LG Gram 16 Review: Ultra‑Light 16‑inch Powerhouse With AI and Two‑Day Battery Life

Introduction

Laptops have steadily grown thinner and lighter, but a 16‑inch screen usually means compromise: most ultraportables shrink to 13 or 14 inches to stay portable. LG’s Gram family bucks that trend. The standard LG Gram 16 and its step‑up Gram Pro 16 squeeze big 16‑inch displays and full‑size keyboards into chassis that weigh barely more than a 13‑inch MacBook. Newer models add on‑device artificial intelligence (AI) and Copilot+ features, making them among the first wave of AI‑focused Windows laptops.

This comprehensive review explores the LG Gram 16 and LG Gram Pro 16, including the Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1 convertible. We’ll examine design, build quality, display options, performance, battery life, ports and connectivity, software and AI features and real‑world usage. We also compare them with competitors and provide buying advice. Every claim is backed by reputable sources, and we include internal links to related FrediTech reviews (such as our Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition review and Asus Zenbook 14 OLED review) for further reading.

Overview of the Gram family

LG splits its 16‑inch ultrabooks into two tiers:

Model	Key features	Battery life (tested)	Starting price
LG Gram 16 (2024)	16‑inch IPS display (2560 × 1600 resolution) at 60 Hz or 144 Hz; Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 CPU; integrated Intel Arc graphics; up to 32 GB LPDDR5X RAM; magnesium alloy chassis	15+ hours of light use; 12 hours video playback	≈ $1,199–$1,699 (varies by configuration)
LG Gram Pro 16 (2024)	16‑inch IPS (144 Hz) or 2.8K OLED (120 Hz); Intel Core Ultra 5/7; optional NVIDIA RTX 3050; 77 Wh battery; up to 32 GB RAM; magnesium alloy	≈ 10 hours light use; 10 hours video playback	≈ $1,399–$2,099
LG Gram Pro 16 (2025)	Improved Aerominum chassis (lighter and stronger); dual AI (on‑device + cloud) with Copilot+ and LG’s Gram chat AI; Intel Core Ultra 7 258V; 77 Wh battery	21 hours 10 minutes in PCMark 10 battery test	TBA (expected premium)
Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1 (16T90SP)	360° hinge with stylus support; 2.8K OLED touchscreen; Intel Core Ultra 7 155H; 32 GB RAM; 77 Wh battery; weighs 3.08 lb	10 hours 41 minutes continuous web browsing at 150 nits	From $1,399 (typical discounts)

The Gram Pro 16 series focuses on performance and build quality, while the standard Gram 16 prioritizes battery life. Throughout this review we will refer to these variants when discussing specific features.

Design, Build Quality and Portability

Materials and durability

LG has long used a magnesium alloy chassis to keep its Gram laptops feather‑light. The Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1 weighs just 3.08 pounds (1.4 kg), earning the Guinness World Records title of “world’s lightest 16‑inch 2‑in‑1”. Its magnesium construction meets MIL‑STD‑810H standards for vibration and temperature, and the hinge is stiff enough to prevent screen wobble when typing.

For 2026, LG introduces Aerominum, a proprietary aluminium alloy claimed to be lighter yet stronger than magnesium. According to PCWorld, Aerominum provides better scratch resistance and military‑grade durability while retaining a brushed‑metal lookpcworld.com. The 2026 Gram models also come with dual AI—on‑device AI for offline tasks and cloud AI for more complex jobs—and integrate Microsoft’s Copilot+ features and LG’s “Gram chat” assistant.

Size and ergonomics

Even with its large 16‑inch screen, the Gram Pro 16 measures 14.1 × 10 × 0.49–0.51 inches and remains slimmer than rivals like the HP Spectre x360 16 and Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, which weigh over 4 pounds. The ultra‑light design makes the Gram easy to slip into a backpack. However, the magnesium shell does not feel as premium or rigid as aluminium competitors such as the MacBook Air or the Asus Zenbook 14; Rtings reviewers noted build‑quality issues like a warped display and gaps around the webcam on their Gram 16 unitrtings.com.

Hinge and form factors

The Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1 uses a 360‑degree hinge and includes a pressure‑sensitive stylus that docks magnetically for charging. This convertible form factor allows laptop, tent, stand or tablet modes. The hinge is reasonably stiff but some reviewers noticed screen wobble when tapping the display. If you prefer a traditional clamshell, the standard Gram 16 and Gram Pro 16 models provide sturdier lids and avoid wobble but lose tablet functionality.

Port selection

One of the Gram’s strengths is its generous ports. The Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1 offers two USB‑4 Gen 3×2 Type‑C ports and a full HDMI 2.1 port on the left, plus two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type‑A ports and a 3.5 mm audio jack on the right. LG even includes a microSD card slot on the standard Gram 16, making it easier for photographers to offload images. This selection beats many thin‑and‑light competitors that rely solely on USB‑C.

Display Quality and Multimedia

Panel options

The Gram 16 (2024) offers three IPS displays: a 60 Hz matte panel with 350 cd/m² brightness, a 60 Hz touch panel with 320 cd/m² brightness and a 144 Hz non‑touch panel rated for 400 cd/m². All versions deliver full DCI‑P3 colour coverage. The Gram Pro 16 ups the ante with a choice between a 144 Hz QHD+ IPS panel and a 2.8K (2880 × 1800) OLED panel at 120 Hz. The OLED display reproduces rich colours and deep blacks, making it ideal for watching films or editing photos.

Colour accuracy and brightness

Laptop Mag measured the Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1’s OLED panel covering 133.5 % of the DCI‑P3 colour gamut, surpassing competitors like Lenovo’s Yoga Pro 9i (105.7 %) and HP’s Spectre x360 16 (85.8 %)laptopmag.com. Brightness averaged 392.2 nits, which is enough for most indoor environments but falls short of the premium laptop average of 469 nits. Trusted Reviews measured the 2025 Gram Pro 16’s IPS panel at ≈ 419 nits in SDR mode and recorded 98 % DCI‑P3 coveragetrustedreviews.com, making it suitable for colour‑critical work.

Real‑world viewing

Reviewers praised the OLED panel’s vibrancy. Sean Riley at Laptop Mag described it as “distractingly gorgeous,” noting that the Gram’s display reproduced 133.5 % of the DCI‑P3 gamut and delivered vibrant colours without oversaturationlaptopmag.com. In contrast, WIRED criticized the non‑OLED LCD panel on the 2025 Gram Pro 16 as “exceptionally dim even at maximum brightness” and noted that LG’s AI‑driven brightness adjustments dimmed the screen aggressivelywired.com. When choosing a Gram model, prioritize the OLED option if you need strong contrast and colour or regularly work in bright environments.

Audio, webcam and privacy features

The Gram 16 includes bottom‑firing speakers with Dolby Atmos support. Laptop Mag found the speakers loud enough for streaming video but lacking basslaptopmag.com. Rtings echoed this, noting that the speakers sound unnatural with overly forward vocalsrtings.com. On the plus side, the 1080p webcam captures sharp images and supports Windows Hello facial recognition. LG also bundles “LG Glance,” which dims the display when you’re not looking at it and blurs the screen if someone peers over your shoulder—handy privacy features that can prolong battery life.

Keyboard and Input Experience

The Gram series squeezes a full‑size keyboard and number pad into its 16‑inch deck. Laptop Mag’s typing test achieved 87 words per minute with 97 % accuracy, but reviewers criticized the shallow key travel and lack of separation between the main keyboard and number padlaptopmag.com. WIRED’s review of the Gram Pro 16 (2025) went further, calling the keyboard “extremely shallow” with keys shifted left to accommodate the numeric keypad, causing frequent mis‑presseswired.com. The touchpad is spacious but can feel “mushy” when clicking. If you type extensively, you may prefer an external keyboard or a competitor with deeper keys.

Performance and Hardware

Processor and graphics options

The Gram 16 (2024) ships with Intel Core Ultra 5 or Ultra 7 155H processors paired with integrated Intel Arc graphics. Rtings notes that these CPUs are more than adequate for productivity tasks and even light photo/video editingrtings.com. For heavier workloads, the Gram Pro 16 (2024) adds an optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, allowing basic 3D rendering or gaming, although the CPU throttles under sustained load and the RTX 3050 struggles with demanding tasks.

The 2025 Gram Pro 16 upgrades to Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processors with a built‑in neural processing unit (NPU). These chips support on‑device AI features and deliver respectable multi‑core performance—Trusted Reviews recorded a Cinebench R23 multi‑core score of 9 583 and a Geekbench 6 multi‑core score of 10 939trustedreviews.com. However, WIRED’s reviewer noted that the Gram Pro 16 still lags behind other premium laptops in raw performance. Ultimately, the Gram prioritizes portability and battery life over maximum processing power.

Real‑world performance

Most users will find the Gram more than capable for everyday tasks. You can run dozens of browser tabs, edit 4K videos on integrated graphics, and compile code without the fans getting loud. Sean Riley loaded up 18 browser tabs and experienced no slowdowns. Rtings highlights that the Gram stays cool and quiet under load, though CPU throttling occurs during sustained heavy workloads.

Gaming is not the Gram’s forte. The integrated Intel Arc graphics on the standard model handle casual games or older titles at 720p, but lack the horsepower for modern AAA games. RTX 3050 models can run games at 1080p on low settings with DLSS, but the slow CPU and lack of variable refresh rate hamper the experience. If gaming is a priority, look to dedicated gaming laptops.

Battery Life and Efficiency

Battery life is the Gram’s headline feature. The standard Gram 16 delivers over 15 hours of light use, and around 12 hours of video playback. Such endurance makes it ideal for cross‑country flights, long meetings or working remotely without a charger. The Gram’s large 80 Wh battery and efficient Intel Meteor Lake CPUs contribute to this longevity.

The Gram Pro 16 (2024) sacrifices some endurance for higher performance; Rtings measured about 10 hours of light use and roughly 10 hours of video playback. Laptop Mag’s test, which continuously loads web pages at 150 nits brightness, yielded 10 hours 41 minutes—below the premium laptop average but competitive with similar 2‑in‑1s. WIRED’s review of the 2025 Gram Pro 16 criticized its real‑world battery life; despite LG’s claim of 24 hours, the reviewer recorded just eight hours of YouTube playback and noted that LG’s AI algorithms aggressively dim the screen, limiting the usable battery life.

By contrast, the Gram Pro 16 (2025) is a battery champ. Trusted Reviews’ PCMark 10 office test ran at 150 nits brightness and yielded 21 hours 10 minutes, thanks to the combination of a 77 Wh battery and Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor. That endurance means you can work for two full days between charges. A fast 65 W USB‑C charger takes the battery from zero to 50 % in 42 minutes and fully charges in 108 minutes.

Connectivity and AI Features

All Gram models support Wi‑Fi 6E, with the 2025 Gram adopting Wi‑Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. The laptops include a 1080p webcam with IR sensor for facial login and a fingerprint reader integrated into the power button. The Gram 16’s port selection—two Thunderbolt 4/USB‑C, two USB A, HDMI, 3.5 mm audio and microSD—provides flexibility, while the Gram Pro 16 adds HDMI 2.1 and optional RTX 3050 GPU.

Software is another highlight. Windows 11’s Copilot+ integration brings generative AI for summarization, brainstorming and code assistance. LG bundles LG Glance, which dims or blurs the screen when you look away, and Gram Link for easy file transfer between PC, phone and LG TV. The 2026 Gram line includes Gram chat, an offline small language model built on EXAONE 3.5 that can draft emails, summarize notes and organize files without an internet connection. These features underscore LG’s push towards privacy‑respecting AI PCs.

Configurations and Pricing

LG sells the Gram 16 in multiple configurations. The base Gram 16 uses a 60 Hz IPS display, Core Ultra 5 CPU, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD, typically starting around $1,199. Upgrading to a Core Ultra 7 with 16 GB RAM and a 144 Hz display raises the price to roughly $1,499. The Gram Pro 16 (2024) begins at $1,399 with a 60 Hz IPS display and Core Ultra 5 CPU, while high‑end configurations with the OLED screen, Core Ultra 7 and 2 TB storage cost $2,099. Discounts are common, so shop around.

The Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1 (16T90SP) retails for about $1,799 in its mid‑tier configuration with 32 GB RAM and a 1 TB SSD. The 2025 Gram Pro 16 pricing is yet to be announced (as of March 2026), but given its AI hardware and Aerominum construction it will likely command a premium.

Real‑World Examples and Use Cases

For the frequent traveller and student

If you spend much of your time on planes or commuting between classes, the Gram 16’s combination of 15+‑hour battery life and 2.5–3 lb weight makes it ideal. You can edit documents, attend virtual lectures and stream lectures on the move without worrying about the charger. The generous 16‑inch screen is perfect for multitasking, and the microSD slot simplifies transferring lecture recordings from digital recorders.

For creative professionals

Photographers and designers will appreciate the Gram Pro 16’s OLED panel. With 133.5 % DCI‑P3 coverage and near‑400 nit brightness, images pop and colours remain accurate. The optional RTX 3050 GPU provides enough power for Adobe Photoshop or Premiere Pro at 1080p, though heavy 3D rendering remains best left to a workstation. The stylus on the 2‑in‑1 is handy for retouching and annotation.

For coders and knowledge workers

If your workflow involves writing, coding or number‑crunching, the full‑size keyboard and numeric keypad on the Gram are convenient. However, keep in mind the shallow key travel. Long typing sessions may be fatiguing, so consider pairing with an external mechanical keyboard for desk work. The long battery life ensures that you can work from cafés or libraries without hunting for power outlets.

For AI enthusiasts and privacy advocates

The 2026 Gram line’s dual AI approach—on‑device AI plus cloud AI—means tasks like summarizing documents or organizing files can run offline, preserving your privacy. LG’s Gram chat uses the EXAONE 3.5 small language model to process natural‑language commands locally. Combined with Copilot+ features like Recall, Live Captions and generative search, the Gram becomes a forward‑looking productivity tool.

Competitors and Alternatives

• Lenovo ThinkPad X9 15 Aura Edition – Our in‑depth FrediTech review notes that Lenovo’s premium 15.3‑inch laptop uses Lunar Lake processors and features a 2.8K OLED display, aluminum chassis and 80 Wh battery rated for up to 20 hoursfreditech.com. It offers stronger build quality and deeper keys but weighs around 1.4 kg. See our review here.

• Asus Zenbook 14 OLED – This 14‑inch ultrabook balances performance and battery life. It uses Intel Core Ultra processors, features a 3K OLED screen and a 75 Wh battery that can last two days, according to our reviewfreditech.com. It offers a premium aluminum chassis, deeper keyboard and large touchpad. Read our Zenbook 14 OLED review for details.

• Apple MacBook Air 15 (M3/M4) – Apple’s MacBook Air 15 runs macOS and offers class‑leading battery life and performance thanks to the M‑series chips. It weighs about 1.3 kg and features a 15‑inch 2880 × 1864 display. It has fewer ports (two USB‑C) but a superior keyboard and haptic trackpad. If you live in Apple’s ecosystem and can live without Windows software, the MacBook Air is a compelling alternative.

• HP Spectre x360 16 – HP’s premium convertible weighs over 4 pounds but offers a 120 Hz OLED display, strong build quality and a comfortable keyboard. Its battery life is slightly shorter than the Gram but still around 10 hours. It includes a stylus and a more refined trackpad.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Incredible portability: weighs as little as 2.5–3.1 lb yet packs a 16‑inch screen.
• Long battery life: up to 15 hours on the Gram 16 and 21 hours on the 2025 Gram Pro 16.
• Vibrant OLED display with wide colour gamut and respectable brightness.
• Generous port selection including USB‑A, USB‑C/Thunderbolt 4, HDMI and microSD.
• Copilot+ and on‑device AI features make everyday tasks smarter and more private.

Cons

• Shallow keyboard and mushy trackpad can be tiring for long typing sessions.
• Magnesium chassis feels less premium and may exhibit build‑quality issues.
• OLED option only on Pro models; base Gram 16 uses dimmer IPS displays and suffers from aggressive auto‑dimming.
• Performance lags behind other premium laptops; not ideal for demanding gaming or 3D rendering.
• High price relative to performance; discounts are necessary for good value.

Conclusion

The LG Gram 16 and Gram Pro 16 prove that portability and screen real estate need not be mutually exclusive. Their feather‑light designs and long‑lasting batteries make them excellent companions for travellers, students and professionals who value mobility. The Gram Pro models add high‑resolution OLED displays, optional discrete graphics and AI‑accelerated processors, though they lose some battery life and command a higher price. Meanwhile, the standard Gram 16 offers unmatched endurance and a more affordable entry point.

For most people, the Gram 16 (non‑Pro) is the sweet spot: it delivers a large canvas for multitasking and marathon battery life at a relatively reasonable price. If you need the best display quality or stylus support and can live with shorter battery life, the Gram Pro 16 or Pro 16 2‑in‑1 are worthy upgrades. And if you want cutting‑edge AI features and improved durability, wait for the 2026 Gram Pro with Aerominum and dual AI.

Ultimately, LG’s Gram line demonstrates that innovation in laptops isn’t just about raw performance—it’s about blending mobility, endurance and emerging AI capabilities. With thoughtful configurations and a focus on user experience, the Gram 16 remains one of the most interesting ultraportables you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How heavy is the LG Gram 16 and is it good for traveling?
The Gram 16 weighs roughly 2.5–3.1 pounds, depending on the configuration. It’s one of the lightest laptops with a 16‑inch screen, making it ideal for travel. Its thin design and long battery life (over 15 hours on the standard model) mean you can work from airplanes, cafes or classrooms without carrying a charger.

What is the difference between the Gram 16 and Gram Pro 16?
The Gram 16 emphasizes battery life and affordability. It uses IPS displays and integrated graphics and lasts 15+ hours on a charge. The Gram Pro 16 offers higher‑end options: OLED displays, optional NVIDIA RTX 3050 graphics and a sturdier magnesium chassis. Battery life drops to around 10 hours on the 2024 model but climbs to 21 hours on the 2025 model with Aerominum and Core Ultra 7 258V.

Does the Gram 16 support pen input or tablet mode?
Only the Gram Pro 16 2‑in‑1 (16T90SP) model has a 360‑degree hinge and comes with a rechargeable stylus. The standard Gram 16 and Gram Pro 16 are traditional clamshell laptops without touch or pen support (unless you choose the optional touch IPS panel on some models).

How long does the battery last in real‑world use?
Battery life varies by model. Independent tests show the Gram 16 can last over 15 hours of light productivity and about 12 hours of video playback. The Gram Pro 16 (2024) lasts around 10 hours, while the 2025 version with a 77 Wh battery achieved 21 hours 10 minutes in PCMark tests. Real‑world battery life will depend on screen brightness and workload.

What ports does the Gram 16 include?
The Gram 16 features two Thunderbolt 4/USB‑C ports, two USB‑A ports, a full‑size HDMI port, a microSD card reader and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The Gram Pro 16 adds HDMI 2.1 and, in some configurations, a discrete RTX 3050 GPU.

Is the keyboard comfortable for long typing sessions?
Opinions differ. Laptop Mag’s typing test recorded a respectable 87 wpm but noted that the shallow key travel and tight layout can cause fatigue. WIRED called the keys “extremely shallow” and criticised the placement of the number pad. If you type extensively, consider using an external keyboard.

Do the Gram laptops run hot or loud?
No. Both Rtings and Laptop Mag observed that the Gram stays cool and quiet under load. The fans rarely become audible during everyday tasks and only spin up under sustained heavy workloads. However, the bottom of the Gram Pro 16 can reach temperatures above 100 °F (38 °C) when streaming video for extended periods.

Should I wait for the 2026 Gram models?
If you want the latest AI features and a more durable Aerominum chassis, waiting could be worthwhile. The 2026 Gram will include dual AI (on‑device + cloud) with Gram chat and improved durability thanks to Aerominum. However, pricing and exact availability are still unknown. The 2024/2025 models already deliver excellent portability and long battery life, especially if you snag them at a discount.