ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The 2025 LG Gram Professional 16 2-in-1 is on sale now for $1,399.
- This new technology performs higher than final 12 months’s mannequin, whereas conserving its record-breaking skinny design.
- Nevertheless, the laptop computer has a few of the identical points, particularly a bent to run scorching.
The LG gram Professional 2-in-1 made a giant splash when it got here out final 12 months. ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski praised the 2024 laptop computer for its glossy design, “respectable efficiency”, and top-notch show. Now, we have now the 2025 LG gram Professional 2-in-1 16, bettering on the earlier technology in some ways however retaining a few of the identical points.
Additionally: The perfect laptops you should buy
LG did not alter the general design of the 2025 laptop computer, sticking with the ultrathin kind issue. This model is equally light-weight, weighing 3.08 kilos and measuring 0.51 inches when closed. As a result of it’s so skinny, the laptop computer has a restricted variety of ports. LG, fortuitously, outfitted its machine with a wide variety. On one facet, you may have a pair of USB-A ports subsequent to an earphone jack. Then again, there are a pair of Thunderbolt 4 inputs alongside an HDMI port.
Shiny and vibrant
As its title suggests, the pc sports activities a versatile hinge that permits customers to push the 16-inch show all the way in which again, turning it right into a pill. A stylus is part of the general bundle, so you do not have to make use of your arms. I discovered the pen to be extremely responsive and snappy, making navigating the web a breeze. One thing I additionally respect in regards to the stylus is how straightforward it’s to attach.
It would not require Bluetooth. All it’s important to do is connect it to the hidden magnet on the correct facet, give it a couple of seconds, and the pen will hook up with the LG gram. To cost it, merely place the stylus on the magnet because the accent helps wi-fi charging.
For those who favor utilizing your arms, don’t fret about fingerprint smudges. The glass is seemingly coated in a protecting coating. No quantity of dealing with or poking dirtied the display screen. That is nice to have as a result of the show is kind of shiny. Talking of which, the OLED touchscreen acquired an improve. It’s now a WQXGA+ (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) show with exceptionally vibrant shade output. On-screen objects are so vigorous that they virtually leap out at you.
Notable display screen options from the previous mannequin return, such because the large side ratio and 100% protection of the DCI-P3 shade gamut. There’s one downgrade, nonetheless. As an alternative of a refresh fee of 144Hz, the 2025 Gram Professional has a brand new variable refresh fee of 120Hz. Sure, it isn’t as quick as earlier than, however you continue to get to take pleasure in crisp, clean animations.
Efficiency
As a lot as I loved the brand new mannequin, it has a few of the identical issues, like operating heat. Working temperatures are typically low, however if you push the {hardware}, the LG Gram Professional can warmth as much as uncomfortable ranges.
What’s worse is that the warmth vents are on the backside, leading to all that scorching air blowing instantly onto your legs. I point out this as a result of the skinny and light-weight kind issue invitations you to take the laptop computer away from the desk.
I additionally wasn’t tremendous impressed with the keyboard. Typing felt mushy and my arms felt drained after some time. Nevertheless, they’re nonetheless responsive and quiet.
When it comes to {hardware}, below the hood is an Intel Core Extremely 7 255H processor alongside an Intel Arc 140T GPU. This configuration is much like that of the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Professional, a laptop computer with an identical use case. Nevertheless, LG’s machine boasts higher efficiency.
Under is a desk evaluating it to the Galaxy Book5 and the HP EliteBook G1i. You will discover that the Gram Professional comes out on high throughout each take a look at. These numbers inform me the LG mannequin excels in processing, web searching, and picture rendering. Not solely is it a great match as an on a regular basis laptop, but additionally for content material creation.
|
Geekbench 6 |
PCMark 10 |
Cinebench R23 |
|
|
LG Gram Professional 16 2-in-1 |
15,292 |
7,441 |
13,521 |
|
Galaxy Book5 Professional |
10,861 |
7,196 |
10,293 |
|
HP EliteBook Extremely G1i |
10,993 |
7,328 |
7,324 |
I skilled this efficiency firsthand. The pc comfortably dealt with the 50 Chrome tabs I threw at it. Throughout 5 completely different home windows, I had Amazon listings, ZDNET opinions, and movies operating concurrently. I might even play a number of 4K livestreams without delay with out situation – for essentially the most half. Load occasions elevated a bit, though it was nothing that ruined the expertise.
The LG Gram Professional did stumble in a single space: AI assist. I ran the Geekbench AI take a look at to measure the pc’s functionality to run “machine studying functions.” It earned a high quantized rating of 14,205. Judging by Geekbench’s baseline, the quantity is okay, though it falls in need of extra highly effective machines. HP’s EliteBook Extremely G1i, for instance, had a high quantized rating of 34,274.
Additionally: An inexpensive Home windows laptop computer with nice specs for work journey? I discovered the one to purchase
Battery life is so-so. LG’s machine ran for about 9 hours earlier than tapping out on our laptop computer longevity exams. Bear in mind that this quantity was achieved with none battery saver modes energetic. 9 hours is okay, however in a world the place different units can final 12, generally 15, hours, I might’ve favored to have been extra. Recharge occasions had been gradual, too, taking practically an hour to go from zero to 50%.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Costs for the 2025 LG gram Professional 2-in-1 16 begin at $1,999 for the 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD mannequin. There’s additionally a 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD LG gram retailing for $2,399. If you buy the laptop computer, you may obtain a free ergonomic mouse embroidered with the Marvel Comics brand.
The latest US tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India intention to spice up home manufacturing however are more likely to drive up costs on client electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs could develop into dearer as corporations rethink international provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
Additionally:Tariff struggle has tech patrons questioning what’s subsequent. Here is what we all know
Laptops and PCs are additionally hit onerous by the brand new U.S. tariffs, with import duties doubtlessly growing costs by as much as 35%. Many main manufacturers nonetheless depend on Chinese language and Vietnamese factories for meeting, which means shoppers might quickly pay considerably extra for every thing from price range Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs could speed up efforts to maneuver manufacturing to areas like Mexico or India, however consumers can anticipate increased prices and fewer reductions within the quick time period.
