Lighter, Stronger, and Finally Bronze

The LG gram has always been about one thing: defying physics. For years, LG has been making impossibly light laptops that felt fragile despite their portability. The 2026 gram Pro AI changes that equation.

At just 2.4 lbs (1.09 kg), it's still one of the lightest 16-inch laptops you can buy. But this year, LG added something unexpected: durability. Combined with a gorgeous new bronze color option and the Intel Core Ultra 7 processor, the gram Pro AI is the most complete version of LG's ultraportable vision yet.

Performance: Intel Core Ultra 7 Delivers

The Intel Core Ultra 7 with Intel Arc Graphics provides solid productivity performance. This isn't a powerhouse, but it handles everyday tasks with ease.

CPU Performance

The Core Ultra 7 balances performance and efficiency:

• Multi-core workloads: Handles video calls, browser tabs, and Office apps simultaneously
• Single-core tasks: Snappy and responsive
• Thermal management: Excellent - the slim chassis stays cool

The 16GB LPDDR5x RAM is the minimum I'd recommend in 2026. For heavy multitaskers, I'd prefer 32GB, but LG made a choice to prioritize weight over maximum RAM capacity.

Graphics

The integrated Intel Arc Graphics is sufficient for:

• Basic photo editing
• 1080p video playback (4K works but drains battery faster)
• Light creative work in Photoshop and Lightroom
• No serious gaming or 3D rendering

The 512GB PCIe 4.0 SSD is adequate but fills up quickly with modern applications. Consider cloud storage or external drives.

Display: Bright Enough, But Not OLED

The 16-inch IPS panel with 2560x1600 resolution is...fine. It's not bad, but it's not exciting either.

Specs:

• Brightness: 350-400 nits (adequate for indoor use)
• Color coverage: ~95% sRGB
• Refresh rate: 60Hz
• Aspect ratio: 16:10 (extra vertical space appreciated)

The OLED Question

At $1,699, many competitors offer OLED panels. The gram Pro AI's IPS screen is competent but lacks the contrast and vibrancy of OLED. Blacks are gray, not black. Colors are accurate but not punchy.

For outdoor use, the matte finish helps with glare, but brightness could be higher. In direct sunlight, you'll struggle to see the screen.

Build Quality: The Big Improvement

Previous gram laptops felt like they'd snap in half if you looked at them wrong. The 2026 model addresses this with a stronger magnesium alloy chassis.

Durability Testing

LG claims MIL-STD-810H certification, and I believe them:

• The lid resists flex better than previous models
• The deck feels more rigid
• The hinges inspire confidence
• The overall build feels premium, not fragile

Yet it's still 2.4 lbs. That's genuinely impressive engineering.

Design and Aesthetics

The bronze color option is a welcome addition to LG's typically conservative design language:

• Looks premium and distinctive
• Resists fingerprints better than silver
• Subtle branding keeps it professional

The silver option is still available if bronze isn't your style.

Keyboard and Trackpad

The keyboard offers:

• 1.4mm key travel (comfortable)
• Backlit keys (uneven lighting in some areas)
• Quiet typing experience (good for offices and libraries)

The trackpad is large and responsive with Windows Precision drivers. No complaints here.

Port Selection

LG includes a good variety:

• 2× Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
• 2× USB-A 3.2
• 1× HDMI 2.1
• 1× 3.5mm audio jack
• 1× microSD card reader

No dongles required for most accessories. Appreciated!

Battery Life: The gram's Superpower

The 80Wh battery is massive for such a light chassis, and it shows:

• Light productivity: 12-14 hours
• Mixed usage: 10-12 hours
• Heavy workloads: 8-10 hours

These numbers are real. The combination of efficient processor, large battery, and IPS display (OLEDs use more power) delivers exceptional endurance.

Charging

The 65W USB-C charger is compact and fast:

• 0-50% in about 45 minutes
• Full charge in under 2 hours

You can also charge via any USB-C power bank, which is handy for travel.

Thermal and Acoustics

Despite the thin profile, LG's cooling is effective:

• Under light load: Silent, cool to the touch
• Under sustained load: Fans audible but not annoying, chassis stays comfortable

The bottom does get warm during extended workloads, but never hot enough to cause discomfort.

AI Features

LG markets this as "AI" but the features are modest:

• Windows 11 AI features (Copilot, etc.)
• Some AI-enhanced camera effects for video calls
• AI noise cancellation for audio

Nothing groundbreaking. The "AI" branding feels like marketing more than meaningful functionality.

Who Should Buy This?

The gram Pro AI is perfect for:

• Travelers who need lightweight + battery life
• Students carrying laptops all day
• Professionals who value portability
• Writers who need a good keyboard and long battery

Skip it if you:

• Need an OLED display
• Require discrete GPU performance
• Want maximum processing power
• Need the absolute lightest option (14-inch models are lighter)

Comparison to Competitors

At $1,699, alternatives include:

• MacBook Air 15: More power, better display, but heavier
• Dell XPS 15: OLED option, more powerful, but heavier
• ASUS ZenBook 14: Lighter but smaller screen

The gram Pro AI offers the best battery life and lowest weight in its class, if you can accept the IPS display compromise.

LG's Software

LG Gram Update Center provides:

• Driver updates
• BIOS updates
• Battery care features
• Support access

It's minimal and functional. No bloatware, which is refreshing.

Verdict

The 2026 LG gram Pro AI finally addresses the series' biggest weakness: build quality. It's still incredibly light at 2.4 lbs, but now it feels durable enough to survive real-world use.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 provides solid productivity performance, the 80Wh battery delivers exceptional endurance, and the bronze color option adds a premium aesthetic touch. The keyboard is comfortable, the port selection is practical, and the overall package is well-rounded.

The IPS display is the main compromise. At this price, OLED would elevate the experience. But if you prioritize battery life and weight over display quality, the gram Pro AI makes sense.

LG has created a laptop that's lighter than it should be, stronger than it used to be, and better-looking than it's ever been. For users who value portability above all else, the gram Pro AI delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this for light gaming? A: The Intel Arc Graphics handles casual games at lower settings, but this isn't a gaming laptop.

Q: How's webcam quality for video calls? A: The 1080p webcam is adequate with decent low-light performance. Nothing special, but functional.

Q: Can I upgrade RAM or storage? A: No, both are soldered. Choose your configuration at purchase.

Q: Is the bronze color durable? A: Yes, it's anodized into the magnesium alloy and resists wear and scratches well.

Q: How does it compare to the regular gram? A: The Pro model adds the Intel Core Ultra processor, improved build quality, and the bronze color option. Worth the upgrade if budget allows.