If you’ve ever dreamed of having a large, 16-inch screen without the bulk of a heavy laptop, the LG Gram 16 is here to make that a reality. Known for their featherlight laptops, LG’s Gram series continues to push the limits of portability while packing in performance. The Gram 16 is designed for users who refuse to compromise between a large display and lightweight portability.
More than just another oversized laptop, the Gram 16 is a sleek and incredibly portable machine that effortlessly fits into your lifestyle. Whether you’re a professional constantly on the move or a student needing a versatile laptop, the Gram 16 offers everything from binge-watching shows to managing complex projects without weighing you down.
The question is, can this ultra-light laptop deliver the performance and battery life we expect, or is it just another light laptop with limited power? Let’s find out in my straight-forward review.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight, at just 1.2 kg
- Impressive battery life
- Extensive port selection
Cons
- The plastic feel-like
- Display could be better
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- Memory: 16GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 1TB GB NVMe SSD
- Display: 16-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS, 16:10 aspect ratio
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc
- Battery: Up to 19.5 hours of usage
- Weight: 1.2 kg
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI, MicroSD card slot, 3.5mm audio jack
- Audio: Dual 2W stereo speakers with DTS
Ultra - Price: Available for $2099 at Landmark Computers and Centrecom.
Design and Build Quality
The Gram 16 makes an immediate impression with its ultra-light design, a signature feature of the series. At just 1.2 kg, it’s almost hard to believe this is a 16-inch laptop. Despite the lightweight build, the laptop doesn’t sacrifice durability, thanks to its magnesium-alloy chassis that meets MIL-STD-810G military durability standards. The design is sleek and minimal, with a slim profile that makes it ideal for professionals or students who need to move around frequently.
One of the key advantages of the LG Gram 16 is how portable it is despite its large screen. The 145-degree hinge feels solid, allowing easy adjustment without wobbling. However, there’s a slight downside: the light chassis, while durable, can feel a bit plasticky compared to the premium build of other laptops in this class. That said, for users who prioritize portability, the design hits all the right marks.
Performance
Under the hood, the Gram 16 is more than just a pretty face. The model I have reviewed, is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, it manages to more than just keep up with pretty much any productivity tasks you can throw at it – things like word processing, spreadsheets, video conferencing, and light content creation. 16GB of RAM makes multitasking a breeze, allowing you to switch between apps without any noticeable lag. The laptop comes with 1TB Solid State Drive, which will provide more than ample storage for a typical user.
While this laptop excels at day-to-day tasks, it’s not designed for high-end gaming or heavy-duty content creation. The Intel Arc graphics will handle graphical tasks and casual gaming, but if you’re looking to push this machine with 3D rendering or intensive video editing, you may hit its limits. For professionals who need portability with reliable performance, though, it’s more than up to the challenge
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the standout features of the Gram 16. With up to 19.5 hours of battery life, this laptop can easily last through a full day of work or school and then some. For users who are constantly on the move, this is a game-changer. Whether you’re traveling, attending meetings, or working remotely, you won’t need to constantly hunt for a power outlet.
Real-world usage tends to see slightly lower numbers depending on the intensity of tasks, but even with heavy multitasking and video streaming, the Gram 16 holds up well. Its ability to keep going without being tethered to a charger makes it one of the best options for people who need long-lasting battery performance
Display
The LG Gram 16 features a 16-inch WQXGA display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600, giving you vibrant and sharp visuals, especially useful for productivity tasks. The 16:10 aspect ratio offers more vertical screen real estate, which is ideal for document work, browsing, and multitasking. The IPS panel ensures that colours are accurate, and viewing angles are wide, making it easy to share your screen with others during meetings or presentations.
While the display is plenty sharp, its 300 nits of brightness may leave you wanting more in brightly lit environments or outdoor use. However, for indoor work or streaming, it delivers solid performance. The colours pop well, but it’s not quite at the level of OLED displays when it comes to contrast and deep blacks.
Keyboard and Trackpad
Typing on the Gram 16 is a smooth experience, thanks to the well-spaced keys and decent travel. The backlit keyboard makes it easy to work in dim lighting, which is great for late-night work or travel. While the key travel isn’t as deep as on some premium laptops, the typing experience remains comfortable for long sessions of writing or coding.
The trackpad is large and responsive, supporting Windows 11 gestures seamlessly. It’s highly accurate, making navigation easy and efficient. Whether you’re zooming in on a document or switching between multiple apps, the trackpad handles it with precision. The integration of Windows Hello via the fingerprint scanner is also a nice touch for added security and convenience
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight design at just 1.2 kg, making it one of the most portable 16-inch laptops available.
- Impressive battery life of up to 19.5 hours, perfect for users on the go.
- Vibrant 16-inch WQXGA display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, ideal for productivity and multitasking.
- Extensive port selection, including Thunderbolt 4, USB-A, and HDMI, ensuring versatile connectivity.
- Comfortable keyboard with backlighting and a highly responsive trackpad for seamless navigation.
Cons
- 300 nits brightness on the display may not be sufficient for outdoor use or in brightly lit environments.
- The plastic-like feel of the magnesium alloy chassis, while durable, doesn’t give the same premium feel as aluminum laptops.
- Intel Arc graphics limit the laptop’s capability for demanding creative tasks or high-end gaming.
Final Verdict
The LG Gram 16 strikes a remarkable balance between portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for professionals, students, and creatives who need a large-screen laptop without sacrificing mobility.
With its lightweight design, solid battery life, and practical 16:10 display, it’s tailor-made for productivity on the go. The inclusion of Thunderbolt 4 ports and other versatile connectivity options further boosts its appeal.
However, the slightly lower brightness and plastic feel of the chassis may not appeal to users who expect premium materials. That said, for those who need a lightweight, powerful machine that doesn’t compromise on screen size or performance, and that’s also reasonably priced, the LG Gram 16 remains a top contender in the ultraportable category.
