As a creative professional, you know that inspiration doesn’t always wait for the perfect moment or the perfect workspace. Sometimes your best ideas come while you’re on the go, whether you're sketching concepts at a coffee shop, editing images during a flight, or reviewing footage between meetings. And in those moments, you need a device that’s not just powerful, but also portable and reliable, which is something that can keep up with your creativity without slowing you down.
That’s where the ASUS ProArt PZ13 steps in. This sleek, 2-in-1 detachable laptop is designed with creators in mind, offering the flexibility of a tablet with the productivity of a laptop. Featuring a stunning 13.3-inch 3K OLED touchscreen and powered by the efficient Snapdragon X Plus processor, it strikes a thoughtful balance between high-end visuals, responsive performance, and all-day battery life. Whether you’re a digital artist, a video editor, a photographer, or a designer, the ProArt PZ13 is built to support your workflow without weighing you down.
In this review, I’ll go into the details of what it’s like to actually use the ASUS ProArt PZ13 day-to-day. From the display and build quality to its real-world performance and portability, we’ll explore whether this device truly lives up to its promise as the ultimate creative companion for work and play on the go.
Design and Build Quality
The ProArt PZ13 features a sleek, minimalist design with a magnesium-aluminum alloy chassis that exudes a premium feel. The detachable keyboard connects magnetically and includes a built-in kickstand, allowing for flexible viewing angles. The device weighs approximately 1.9 pounds in tablet mode and around 3.3 pounds with the keyboard and kickstand attached, making it relatively lightweight for a 2-in-1 device.
One notable aspect is the inclusion of a full-size SD card slot, which is beneficial for photographers and videographers who frequently transfer media files. However, the device lacks a headphone jack, which may be inconvenient for users who prefer wired audio connections.
Display
The 13.3-inch OLED display boasts a resolution of 2880 x 1800 pixels, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. It covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it suitable for color-critical tasks such as photo and video editing. The touchscreen is responsive and supports stylus input, although the stylus is sold separately.
While the display is excellent for indoor use, its brightness levels may be insufficient for comfortable use in direct sunlight.
Performance
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, the ProArt PZ13 handles everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption with ease. It comes equipped with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 1TB SSD, providing ample memory and storage for most users.
However, the ARM-based architecture may pose compatibility issues with certain x86 applications. For instance, some users have reported difficulties running specific games or legacy software. Therefore, it's advisable to verify software compatibility before relying on this device for specialized applications.
Battery Life
One of the standout features of the ProArt PZ13 is its impressive battery life. In real-world usage, it can last up to 15 hours on a single charge, depending on the workload and settings. This longevity makes it an excellent choice for professionals who need a reliable device for extended periods away from a power source.
Audio and Webcam
The device includes dual speakers that deliver clear audio suitable for video calls and casual media consumption. However, the sound quality may not satisfy audiophiles or users seeking a rich audio experience.
The front-facing webcam offers a resolution of 5MP, sufficient for standard video conferencing. It also supports Windows Hello facial recognition for secure and convenient login.
Connectivity
The ProArt PZ13 provides a decent selection of ports, including two USB-C 4.0 ports and a full-size SD card slot. It supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring fast and reliable wireless connections. However, the absence of additional ports like HDMI or a headphone jack may necessitate the use of adapters for certain peripherals.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality OLED display with excellent color accuracy
- Lightweight and portable design
- Impressive battery life
- Includes detachable keyboard
- Full-size SD card slot for easy media transfer
Cons:
- Potential compatibility issues with some x86 applications
- Stylus not included
- Limited port selection
- No headphone jack
- Display brightness may be inadequate for outdoor use
In summary, the ASUS ProArt PZ13 is a compelling option for creative professionals seeking a versatile and portable device with a high-quality display and long battery life. While it excels in many areas, potential buyers should consider the limitations related to software compatibility and port availability to ensure it meets their specific needs.