The Asus ProArt PZ13 joins the ranks of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC initiative, a movement aimed at harnessing the power of AI. As a detachable tablet 2-in-1 running Windows on Arm with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X chipset, the ProArt PZ13 presents itself as a compelling alternative to the already established Microsoft Surface Pro 11.
A Pricey But Competitive Package
The ProArt PZ13 starts off with a distinct advantage – a very attractive price that includes its detachable keyboard. This puts it in a strong position against the Surface Pro 11, which requires a separate purchase for its keyboard. The ProArt PZ13 boasts a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chipset, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED display, offering a powerful and visually captivating experience.
Design and Portability: A Close Race
When it comes to design, the ProArt PZ13 and Surface Pro 11 are closely matched in terms of size and weight. Both tablets are highly portable and comfortable to hold. The ProArt PZ13, however, has a wider 13.3-inch 16:10 display compared to the Surface Pro 11’s taller 13.0-inch 3:2 display. While both tablets offer excellent portability, the Surface Pro 11 has a built-in kickstand, making it slightly more convenient than the ProArt PZ13’s magnetic cover that doubles as a kickstand.
Keyboard and Touchpad: Some Compromises
The ProArt PZ13 includes a detachable keyboard, making its price even more attractive. While the keyboard offers a spacious layout and comfortable keycaps, it doesn’t quite match the experience of the Surface Pro 11’s Flex Keyboard or Apple’s Magic Keyboard. One notable issue is that the ProArt PZ13’s keyboard isn’t currently recognized by Windows, which means some tablet features remain active even with the keyboard connected. This is a minor inconvenience, and Asus has indicated they are working on a firmware update to resolve this.
The touchpad, while large, lacks the responsiveness of the haptic touchpads found on the Microsoft and Apple keyboards. In addition, the Asus Active Pen 2.0 (not included in my review unit) lacks the haptic feedback of its competitors, making writing and drawing feel less natural.
Performance and Battery Life: A Solid Performer
The ProArt PZ13 uses a powerful version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus chipset, delivering impressive performance for demanding productivity tasks. It even manages to outperform the Surface Pro 11, which is equipped with a theoretically faster chipset. However, both tablets fall short when it comes to gaming or creative tasks that require heavy GPU utilization.
In terms of battery life, the ProArt PZ13 performs well, offering lasting power for a full workday. It surpasses the Surface Pro 11 in some tests and falls slightly short in others. While the MacBook Air M3 continues to hold the lead in terms of battery life, the ProArt PZ13 remains a solid performer in this category.
Display and Audio: A Visually Stunning Experience
The ProArt PZ13 boasts a stunning OLED display, providing vibrant colors and inky blacks. It rivals the Surface Pro 11’s OLED option, though Microsoft’s IPS option might offer better battery life. The ProArt PZ13 also excels in color accuracy and width. While the iPad Pro 13 has a brighter display, both the ProArt PZ13 and Surface Pro 11 provide an excellent visual experience for productivity, creativity, and media consumption.
The ProArt PZ13’s audio, however, is nothing special, with two side-firing speakers that provide only average sound quality. The Surface Pro 11 offers a similar audio experience, while the iPad Pro 13 stands out with its four-speaker setup that delivers louder and richer sound.
Overall: A Worthy Contender
The Asus ProArt PZ13 presents itself as a compelling alternative to the Microsoft Surface Pro 11. While the Surface Pro 11 offers a more refined design and some haptic feedback advantages, the ProArt PZ13 holds its own in terms of performance, battery life, and price. Its stunning OLED display and overall speed make it a strong contender in the Windows on Arm tablet market, particularly for those seeking a balance of affordability and performance.
