bass response but a decent playback quality overall.
After its initial launch, the ASUS ProArt Creator Hub necessitates a compulsory update. This software shares similarities with the MyASUS app companion, providing system diagnostic details such as CPU temperature and memory usage. However, it caters specifically to creators, offering additional features. A color control menu is included for managing gamut presets like sRGB, DCI-P3, and Display P3, ensuring accurate portrayal of hue and temperature when editing images or videos.
For the snap-on keyboard cover, I didn’t have to take any extra connectivity measures, and upon closer examination, it was found that pressing F12 opens the ProArt Creator Hub, F8 activates Windows 11’s emoji picker, and F4 adjusts the keyboard backlight brightness. The only remaining setup steps are removing a sticker detailing touchpad shortcuts and charging the ProArt PZ13’s battery to full capacity. However, this leaves an intriguing oversight.
Due to frequently charging and draining the battery, I found it inconvenient that the PZ13 didn’t have a power status light. When connected to an AC outlet with a dead battery, there is a brief pause before a standard charging icon appears on the screen, but prior to that, there’s no way to verify if the laptop is indeed receiving power. This peculiar design choice often left me double-checking whether the adapter was properly plugged in.
Storing the ASUS Pen 2.0 in the magnetic front case’s material loop may obstruct access to some of the device’s ports.
In summary, all ports are situated on the left, but only the USB-C 4.0 port is consistently accessible. This can be expanded with a Thunderbolt 4 or 5 dock. Two additional USB-C and microSD slots become available once you move a rubber strip aside, however, if the ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus is stored in its designated loop on the magnetic case, it partially obstructs all ports. The volume controls are located on the right side, with the power button on the top-left corner and cooling vents positioned to the right. This layout explains why ASUS didn’t offer many other storage options for the stylus.
ProArt PZ13: Keyboard, touchpad, and pen
Examining the ASUS keyboard cover for the ProArt PZ13 without making direct comparisons to Microsoft’s Surface Pro Flex Keyboard is quite challenging, but as imitation is a form of flattery, let’s consider it from that perspective. This accessory, about 6mm thick, connects to the tablet using a familiar arrangement of central gold pins and two plastic notches that maintain its alignment.
The touchpad you receive is diagonally 5.78 inches (14.7 centimeters) in size and boasts precision sensitivity. It’s fortunate that this touchpad aligns with the 16:10 aspect ratio of the screen, ensuring smooth movement of the mouse cursor as it follows your finger. Pre-set gesture shortcuts are included for convenience – a vertical slide on the left side adjusts volume, while the right side manages screen brightness. A horizontal swipe across the top can control media playback or move the text cursor when typing.
The only shortcut I genuinely dislike enough to deactivate is a diagonal drag-in from the top-right section of the touchpad that opens the ScreenXpert window management tool. It’s useful if you have an external display connected, and creators almost certainly will at some point, but the floating icon lingers, albeit semi-transparent, on the desktop and becomes irritating.
Using a slim keyboard case is functional without being particularly noteworthy, yet it doesn’t feel weak or insubstantial. Each keypress produces a satisfying deep thud, and since it’s a separate accessory, there are no uncomfortable hot spots from internal components. The arrow keys are rather narrow, leaving spaces above the left and right sides, but this might be more of an annoyance for some users than a drawback overall.
In my package, I received the ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus, but it’s not typically included with the ProArt PZ13 and must be purchased separately for around $69.99 on Amazon. However, it works great with the color-accurate OLED screen, especially when using art-focused applications. In terms of performance, Adobe Photoshop (which is optimized for ARM) functioned best in my tests, making the ProArt PZ13 an excellent choice for users of Adobe Creative Cloud when working on photos and images. On the contrary, Cocreator for Paint is mostly just a novelty, serving as a fun way to test the stylus if nothing else.
The ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus is not a standard accessory but is sold separately.
Instead of providing convenience, the material strap intended for holding the ASUS Pen 2.0 becomes more of an inconvenience, obstructing the USB-C ports and microSD card slot. Removing it from the rigid cover is challenging, leading me to abandon the idea of using it frequently. On the other hand, Microsoft’s (admittedly pricey) Pro Flex keyboard offers a space for the Surface Slim Pen, making me wish ASUS could have come up with a similar solution in their kickstand case design.
ProArt PZ13: Display
The ProArt PZ13’s OLED screen, as advertised by ASUS, delivers color accuracy, scoring between 99%-100% for Adobe RGB, 100% for sRGB (web), and DCI-P3 (cinema) color gamuts. This level of precision is ideal for creators since it ensures the on-screen colors accurately depict those saved in images, artwork, or webpages. Unfortunately, the refresh rate can’t be altered, with 60Hz being its maximum.
In the ASUS ProArt Creator Hub application, you can adjust colors to match sRGB, DCI-P3, and Display P3 gamuts. The device’s out-of-the-box settings are designed for color precision. Its lowest measurable brightness registers at 4 nits, while it peaks at 388 nits. Although it doesn’t reach the brightness level of Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11, the PZ13 prioritizes color accuracy, and it certainly delivers on that front.
4K videos appear stunning, especially with HDR turned on, but it shuts off when not plugged in unless manually adjusted in Windows settings. Beyond the default Windows 11 operating system, an ASUS screensaver automatically engages to shield the OLED screen from potential burn-in if sleep settings are altered. The ASUS Lumina OLED displays remain remarkable, and I have no criticisms regarding the PZ13’s display when used with touch or a stylus. Impressive performance!
ProArt PZ13: Camera quality
In simpler terms, ASUS doesn’t elaborate much on the dual-camera functionality in their promotions for the ProArt PZ13 beyond stating it “empowers your creativity.” Initially, I envisioned using it for an entire day of filming, editing, and rendering video to assess its portable creative potential. However, my expectations were dashed upon realizing the poor quality of the rear camera.
I wouldn’t even shoot B-roll footage on the PZ13.
Offering a trial of the mobile video editor Capcut appears to be geared towards individuals who primarily capture videos using their smartphones. Since I personally wouldn’t use the PZ13 for B-roll footage, it seems prudent to stick with mobile recording.
The front camera works well, offering quality comparable to what you’d expect from Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus chips compared to standard x86-64 variants. However, Windows Studio Effects doesn’t significantly improve the overall mediocre image quality. This leaves me questioning ASUS’s decision to include a rear camera since it seems underutilized, particularly for tasks other than taking professional photos of documents and whiteboards. Unfortunately, in comparison to Apple’s cameras on the iPad Pro (as tested by Tech Radar), the ProArt PZ13 falls short, especially for those who require high-quality cameras for video production.
ProArt PZ13: Performance & benchmarks
Analyzing the performance of the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus X1P-42-100 processor in the ASUS ProArt PZ13, it is evident that the decreased power has led to a drop in its standing compared to the top-tier 12-core Snapdragon X Elite chip. However, it holds its ground against Intel’s 16-core “Metor Lake” Core Ultra 7 155H and 12-core Ultra 7 155H in terms of quick, intense data processing in Geekbench 6. Yet, it falls significantly behind the Snapdragon X-Elite-equipped Surface Pro 11 and two versions of the latest iPad Pro with regards to their performance.
That puts the $1,099.99 ProArt PZ13 only $100 away from its flexible competitor, the Snapdragon X Plus-based Surface Pro 11 featuring the more powerful 10-core X1P-64-100 variant, which sells for $1,199.99 at MSRP, but you’d need to spend $1,499 to get the equivalent OLED screen on a Surface Pro 11, with a bump to the Snapdragon X Elite. Matching ASUS’ 1TB storage offering would raise the price for an 11-inch M4 iPad Pro to $1,599, but you won’t be running any Windows apps on that, neither ARM-native or x86-64 emulated.
The extended Cinebench 2024 assessments showcased the cooling prowess of the ProArt PZ13, as its internal fan effectively maintains the CPU at a moderate temperature, thereby minimizing performance slowdown due to throttling. This consistent outcome, comparable to the Geekbench 6’s burst-processing tests, indicates that this versatile laptop won’t experience noticeable sluggishness when tackling demanding applications under stress.
The only exception is AMD’s ROG Ally X handheld, which I included here to demonstrate how gaming devices prioritize CPU cooling, even in an ultra-compact form, due to their regular exposure to constant stress. Of course, the ProArt PZ13 isn’t advertised as a gaming device in any marketing, so I’m comparing apples to oranges. Still, seeing how modern chips handle sustained stress with raised temperatures is always interesting, and the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus manages just fine.
The solid-state drive inside the ProArt PZ13 is a Western Digital SN740, exactly the same as ASUS uses in the Zenbook Duo (2024). It performs brilliantly here, with read speeds sneaking slightly over 5MB/s for ultra-fast boots into Windows after a hard reset and general snappiness when browsing your files and folders. Write speeds come close to parity at 4.9MB/s, exhibiting the same performance as Lenovo’s dual-screen Yoga Book 9i (Gen 9).
Evaluating the artificial intelligence performance of the 8-core Snapdragon X Plus using Geekbench’s AI benchmark yielded scores of 1,822 for single-core, 1,466 for half-core, and an impressive 4,841 with quantized settings, when utilizing ONNX (Open Neural Network Exchange) CPU configurations.
This is a novel kind of test, making direct comparisons challenging due to its limited initial data set. However, if we run the same test on Lenovo’s Slim 7i 14 (Gen 9), Intel’s Core Ultra 7 155H processor scores 2,008 (single-core), 829 (multi-core half), and 2,830 (quantized) performance under identical conditions. Keep in mind that these numbers are preliminary and interpreting them is complex due to AI computing’s intricate nature. Nevertheless, the results have been provided for future understanding and potential comparisons.
Can the ASUS ProArt PZ13 play games?
In ASUS’ promotional materials for the ProArt PZ13, gaming is only briefly referenced through Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC label, which includes Automatic Super Resolution support. Apart from this, there’s no hint that this 2-in-1 device is designed for gaming. However, it’s intriguing to explore the performance of ARM-native games, such as the latest expansion of World of Warcraft: The War Within, which can run at approximately 40 to 60 frames per second, with the higher frame rate primarily shown in crowded areas.
While it may serve for occasional gaming sessions, I wouldn’t suggest relying on it as your primary gaming device daily. If you’re seeking a more advanced portable gaming experience on Windows, consider an ASUS ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go instead. For those who prefer emulation and have a budget constraint, Valve’s Steam Deck could be a suitable choice. Essentially, it’s capable of playing some games similar to the Surface Pro 11, but it’s not optimal for gaming.
ProArt PZ13: Battery, thermals, and noise
Using the ProArt PZ13 at around 63% brightness (approximately 150 nits) for writing this review and web browsing during leisure time, I also performed tasks such as video recording, editing, and image editing using the ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus. This combination provides a realistic average for battery life when generating a battery report in Windows 11.
For the PZ13, it typically lasts around 12 hours and 4 minutes, but in practice, it tends to last approximately 10 hours.
To ensure that the ProArt PZ13’s battery was fully drained, I kept a 4K YouTube video playing even when not actively using it. This resulted in approximately 12 hours and 4 minutes of usage time, which is slightly longer than the 10 hours and 8 minutes claimed by Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 in our review. However, during my busiest days, I found that the PZ13’s battery life more accurately reflects around 10 hours for me.
The advertisement from ASUS claims up to 21 hours of FHD video playback and 17 hours of web browsing on the ProArt PZ13. While these figures seem optimistic, considering a usage time of around 10 to 12 hours would be more realistic for this ARM-based 2-in-1 device, especially since it’s primarily intended for creators. The prolonged video playback suggested in the advertisement might not be a common scenario for such devices.
The ProArt PZ13 tablet has an internal fan for cooling, but this doesn’t turn on until temperatures reach 70 degrees Celsius. At these lower temperatures, the Snapdragon X Plus processor seems to function well without active cooling. However, when subjected to continuous testing with Cinebench 2024, the components are pushed to their limits and the fan becomes active. The maximum temperature recorded was approximately 45.7 degrees Celsius near the side vents and rear camera module. While it does get warm in these circumstances, this is usually not a problem because the keyboard and touchpad are separate components. In general, the tablet remains around 29.5 degrees Celsius in a room that’s 20 degrees Celsius.
At its peak temperatures, the PZ13’s internal fan amplifies its speed significantly, causing noise levels to reach approximately 47.5 decibels (dBA), similar to that of a refrigerator, which is not overly bothersome. For the most part, during activities such as streaming video, the Snapdragon X Plus 8-core chip functions efficiently without the fan, and nothing above a soft whisper (33.9 dB) can be heard. Overall, this device maintains a relatively low noise level even under heavy loads, leaving me with a favorable impression of its ARM-based processor’s ability to manage tasks effectively without requiring much airflow.
ProArt PZ13: The competition
It appears that the ASUS ProArt PZ13 and Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 are each other’s main competitors in the market for 2-in-1 laptops with removable keyboards. While there are other options such as Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i and ASUS’ Zenbook Duo, these two devices stand out as the primary contenders. The similarity between their designs, featuring a single screen, stylus pen, and magnetic keyboard case, brings to mind the saying “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” Given this resemblance, it’s hard not to recommend the Surface Pro 11.
You can get close to the overall experience with the ProArt PZ13 by getting an OLED screen compatible with the ASUS Pen 2.0. However, there isn’t anywhere convenient to store the stylus outside of a material loop on the side of its magnetic case. It doesn’t hold a candle to the dedicated cutout in Microsoft’s Pro Flex keyboard, but it is cheaper by an incredible degree. The overall vibe for the ProArt PZ13 is “Surface Pro 11 but cheaper,” which is undoubtedly appealing. However, if you value camera quality, Apple crushes with its new iPad Pro models in a trade-off where you lose access to proper desktop applications.
ProArt PZ13: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if …
✅ You want an affordable alternative to the Surface Pro 11
Equipped with an affordable Snapdragon X processor, this device doesn’t skimp on features like its stunning OLED touchscreen, stylus compatibility, and even includes a keyboard case at no additional cost. The user experience remains comparable.
✅ You’re focused on creating images and digital art
The moniker “ProArt” implies that the PZ13 performs optimally with applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Its color-accurate display proves particularly valuable when editing actual photographs or creating original artwork from scratch.
You should not buy this if …
❌ You want to shoot, edit, and render video
As Windows on Arm native support gets better, the absence of a dedicated graphics card and Qualcomm’s underpowered Snapdragon X Adreno iGPU, along with subpar camera performance, make it unsuitable for on-site video production.
❌ You want a lightweight 2-in-1 device
When you include the magnetic keyboard case, the ProArt PZ13 weighs approximately 3.36lbs (1.52kg), making it a bit cumbersome for traveling, particularly when compared to the Surface Pro 11, which comes in at 2.73lbs (1.24kg) with its Flex Keyboard and Slim Pen attached.
The ASUS ProArt PZ13, although not ideal for every creator, is well-suited for artists, especially considering it comes with an ASUS Pen 2.0 stylus. Its OLED screen offers a color-accurate workspace, and its long battery life can endure prolonged 4K video streaming sessions if you’re seeking inspiration. Although it may not dethrone Microsoft’s Surface Pro 11 as the best 2-in-1 AI PC, it presents an affordable alternative for those primarily focused on the Lumina OLED screen’s vibrant display.
Traveling video creators should carry a high-quality camera or smartphone with them, as the built-in cameras on most devices struggle to capture decent B-roll footage, and the heavy construction and glare-sensitive screen make the PZ13 more suited to indoor use. Despite this, it’s a well-constructed device with an impressive design and a reasonable price point. ASUS consistently delivers top-notch OLED screens, and the Qualcomm 8-core Snapdragon X Plus chip in this ARM-based Copilot+ PC makes it an excellent choice for the right group of users.
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2024-09-13 16:11