The LG Gram 16 offers incredible battery life and a large super-high-res display, but the performance could be stronger. Laptop Mag called it a compelling choice for users needing a portable jack-of-all-trades notebook with a big screen. The design is understated and lightweight at just 2.6 pounds, though reviewers noted some gripes with the display and audio quality. It's best suited for students and productivity users who value portability over raw performance.
Full review
Battery life in demanding scenarios
Laptop Mag tested the LG Gram 16's battery endurance under typical usage patterns and found it delivered impressive results. The reviewer noted that the laptop's 80Wh battery pack allowed for extended use without requiring frequent recharges, which is particularly valuable for users who travel frequently or work in environments without easy access to power outlets. This performance was consistent across various tasks, including document editing, web browsing, and video conferencing. The reviewer emphasized that the battery life was one of the standout features of the device, making it suitable for long work sessions away from a power source.
However, ultrabookreview.com's analysis of the 2022-generation model revealed a more nuanced picture. While the 80Wh battery was sufficient for daily tasks, the reviewer noted that performance under load, such as running multiple applications simultaneously or performing intensive computations, could drain the battery more quickly than expected. The reviewer also pointed out that the laptop's power management was not optimized for high-performance scenarios, which could be a limitation for users who rely on their laptops for demanding workloads. Despite this, the battery life remained a strong point, especially when compared to other ultrabooks in its class.
Display quality and brightness
The LG Gram 16 features a 16-inch WQXGA IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio, offering 2560x1600 resolution. According to the reviewer from Laptop Mag, the display is one of the main highlights of the device, providing ample screen real estate for multitasking and productivity tasks. The reviewer noted that the screen was bright enough for use in various lighting conditions, although it was dimmer than some competing models. The display's resolution and aspect ratio were praised for their clarity and usability, making it ideal for tasks such as document editing, spreadsheet work, and video conferencing.
EFTM's review of the 2025 AI Gram model highlighted the display's brightness and sharpness, with the reviewer stating that it was suitable for extended use without straining the eyes. The display was described as acceptable but not mind-blowing, and the reviewer noted that it was still bright enough to work in any space without causing eye strain. However, the display was not an OLED model, nor was it 4K, which limited its appeal for content creators who require higher resolution and color accuracy. The reviewer also mentioned that the display was not particularly vibrant, which could be a drawback for users who prioritize visual quality in their work.
Performance under load
Performance testing revealed that the LG Gram 16 delivers solid results for everyday productivity tasks, but struggles with more demanding applications. The reviewer from Laptop Mag noted that while the laptop could handle typical tasks like document editing, web browsing, and video conferencing with ease, it lacked the power needed for intensive workloads such as video editing or running multiple resource-heavy applications simultaneously. The reviewer emphasized that the performance was adequate for most users but not exceptional for power users or professionals requiring high-performance computing capabilities.
The 2022-generation model reviewed by ultrabookreview.com showed similar performance characteristics. The reviewer noted that while the laptop was snappy with everyday tasks and much faster than the previous generation, it was not as powerful as other 12th-gen ultraportables in demanding loads. The reviewer pointed out that the laptop's performance was sufficient for daily tasks and multitasking but would not meet the needs of users who require high-performance computing for tasks like video rendering or software development. The reviewer also mentioned that the laptop's cooling system was not optimized for sustained high-performance use, which could lead to thermal throttling during intensive tasks.
Port selection and connectivity
The LG Gram 16 stands out for its comprehensive port selection, which minimizes the need for adapters or dongles. Laptop Mag's reviewer highlighted the inclusion of an HDMI port, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone-mic combo jack on the left side of the machine. On the right side, there are two USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-A ports, a microSD card slot, and a Kensington Lock slot. This array of ports makes the laptop versatile for various connectivity needs, especially for users who frequently connect external devices or work in environments with limited port availability. The reviewer noted that the port selection was one of the strongest aspects of the device, making it a practical choice for professionals who need flexibility in their setup.
The 2022-generation model reviewed by ultrabookreview.com also featured a robust set of ports, including two USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, a mic/headphone jack, HDMI 2.0b, microSD card reader, and a lock. The reviewer noted that the port selection was well thought out and provided good value for users who need multiple connection options. However, the reviewer also pointed out that the extra space inside the laptop could have been used for better cooling or speakers, suggesting that the port configuration was prioritized over other potential improvements.
Audio quality and speaker performance
Audio quality was a notable weakness in the LG Gram 16 according to Laptop Mag's review. The reviewer specifically criticized the laptop's weak audio output, noting that it was one of the few drawbacks of the otherwise well-rounded device. The reviewer suggested that the audio performance was subpar compared to other laptops in its class, which could be disappointing for users who rely on their laptop's built-in speakers for presentations or media consumption. Despite this criticism, the reviewer acknowledged that the laptop's overall design and performance were strong enough to outweigh this limitation for most users.
The 2022-generation model reviewed by ultrabookreview.com also had issues with audio quality. The reviewer noted that while the laptop's speakers were updated and louder than previous generations, they were still not particularly impressive. The reviewer mentioned that the speakers were punchier than before, but still lacked the clarity and volume needed for a premium audio experience. The reviewer also pointed out that the laptop's audio performance was not as good as some competing models, which could be a drawback for users who prioritize sound quality in their computing experience.
Design and build quality
The LG Gram 16's design was described as understated and minimalist by Laptop Mag, with a focus on functionality over flashy aesthetics. The reviewer noted that the laptop's magnesium alloy construction made it surprisingly lightweight at 2.6 pounds, despite its large 16-inch display. The reviewer also pointed out that the laptop's design was no-frills, resembling other Ultrabooks from the post-MacBook Air era, which could be both a gift and a curse depending on user preferences. The reviewer noted that while the laptop looked professional and would fit in comfortably in a dorm or boardroom, it could also easily be overlooked in favor of more visually striking devices.
EFTM's review of the 2025 AI Gram model highlighted the laptop's sleek and minimalist design, which was described as incredibly bland but functional. The reviewer noted that the laptop was a black rectangle with the gram logo/writing on the lid, and the display filled most of the lid with barely noticeable bezels. The reviewer also mentioned that the bottom had a relatively large palm rest area with a large touchpad, which was functional but not particularly premium. The reviewer noted that the touchpad did not have the premium feel of the MacBook Air touchpad, nor was it as large, and the click and feedback were described as more plasticky and louder than that on the MacBook Air.
Keyboard and touchpad experience
The keyboard and touchpad experience was a mixed bag according to Laptop Mag's review. The reviewer noted that while the keyboard was comfortable for typing, it was not particularly premium compared to the MacBook Air's keyboard. The reviewer mentioned that the keyboard included a numpad on the right-hand side, which was not a favorite among users due to the cramped nature of the layout. The reviewer also noted that the keyboard was backlit with the ability to turn it off, on low, or on high, which was appreciated by users who wanted to conserve battery life. However, the reviewer pointed out that the keyboard was not as comfortable as some competing models, especially for extended typing sessions.
EFTM's review of the 2025 AI Gram model also addressed the keyboard experience, noting that the numpad was described as 'completely damaged and therefore absolutely useless' by one reviewer from NotebookCHECK. The reviewer noted that the numpad was not suitable for fast touch typing and navigation, which could be a significant drawback for users who rely heavily on numeric input. The reviewer also mentioned that the keyboard included a numpad on the right-hand side, which was not a favorite among users due to the cramped nature of the layout. The reviewer noted that the keyboard was backlit with the ability to turn it off, on low, or on high, which was appreciated by users who wanted to conserve battery life.
Strengths
- +Extremely long battery life
- +Attractive, lightweight design
- +Good port selection including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI
- +Solid performance for productivity tasks
Watch-outs
- −Weak audio quality
- −Dim display brightness
How it compares
The LG Gram 16 offers the longest battery life among the group, outperforming the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3 and Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, but it lacks the display quality of the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro 14 and the port selection of the Dell XPS 14 9440. It's less powerful than the Razer Blade 14 for gaming.
Rating sources
Our 3.8 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 4 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. More about methodology.
