With the buzz surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ and Windows on Arm, it’s easy to overlook the fact that Intel’s Meteor Lake chipset still powers the majority of laptops available today. These laptops remain a viable option, especially for those who require a machine not yet equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite. The LG Gram 16 2-in-1 embodies this, offering a spacious display in an incredibly portable design.
And “portable” is an understatement. The LG Gram 16 2-in-1 is remarkably thin and light, while boasting a gorgeous 16-inch high-resolution OLED display. It’s designed for users seeking ample screen real estate without the burden of a bulky laptop. In this regard, the LG Gram 16 2-in-1 excels, although it has a few notable drawbacks to consider before making a purchase.
Specifications and Configurations
| Feature | LG Gram 16 2-in-1 (2024) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 14.06 x 9.99 x 0.49-0.51 inches |
| Weight | 3.08 pounds |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
| Graphics | Intel Arc |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB |
| Display | 16.0-inch 16:10 3K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 120Hz |
| Storage | 1TB / 2TB |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Ports | 2 x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (Thunderbolt 4), 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Webcam | 1080p with IR for Windows Hello |
| Operating System | Windows 11 |
| Battery | 77 watt-hours |
| Price | $1,500+ |
LG offers two configurations for the Gram 16 2-in-1. The base model, priced at $1,500, features an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and the 16-inch 3K OLED display. For an additional $600, you can upgrade to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD.
These are premium prices, likely reflecting the exceptionally thin and light design. The HP Spectre x360 16, its closest competitor, is thicker and offers better performance, starting at $1,600 (often discounted) with a similar processor and RAM, but a 512GB SSD and a 16-inch IPS display. Matching the LG Gram’s higher-end configuration will cost more on the Spectre. While not a 2-in-1, the MacBook Air 15 offers a comparable price point and performance.
Design and Build Quality
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LG’s Gram series prioritizes thinness and lightness, and the Gram 16 2-in-1 delivers. Despite its impressive 16-inch OLED touchscreen, it measures just 0.51 inches at its thickest point. This lightweight design makes it more portable than some 14-inch laptops. The HP Spectre x360 16, in contrast, is significantly thicker and heavier, making it less comfortable in tablet mode.
The Gram 16 2-in-1’s magnesium alloy construction contributes to its lightweight nature, but also results in a more flexible chassis compared to the aluminum builds of the Spectre and MacBook Air. While not necessarily poorly built, it may not satisfy those who prefer a more rigid feel. The lid opens smoothly with one hand, but exhibits noticeable wobble, which affects stability in tent mode.
The Gram 16 2-in-1 sports an understated all-black aesthetic. While attractive, its design doesn’t stand out significantly compared to the more distinctive looks of the MacBook Air 15 or HP Spectre x360 16.
Keyboard and Touchpad
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The keyboard resembles Apple’s Magic Keyboard with shallow key travel, ample spacing, and large keycaps. The keys feel snappy and responsive. Those preferring deeper travel might find the Spectre x360 16’s keyboard more appealing.
The touchpad, however, is a letdown. It’s too small given the available space and utilizes a mechanical design, while higher-end laptops are transitioning to more precise and feature-rich haptic touchpads. Both the MacBook Air 15 and Spectre x360 16 offer superior touchpad experiences.
Ports and Webcam
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Port selection is decent for a thin and light laptop, offering a mix of modern and legacy options. However, the absence of an SD card slot might disappoint creators. Wireless connectivity, while not the latest generation, remains sufficient for most current needs.
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The 1080p webcam provides adequate image quality and supports Microsoft Studio Effects. While marketed as an “AI PC,” on-device AI features are limited. The infrared camera facilitates seamless Windows Hello facial recognition.
Performance and Gaming
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Many 16-inch laptops target creators with powerful components. While the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is adequate for demanding CPU tasks, the integrated Intel Arc graphics are insufficient for accelerating tasks like video encoding. For such workloads, a discrete GPU like the one found in the Spectre x360 16 is necessary.
The Gram 16 2-in-1 is suitable for productivity tasks and media consumption, but falls short for creators. Gaming is limited to older titles at lower settings.
| Benchmark | LG Gram 16 2-in-1 | HP Spectre x360 16 | Dell XPS 14 | Asus Zenbook 14 | Acer Swift X 16 | Apple MacBook Air 13 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinebench R24 (s/m/GPU) | Bal: 97/430/N/A Perf: 101/725/N/A |
Bal: 104/577/6,672 Perf: 104/591/7,290 |
Bal: 100/772/5,811 Perf: 101/681/5,738 |
Bal: 103/493/N/A Perf: 105/706/N/A |
Bal: 104/827/8,392 Perf: 105/933/8,439 |
Bal: 141/601/3,049 Perf: N/A |
| Handbrake (seconds) | Bal: 88 Perf: 86 |
Bal: 131 Perf: 93 |
Bal: 84 Perf: 72 |
Bal: 86 Perf: 73 |
N/A | Bal: 109 Perf: N/A |
| PCMark 10 Complete | 6,233 | 5,812 | 5,992 | 6,348 | N/A | n/a |
Battery Life
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Despite its modest 77 watt-hour battery and power-hungry OLED display, the Gram 16 2-in-1 achieved respectable battery life. It lasted nearly 10 hours in web browsing tests and over 12 hours in video playback tests. This is a positive result for an Intel Meteor Lake laptop, suggesting all-day usability for productivity tasks.
Display and Audio
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The standout feature of the Gram 16 2-in-1 is its stunning 16-inch OLED display. While the 3K resolution is just sufficient, the 120Hz refresh rate, vibrant colors, and deep blacks create a visually impressive experience. Testing confirmed its excellent brightness, near-infinite contrast, wide color gamut, and accurate color reproduction. This display is a highlight for productivity, creative work, and media consumption.
Conclusion: A Great Laptop for Productivity and Media
The Gram 16 2-in-1 isn’t perfect. Its flexible chassis might be a concern for some, and its graphics performance won’t satisfy demanding creators. However, it’s sufficiently powerful for productivity, incredibly portable, and features a superb display ideal for both work and entertainment. While pricey, its unique combination of features makes it a compelling option.
