The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 offers higher performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering tasks due to its more powerful processor and graphics unit, which makes it suitable for intensive gaming as well. Its screen has a higher refresh rate and resolution, which can be beneficial for fast motion and detailed work but might result in shorter battery life compared to the Dell XPS 13. The Dell, conversely, prioritizes portability with a longer battery life and lower price, with sufficient power for general use and good keyboard and build quality. Neither device has a numeric keypad, but both feature backlit keyboards and are equipped with Windows 11 Home. Choose the ASUS if you need high-end performance, especially for gaming, and the Dell if you're looking for a well-rounded laptop with a focus on portability and general use at a more affordable price. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the ASUS ROG Flow Z13
Very good for general use
Very good for engineering and design
Good for gaming and AI
Very good for software development
Very good for content creation
Very good overall display quality
Advantages of the Dell XPS 13
Very good battery life
Best in class speakers
Excellent keyboard
Key differences
Gaming and AI
7.5/10
6.2/10
6.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
No
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
8.7/10
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is good for gaming and AI, while the Dell XPS 13 is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Engineering and Design
8.4/10
7.2/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
6.2/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
3.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is very good for engineering and design, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13, with its advanced Intel i9 CPU and Nvidia RTX GPU, offers superior performance and better screen quality for demanding engineering and design work compared to the Dell XPS 13, which has an Intel i7 CPU with integrated graphics. While both have high-quality displays and sufficient RAM for most tasks, the ASUS's higher GPU capabilities make it particularly suited for intensive tasks, whereas the Dell's lighter build and quieter operation make it a more portable and less intrusive option.
Content Creation
8.2/10
7.7/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 is very good for content creation, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Screen Quality
8.4/10
7.2/10
13.4in
SIZE
13.4in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
511.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
442.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has a better screen than the Dell XPS 13 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 offers a high-resolution display and brightness suitable for day-to-day tasks and detailed engineering work, which benefits from its wide color gamut, ensuring accurate color representation. Thanks to similar features, the Dell XPS 13 also presents sharp and vivid imagery for everyday use and is proficient for engineering tasks where color precision is key. However, both fall short for gaming and 3D applications due to their lower refresh rates, which can't deliver the smooth visuals that are crucial for fast-paced, immersive experiences.
Battery
6.5 Hours
10.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Dell XPS 13 has 10 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Cost
$1,575
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 has a price of $1,575 and the Dell XPS 13 costs $1,399.
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS ROG Flow Z13 to be very good for general use, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 surpasses the Dell XPS 13 in general use due to its higher-performance CPU and dedicated GPU which significantly enhance multitasking and media capabilities, alongside a superior screen with higher refresh rates and resolution, offering better visual experiences. The XPS 13, however, offers better battery life and is equally portable, factors that might be crucial for users who prioritize endurance and mobility over top-tier performance and screen attributes.
Software Development
8.0/10
7.5/10
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.2/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1200
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
9.0/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers ASUS ROG Flow Z13 to be very good for software development, while the Dell XPS 13 is good.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Portability
Excellent
Excellent
13.4in
SIZE
13.4in
2.6 lbs
WEIGHT
2.5 lbs
0.5in
THICKNESS
0.5in
The Dell XPS 13 and ASUS ROG Flow Z13 both have excellent portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
8.5/10
8.5/10
The ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and Dell XPS 13 both have very good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
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How the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 and the Dell XPS 13 compare to other laptops
"The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a gaming tablet with powerful Alder Lake i9 CPU. The ROG Flow Z13 impresses with its good cooling. After our review, the impression is predominantly positive. Besides a very fast Alder Lake CPU and stable gaming performance, especially the cooling system is surprisingly effective and quiet. You can use the integrated speakers without any issues while gaming. The 1200p display in the 16:10 format also impresses with good color reproduction and high brightness. Since the battery runtimes aren't particularly long as it is, we wouldn't recommend the optional 4K panel."
"In the past, the XPS 13 was a hands-down contender for the best laptop on the market. But the Apple-silicon MacBook has since barrelled onto the scene, and it wipes the floor with most of the ultraportable Windows laptops that cross my desk on a daily basis. This XPS is no exception. Compared to the M2 MacBook Air, battery life is worse."
Get a great deal on the ASUS ROG Flow Z13 or the Dell XPS 13
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
About Dell
Dell is a highly recognizable American technology company, and is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. Their laptops are very popular for both personal and professional use, and they also own the Alienware brand which makes mid to high end gaming laptops. Their premium XPS range of laptops offer great build quality and portability, while Latitude and Precision laptops are known for reliability, repairability and performance for business users.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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