Whenever it comes to LG Gram, perhaps the weight factor will make you most interested. It is easy to understand because the company tells us what this machine is most worth buying right from the name. But this same strength also leads to many other problems (durability, finish ability, etc.), making Gram’s position not stable in the market.
The device itself has equally remarkable advantages, such as the completeness of the experience that I experienced with the LG Gram last year. It seems that with the Gram 2021 line-up, or more specifically the LG Gram 16 I have at the moment, it seems that the Korean company is trying to push harder on this factor with a few interesting changes.
In terms of design, the LG Gram 16 is generally unchanged from its predecessors, still following a minimalist style to match the modern ultrabook trend. We will still have a square appearance, aluminum-magnesium surface coated with rough paint, the word Gram in the middle, and nothing more. I am not very satisfied with this design, partly because I looked at it for a few years, and then I found it monotonous, but I gradually accept that they are to create super lightweight only after all.
In terms of weight, the LG Gram 16 weighs only 1.2kg – it can be said to be outstanding with a 15-inch screen product or more. Compared to other ultrabook products on the market, the same number will probably only be found with 12 or 13-inch products. If you move a lot and want to have a spacious workspace anytime, anywhere, LG Gram 16 will be a name worth considering.
However, to achieve this, we will still have to make a trade-off in finishing quality, as always. Although it is made of magnesium aluminum, the flex phenomenon appeared in some important places (Back, bottom, etc.). That sometimes makes me feel insecure, partly because the Gram version I have on hand also comes with a few high-end hardware elements (we’ll talk about it later).
The machine’s hinge will be in the middle form; the folding experience is acceptable. However, the ability to keep the screen steady is not too good; the screen will still have a vibration when you enter data or bring the device back and forth. If you point out the plus point, it will probably be the heatsink slot, with a design that helps the airflow back instead of towards the screen like some other products.
Regarding the screen, this will be the beginning of the “complete and spacious” that I like in this product. LG Gram 16 is the first product of the Gram series to use a 16-inch size, accompanied by a new 16:10 ratio that is very popular. Combined with the four inherently thin bezels, all have given me a significantly wider experience than the old Gram screens. Also, with the new aspect ratio; Surfing the web or reading my news is also quite convenient because the information displayed is more vertically than before. It is no coincidence that at this moment, 16:10 is a number that many brands have sought to put on ultrabooks since the last CES 2021.
Besides that, we also have an additional WQHD (or 2K, as we call it) resolution of 2560 x 1600 – slightly different from the usual WQHD figure of 2560 x 1440. That is probably the resolution. The resolution has been kind of tweaked so it fits the 16:10 aspect ratio. That should help the machine produce sharper images, which are great for folks who really like high quality content, or at least that kind of crisp viewing experience. Because of this, I am a bit worried, considering that the back A is not too strong.
Another bonus point with LG Gram is that it still has a webcam cluster – an essential tool for the current online working season.
Regarding the keyboard, LG Gram 16 continues to use the design of 2020: Spacious layout and full number keys for you to use with peace of mind. The keyframe has now been made more solid; the flex when typing is still there, but it has been limited compared to the predecessor products I have used. This key cluster will still have a backlight, suitable for those of you who often have to work at night.
The power key of LG Gram 16 will be made lower than the overall, making it easy for users to find and avoid mistakenly pressing. Underneath, there will also be a Windows Hello fingerprint sensor to ensure a quick opening experience.
With the LG Gram 16, we will have a very wide touchpad at the bottom, providing a very airy swiping experience. That is a notable improvement over last year’s LG Gram, and I hope it will appear on other Gram models this year as well. However, in this part of the touchpad, I found subsidence in the lower left and right corners; it is not clear whether it is due to a manufacturing error or poor finishing quality.
In terms of hardware, the version of the LG Gram 16 I have on hand will be equipped with an Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU with four cores and eight threads, 8GB of DDR4 RAM, 512GB of NVMe SSD, and Intel Iris Xe Graphics graphics card. That is a fairly familiar combo on recently released ultrabooks, which will usually be enough to serve office tasks and average entertainment (watching movies, playing Esports games with decent graphics settings, etc.). The machine is also certified to meet Intel’s Evo standard, which in theory should help you have good battery life and performance in many usage scenarios.
Connectivity and Ports
When it comes to connectivity options , the LG Gram 16 sort of does a lot, it has a solid collection of ports so you can hook up many peripherals and outside devices without much fuss. There are several USB Type-A along with USB Type-C ports, plus an HDMI output, a microSD card reader , and of course a headphone jack. Having those USB Type-C ports in the mix also backs Thunderbolt 4 , which helps with quick data transfer, supports external screens, and even lets you charge compatible devices.
On the wireless side, it brings Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.1, so your connection stays stable for internet access, file sharing, and pairing gear like mice, headphones, or whatever else you’re using. Overall, these connectivity features help it blend right into today’s networking setups and they also boost day to day productivity, whether you’re working at home, in a small office, or bouncing between places.
Battery Life and Efficiency
One of the more noticeable things about the LG Gram 16 is its impressive battery life, it can reach up to 22 hours of runtime on a single charge. That long stretch comes from smart power management and a high capacity battery too. So it tends to be a great pick for people who want all day performance without that constant “where’s the charger” worry. You can keep working or just pass time throughout the day without stressing about the battery running out, which makes the whole laptop feel especially suited for mobile professionals, travelers, and students.
Audio and Multimedia Experience
The LG Gram 16 includes dual stereo speakers, tuned by audio experts ,so the sound feels clear and immersive. In general the speakers put out balanced audio, with enough volume for watching videos, hopping on a call for video conferencing, or even casual gaming. Now, it’s not really on the same level as dedicated multimedia laptops, but honestly it still sounds good enough for everyday use and entertainment. So, for most people ,it lands in the satisfactory zone rather than “wow”.
Software and User Experience
The LG Gram 16 arrives with Windows 10 or Windows 11 already in place, so you get kind of a familiar dependable computing setup straight away . Plus, LG throws in its own little software utilities , and that sort of helps smooth the whole experience out from the start. You get things like LG Control Center for tweaking system performance, LG Update Center for staying current with software updates, and LG Reader Mode which makes reading less tiring during long sessions. These additions sit alongside Windows and offer extra personalization, plus a few practical features for different work habits. Overall, it feels like a tidy mix of familiar OS comfort and some helpful LG extras.
Finally, about the connection port, except for the LAN port, LG Gram 16 has most of what you need for everyday experience. With Intel’s 11th generation hardware, their technology will also upgrade 2 USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, 2 USB-C 4.0 Gen 3 ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, HDMI port, MicroSD card slot, and 3.5 combo headphone jack. If it can be adjusted, I will want the memory card slot to be an SD slot to ensure convenience and popularity.
That’s what I want to share about the LG Gram 16 – the complete ultrabook I’ve ever used in 2021. With a “modern” screen, delicious keys, and just enough configuration. Improved connectivity; I expect the product’s performance can bring in the coming days. Is it possible that in terms of perfection, the LG Gram 16 still makes me wonder, even if there is a real improvement, is that enough?
LG Gram 16Z90P – 16″ WQXGA (2560×1600) Ultra-Lightweight Laptop, Intel evo with 11th gen CORE i5 1135G7 CPU , 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Alexa Built-in, 22 Hours Battery, Thunderbolt 4, White – 2021: Buy it now
LG Gram 16Z90P Laptop 16″ IPS Ultra-Lightweight, (2560 x 1600), Intel Evo 11th gen Core i7 , 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Upgradeable Windows 10 Home, Alexa Built-in, 2X USB-C, HDMI, USB-A – Silver: Buy it now
2021 LG Gram 16” Ultra-Lightweight 2-in-1 Laptop, WQXGA IPS Touch with Pen, Intel Evo i7-1165G7 Processor and Iris Xe Graphics, Thunderbolt 4, Accessory-Card (16GB RAM | 2TB PCIe SSD): Buy it now
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.