When you hear “LG Gram,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s that ultra-light laptop everyone’s been talking about—something perfect for on-the-go folks. But is it really all it’s cracked up to be? If you’re debating whether to invest in an LG Gram, you’re not alone. It’s a solid contender in the ultrabook scene, but there’s more to the story than just weight. Let’s dive into the specs, performance, portability, and how it stacks up against the competition.
What Are the Main Specifications of the LG Gram Laptops?
LG offers the Gram in a few sizes—14-inch, 16-inch, even 17-inch models. This range is pretty cool because you can pick what fits your lifestyle, whether you want something pocket-sized or closer to a traditional laptop screen.
Here’s a quick peek at the core specs you’ll find in the latest LG Gram models:
| Specification | LG Gram 14 (2023) | LG Gram 16 (2023) | LG Gram 17 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel 13th Gen Core i5/i7 | Intel 13th Gen Core i5/i7 | Intel 13th Gen Core i7 |
| RAM | 8GB/16GB DDR4/DDR5 | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB DDR5 |
| Storage | 256GB/512GB/1TB NVMe SSD | 512GB/1TB NVMe SSD | 1TB NVMe SSD |
| Display | 14″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600), IPS | 16″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600), IPS | 17″ WQXGA (2560 x 1600), IPS |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics | Intel Iris Xe Graphics |
| Weight | About 2.2 lbs (999g) | About 2.99 lbs (1355g) | About 2.98 lbs (1352g) |
| Battery Life | Up to 25 hours (claimed) | Up to 22 hours (claimed) | Up to 19.5 hours (claimed) |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A, HDMI, microSD | Similar with full-sized HDMI, microSD | Same as 16″ model |
So, right off the bat, what stands out is the lightweight design paired with decent specs. It’s clear LG aimed to deliver a laptop you can carry all day without feeling like you’re lugging bricks.
But specs only tell half the story.
How Does LG Gram Perform in Terms of Battery Life and Portability?
Battery life is often where ultrabooks shine or stumble. The LG Gram claims up to 25 hours on the 14-inch, which sounds insane, right? But in reality, that number comes from ideal conditions—minimal screen brightness, basic tasks, and no heavy apps running.
In real-world usage, as reviewers from Notebookcheck found, the LG Gram 14 tends to run around 10-12 hours with mixed usage, like web browsing, streaming video, and some light multitasking[1]. That’s still impressive compared to many laptops that barely hit 6-8 hours.
Now, about portability, the LG Gram is famously featherlight. We’re talking just under 2.3 pounds for the 14-inch model. To put that into perspective, a MacBook Air M2 weighs about 2.7 pounds, and the Dell XPS 13 is around 2.8 pounds. So yes, LG really delivers on that promise.
But here comes the catch: durability. Can something this light hold up? LG says the Gram passes MIL-STD-810G military tests, including things like shock and temperature resistance. It protects against everyday bumps and even minor drops, but don’t expect to toss it around like a rugged gaming laptop.
If you’re worried about the lightweight build feeling fragile in your hands, that’s understandable. But from most hands-on reviews, the chassis feels surprisingly sturdy for such a thin and light device[2].
Is LG Gram Suitable for Professional or Casual Use?
If your daily grind is mostly office apps, email, and Zoom calls, the LG Gram is more than ready. The keyboard is comfy, the screen is bright and crisp, and the battery can easily last a full workday. Many freelancers, writers, and digital nomads swear by it for this reason.
But what if you’re a heavy user? Like editing 4K videos, running complex coding environments, or gaming?
Here’s where the LG Gram shows some limits.
Its integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics are fine for light photo or video editing, but don’t expect smooth gameplay on new AAA titles or quick rendering times on Adobe Premiere. And although the latest 13th Gen Intel processors are decent performers, they can’t match the power of dedicated GPUs or high-end Ryzen chips in terms of raw multitasking muscle.
Still, many professionals who do moderate photo editing or software work find the Gram capable enough—not blisteringly fast but dependable. And for casual users who mostly stream Netflix, write, or browse? The Gram’s smooth, snappy, and a breeze to carry.
How Does LG Gram Compare to Other Ultrabooks in the Same Price Range?
Ultrabooks are a hot category, with models like the Dell XPS 13, MacBook Air M2, and HP Spectre x360 standing tall. So how does the LG Gram stack up?
| Feature | LG Gram 14 (2023) | Dell XPS 13 (2023) | MacBook Air M2 (2022) | HP Spectre x360 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | ~2.2 lbs (999g) | ~2.64 lbs (1.2kg) | 2.7 lbs (1.22kg) | ~2.9 lbs (1.32kg) |
| Battery (real-world) | 10-12 hours | 8-10 hours | 11-13 hours | 9-11 hours |
| CPU | Intel 13th Gen Core i5/i7 | Intel 13th Gen Core i5/i7 | Apple M2 | Intel 13th Gen Core i5/i7 |
| Display | 14″ IPS 2560×1600 | 13.4″ OLED/IPS 1920×1200 | 13.6″ Retina 2560×1664 | 13.5″ OLED/IPS 3000×2000 |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe | Intel Iris Xe | Integrated Apple GPU | Intel Iris Xe |
| Price (approx.) | $1,300 – $1,700 | $1,300 – $1,700 | $1,199 – $1,499 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
Right away, LG Gram’s ultra-low weight takes the cake. If you’re carrying a laptop all day, that few ounces make a surprisingly big difference.
Battery life is competitive, though the MacBook Air M2 tends to squeeze a bit more juice in real life. The Dell XPS and HP Spectre are close behind but lag slightly in endurance.
Performance-wise, it’s a close race between Intel-based laptops, but the MacBook Air M2 edges ahead on raw power and efficiency thanks to Apple’s chip design.
If touchscreen and 2-in-1 flexibility matter to you, the HP Spectre x360 might be more attractive. But for sheer portability and screen real estate, the LG Gram 14 and 16-inch models win points.
So, if you want an ultralight laptop with good all-round specs and long battery life without breaking the bank, LG Gram fits in well.
Addressing Pain Points: Durability, Performance, and Battery Life
Let’s tackle the biggest worries people have about the LG Gram.
Is LG Gram Durable or Prone to Damage Because It’s Light?
It’s a totally valid question. Laptops this light can sometimes feel like they might snap in half.
But LG doesn’t just throw together a flimsy frame. They tested the Gram against military standards (MIL-STD-810G) for drops, pressure, and temperature. It’s not a tank, no, but it should handle everyday bumps, the odd jostle in your backpack, and trips to cafés[3].
Just don’t treat it like a rugged laptop—no hammering it or spilling coffee without a case.
Can LG Gram Handle Demanding Tasks?
The Gram is no powerhouse workstation, and LG doesn’t sell it as one. Intel Iris Xe graphics and mid-tier Core i5/i7 processors are fine for office work, light creative apps, and casual gaming.
If you’re into creating heavy 3D animations, gaming at high frame rates, or compiling massive codebases, you’ll want to look elsewhere—maybe towards laptops with dedicated Nvidia GPUs or Apple’s M1/M2 Max chips.
But for everyday multitasking? It holds its own pretty well. I’ve seen users smoothly juggle spreadsheets, multiple Chrome tabs, video calls, and note-taking apps simultaneously without major slowdowns.
Can You Really Trust the Battery Life Claims?
Battery life varies so much depending on how you use the laptop. LG’s 25-hour claim is on the extreme end with energy-saving settings.
But practical tests, like from Laptop Mag, show the LG Gram lasting 10-12 hours in typical office-like conditions, which is still very good for a Windows ultrabook[4].
So, you can trust it to get you through a full workday or a long flight without scrambling for a charger.
Summary: Should You Buy the LG Gram?
Here’s the gist:
- You want the lightest laptop possible without sacrificing screen size and decent specs.
- You work mostly on office tasks, web browsing, and media consumption.
- Battery life that comfortably lasts a day is a must.
- You don’t need heavy-duty gaming or creative software performance.
If that sounds like you, the LG Gram is an excellent choice.
If you need power beyond basic productivity, or want features like a touch screen or convertible design, you might want to check out alternatives like Dell XPS or HP Spectre.
At the end of the day, LG Gram nails the balance of weight, battery, and build quality for those who prize portability above all. Just be mindful of what you expect it to do.
FAQ About LG Gram Laptops
Q: Is the LG Gram good for gaming?
A: It’s fine for light or casual games, but don’t expect high settings or smooth gameplay on demanding titles.
Q: How long does the battery last in real life?
A: Around 10-12 hours with mixed usage, enough for a full workday.
Q: Are LG Gram laptops fragile?
A: They’re lightweight but built to mil-spec standards, so they handle everyday use well but don’t abuse them.
Q: Can I upgrade RAM or storage?
A: Storage is usually upgradeable, but RAM is often soldered on recent models.
If you find yourself juggling work and travel, the LG Gram might just be the lightweight companion you need.
References:
[1] Notebookcheck, LG Gram 14 (2023) Review: https://www.notebookcheck.net/LG-Gram-14-2023-Review.664972.0.html
[2] The Verge, LG Gram Hands-On: https://www.theverge.com/23740569/lg-gram-2023-ultralight-laptop-hands-on
[3] LG Official, LG Gram MIL-STD-810G Certification: https://www.lg.com/us/laptops/lg-14z90q-military-grade-durability
[4] Laptop Mag, LG Gram 14 Battery Test: https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/lg-gram-14-2023-battery-life
If you’re curious or want a lightweight laptop with solid everyday performance, LG Gram deserves a spot on your shortlist. Just know what it’s made for—and what it’s not—and you won’t be disappointed.
Danny Inayat