The LG gram Pro 2-in-1 made a big splash when it came out last year. ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski praised the 2024 laptop for its sleek design, “respectable performance”, and top-notch display. Now, we have the 2025 LG gram Pro 2-in-1 16, improving on the previous generation in many ways but retaining some of the same issues.
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LG didn’t alter the overall design of the 2025 laptop, sticking with the ultrathin form factor. This version is equally lightweight, weighing 3.08 pounds and measuring 0.51 inches when closed. Because it is so thin, the laptop has a limited number of ports. LG, fortunately, equipped its machine with a good selection. On one side, you have a pair of USB-A ports next to an earphone jack. On the other hand, there are a pair of Thunderbolt 4 inputs alongside an HDMI port.
Bright and vibrant
As its name suggests, the computer sports a flexible hinge that allows users to push the 16-inch display all the way back, turning it into a tablet. A stylus is a part of the overall package, so you don’t have to use your hands. I found the pen to be highly responsive and snappy, making navigating the internet a breeze. Something I also appreciate about the stylus is how easy it is to connect.
It doesn’t require Bluetooth. All you have to do is attach it to the hidden magnet on the right side, give it a few seconds, and the pen will connect to the LG gram. To charge it, simply place the stylus on the magnet since the accessory supports wireless charging.
If you prefer using your hands, don’t worry about fingerprint smudges. The glass is seemingly covered in a protective coating. No amount of handling or poking dirtied the screen. This is great to have because the display is quite glossy. Speaking of which, the OLED touchscreen received an upgrade. It is now a WQXGA+ (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) display with exceptionally vibrant color output. On-screen objects are so full of life that they practically jump out at you.
Notable screen features from the past model return, such as the wide aspect ratio and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. There is one downgrade, however. Instead of a refresh rate of 144Hz, the 2025 Gram Pro has a new variable refresh rate of 120Hz. Yes, it’s not as fast as before, but you still get to enjoy crisp, smooth animations.
Performance
As much as I enjoyed the new model, it has some of the same problems, like running warm. Operating temperatures are generally low, but when you push the hardware, the LG Gram Pro can heat up to uncomfortable levels.
What’s worse is that the heat vents are at the bottom, resulting in all that hot air blowing directly onto your legs. I mention this because the thin and light form factor invites you to take the laptop away from the desk.
I also wasn’t super impressed with the keyboard. Typing felt mushy and my hands felt tired after a while. However, they’re still responsive and quiet.
In terms of hardware, under the hood is an Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor alongside an Intel Arc 140T GPU. This configuration is similar to that of the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro, a laptop with a similar use case. However, LG’s machine boasts better performance.
Below is a table comparing it to the Galaxy Book5 and the HP EliteBook G1i. You’ll notice that the Gram Pro comes out on top across every test. These numbers tell me the LG model excels in processing, internet browsing, and image rendering. Not only is it a good fit as an everyday computer, but also for content creation.
|
Geekbench 6 |
PCMark 10 |
Cinebench R23 |
|
|
LG Gram Pro 16 2-in-1 |
15,292 |
7,441 |
13,521 |
|
Galaxy Book5 Pro |
10,861 |
7,196 |
10,293 |
|
HP EliteBook Ultra G1i |
10,993 |
7,328 |
7,324 |
I experienced this performance firsthand. The computer comfortably handled the 50 Chrome tabs I threw at it. Across five different windows, I had Amazon listings, ZDNET reviews, and videos running simultaneously. I could even play multiple 4K livestreams at once without issue – for the most part. Load times increased a bit, although it was nothing that ruined the experience.
The LG Gram Pro did stumble in one area: AI support. I ran the Geekbench AI test to measure the computer’s capability to run “machine learning applications.” It earned a top quantized score of 14,205. Judging by Geekbench’s baseline, the number is fine, although it falls short of more powerful machines. HP’s EliteBook Ultra G1i, for example, had a top quantized score of 34,274.
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Battery life is so-so. LG’s machine ran for about nine hours before tapping out on our laptop longevity tests. Be aware that this number was achieved without any battery saver modes active. Nine hours is fine, but in a world where other devices can last 12, sometimes 15, hours, I would’ve liked to have been more. Recharge times were slow, too, taking nearly an hour to go from zero to 50%.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Prices for the 2025 LG gram Pro 2-in-1 16 start at $1,999 for the 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD model. There’s also a 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD LG gram retailing for $2,399. If you purchase the laptop, you’ll receive a free ergonomic mouse embroidered with the Marvel Comics logo.
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also:Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what’s next. Here’s what we know
Laptops and PCs are also hit hard by the new U.S. tariffs, with import duties potentially increasing prices by up to 35%. Many major brands still rely on Chinese and Vietnamese factories for assembly, meaning consumers could soon pay significantly more for everything from budget Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs may accelerate efforts to move production to regions like Mexico or India, but shoppers can expect higher costs and fewer discounts in the short term.
