When you think of a 17-inch laptop, what comes to mind? Probably something bulky, heavy, and designed more for desktop replacement than portability. The LG Gram Pro 17 completely flips that script, delivering a massive display in a package that weighs less than most 15-inch competitors.
In a world where remote work has become the norm and content creators need every inch of screen real estate they can get, the LG Gram Pro 17 presents an intriguing proposition. Can you really have your cake and eat it too – enjoying a large, productive display without sacrificing portability?
After spending weeks with this ultralight giant, I can tell you the answer is more nuanced than LG’s marketing might suggest. The LG Gram Pro 17 review reveals a laptop that excels in some areas while making notable compromises in others. Let’s dive deep into what makes this machine tick.
Design & Build Quality
Featherweight Champion
The first time you pick up the LG Gram Pro 17, your brain does a double-take. At just 2.98 pounds (1.35kg), this 17-inch laptop feels almost surreal. For context, that’s lighter than Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro by nearly two full pounds.
LG achieves this remarkable weight through its use of magnesium alloy construction. The entire chassis – from the lid to the palm rest – uses this lightweight yet sturdy material. The finish has a subtle matte texture that resists fingerprints better than glossy alternatives, though it’s not completely immune to smudges.
Military-Grade Durability
Don’t let the lightweight build fool you into thinking this laptop is fragile. The Gram Pro 17 meets MIL-STD-810H standards, meaning it’s been tested for:
- Shock resistance
- Vibration tolerance
- Temperature extremes
- Humidity resistance
- Altitude variations
The laptop passed all seven categories of testing, which explains why it feels solid despite its minimal weight. The lid has just enough flex to feel natural without seeming flimsy, and the base remains rigid even when lifted from one corner.
Aesthetic Choices
LG keeps things understated with the Gram Pro 17’s design. The obsidian black finish looks professional in any environment, from coffee shops to corporate boardrooms. The only branding visible is a small “LG” logo on the lid and “gram” text below the display.
The laptop’s profile is impressively thin at 0.7 inches, contributing to its sleek appearance. However, the large footprint – measuring 15.1 x 10.3 inches – means you’ll need a substantial bag or backpack to transport it comfortably.
Ergonomics and Comfort
The keyboard deck provides excellent wrist support thanks to its generous palm rest area. The hinge mechanism operates smoothly and holds the display firmly at any angle between 0 and 180 degrees. Yes, this laptop can lie completely flat, which proves useful for presentations or collaborative work.
One minor gripe: the power button placement on the top-right corner of the keyboard can lead to accidental presses when reaching for the Delete key. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it takes some adjustment.
Display & Performance
Visual Real Estate
The star of the show is undoubtedly the 17-inch display. LG equips the Gram Pro 17 with an IPS LCD panel that delivers sharp, vibrant visuals across its 2560 x 1600 resolution. That’s a 16:10 aspect ratio, providing 11% more vertical space than traditional 16:9 screens.
Color Accuracy and Brightness
This display covers 99% of the sRGB color gamut and 95% of DCI-P3, making it suitable for photo editing and content creation work. Color accuracy measures Delta E < 2 out of the box, which means colors appear natural without extensive calibration.
Brightness peaks at 350 nits – adequate for indoor use but challenging in bright outdoor conditions. The anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections, though it does slightly soften the overall image compared to glossy alternatives.
Real-World Performance
During daily use, the large screen proves invaluable for productivity tasks. You can comfortably run multiple windows side-by-side:
- Two full browser windows with readable text
- A code editor alongside documentation
- Video editing timeline with tool palettes visible
- Spreadsheets with dozens of columns displayed
The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and general navigation feel smooth, though it’s not quite as transformative as on smaller displays where the pixel density is higher.
Performance Benchmarks
Under the hood, our review unit packs an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor paired with Intel Arc graphics. This combination delivers respectable performance for an ultralight laptop:
CPU Performance (Cinebench R23):
- Multi-core: 12,847 points
- Single-core: 1,689 points
GPU Performance (3DMark Time Spy):
- Graphics score: 2,156 points
- CPU score: 8,924 points
These numbers place the Gram Pro 17 in the upper-middle tier of ultrabooks, capable of handling demanding productivity tasks but not quite matching dedicated gaming laptops or workstations.
Hardware & Features
Processing Power
The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H represents Intel’s latest Meteor Lake architecture, featuring a hybrid design with Performance and Efficiency cores. This 16-core, 22-thread processor includes:
- 6 Performance cores (up to 4.8GHz)
- 8 Efficiency cores (up to 3.8GHz)
- 2 Low Power Efficiency cores
The integrated Intel Arc graphics provide decent performance for light gaming and creative tasks, though dedicated GPU solutions remain superior for intensive workloads.
Memory and Storage
Our review configuration includes:
- RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X-7500 (soldered, non-upgradeable)
- Storage: 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD (user replaceable)
The generous memory allocation ensures smooth multitasking even with dozens of browser tabs, multiple applications, and background processes running simultaneously. The fast SSD delivers boot times under 10 seconds and application launches that feel instantaneous.
Connectivity Options
Port selection covers most bases without requiring dongles for common tasks:
Left side:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 1x HDMI 2.1
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
Right side:
- 1x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 1x microSD card reader
The dual Thunderbolt 4 ports support charging, data transfer up to 40Gbps, and display output up to 8K resolution. You can connect dual 4K monitors for an impressive multi-display setup.
Audio Quality
LG collaborates with DTS for the audio implementation, and the results exceed expectations for such a thin laptop. The speakers produce clear mids and highs with surprising bass presence, though they lack the richness of larger systems.
The quad-speaker array creates a decent stereo soundstage for video calls and casual media consumption. For serious audio work, external speakers or headphones remain preferable.
Software & User Experience
Windows 11 Integration
The Gram Pro 17 ships with a clean Windows 11 installation, thankfully free from excessive bloatware. LG includes only essential utilities:
- LG Update Center: For driver and firmware updates
- LG Control Center: Hardware monitoring and optimization
- LG Gram Care: System diagnostics and support
These applications prove genuinely useful rather than promotional distractions, enhancing the overall user experience.
LG-Specific Features
Several software features take advantage of the laptop’s unique characteristics:
Gram Care Plus: Proactive system monitoring that tracks hardware health and predicts potential issues before they become problems.
Smart Display: Automatically adjusts screen brightness and color temperature based on ambient lighting conditions and time of day.
Whisper Mode: Reduces fan noise for quiet environments by limiting CPU performance. Essential for library or meeting room use.
AI Integration
While not as extensively integrated as some competitors, the Gram Pro 17 includes Windows 11’s AI features, like:
- Copilot integration for productivity assistance
- Windows Studio Effects for video calls
- Voice typing with improved accuracy
The Intel NPU (Neural Processing Unit) handles these AI workloads efficiently, though the implementation feels more utilitarian than revolutionary at this stage.
Battery & Charging
Capacity and Chemistry
LG packs a 90Wh battery into the Gram Pro 17’s slim chassis – impressive considering the space constraints. The four-cell lithium polymer design balances capacity with weight considerations.
Real-World Usage
Battery performance varies significantly based on usage patterns:
Light productivity (web browsing, document editing, 50% brightness):
- 12-14 hours typical use
- Video streaming: 8-10 hours
Intensive workloads (photo editing, video calls, maximum brightness):
- 6-8 hours with frequent charging breaks needed
- Gaming or GPU-intensive tasks: 3-4 hours maximum
These numbers make the Gram Pro 17 a genuine all-day laptop for typical productivity tasks, though power users should keep the charger handy.
Charging Performance
The included 90W USB-C charger delivers rapid charging speeds:
- 0-50%: 35 minutes
- 0-80%: 65 minutes
- 0-100%: 95 minutes
Fast charging proves crucial for such a large display, and LG’s implementation works reliably without generating excessive heat. The laptop supports charging through either Thunderbolt 4 port, providing flexibility for your workspace setup.
Connectivity & Extras
Wireless Performance
The Intel AX211 Wi-Fi 6E module provides excellent wireless connectivity with support for:
- Wi-Fi 6E (2.4GHz, 5GHz, 6GHz bands)
- Bluetooth 5.1 for peripherals
- Maximum theoretical speeds up to 2.4Gbps
In real-world testing, the Wi-Fi performance proved reliable and fast across various network conditions. The additional 6GHz band support helps avoid congestion in busy environments like offices or apartments.
Camera and Microphones
The 1080p webcam delivers acceptable video quality for professional video calls, though it won’t wow anyone accustomed to external cameras. The image appears sharp with decent color reproduction under good lighting conditions.
Low-light performance remains challenging, as expected from such a small sensor. The privacy shutter provides physical camera blocking when needed – a welcome security feature.
The quad-microphone array with AI noise cancellation performs admirably, filtering out background noise while maintaining clear voice transmission during calls.
Security Features
Business users will appreciate the comprehensive security package:
- Fingerprint reader: Fast and accurate biometric authentication
- TPM 2.0 chip: Hardware-based encryption support
- Webcam privacy shutter: Physical camera blocking
- Kensington lock slot: Anti-theft cable compatibility
Comparison With Alternatives
vs. Dell XPS 17 (2024)
The Dell XPS 17 represents the Gram Pro 17’s most direct competitor, offering similar screen size with different priorities:
LG Gram Pro 17 advantages:
- Significantly lighter (2.98 lbs vs 4.87 lbs)
- Better port selection, including USB-A
- Lower starting price
- Superior battery life
Dell XPS 17 advantages:
- More powerful GPU options (RTX 4070/4080)
- Higher resolution display option (4K)
- Premium build materials (carbon fiber, aluminum)
- Better speakers and audio quality
Verdict: Choose the Gram Pro 17 for portability and battery life, the XPS 17 for raw performance and premium materials.
vs. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch
The MacBook Pro 16-inch targets creative professionals with different strengths:
LG Gram Pro 17 advantages:
- Larger display (17″ vs 16.2″)
- Much lighter weight
- More affordable pricing
- Better port variety for Windows users
- Upgradeable storage
MacBook Pro 16-inch advantages:
- Superior display quality (mini-LED, higher brightness)
- Much better performance (M3 Pro/Max chips)
- Longer software support lifecycle
- Better build quality and materials
- Superior speakers and audio
Verdict: The MacBook Pro wins for creative work and build quality, while the Gram Pro 17 offers better value and portability for general productivity.
vs. ASUS ZenBook Pro 17
ASUS offers another take on the large, portable laptop concept:
LG Gram Pro 17 advantages:
- Lighter weight by nearly a pound
- Better battery life
- Cleaner software experience
- More reliable fingerprint reader
ASUS ZenBook Pro 17 advantages:
- Optional OLED display
- Discrete GPU options
- More RAM configurations available
- Better keyboard and trackpad feel
Verdict: The LG offers superior portability, while the ASUS provides more performance options and display choices.
Pros & Cons
| The keyboard could be more tactile | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptionally light for 17-inch laptop | Limited performance compared to heavier alternatives |
| Excellent battery life for productivity | Display brightness could be higher |
| Good port selection with Thunderbolt 4 | No discrete GPU option |
| Military-grade durability testing | RAM not user-upgradeable |
| Large, color-accurate display | Power button placement prone to accidents |
| Fast charging support | Speakers are adequate but not exceptional |
| Clean Windows 11 installation | Power button placement is prone to accidents |
| Competitive pricing | Limited configuration options |
Pricing & Availability
Regional Pricing
The LG Gram Pro 17 launched with competitive pricing across major markets:
United States:
- Base model (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD): $1,699
- Our review configuration (32GB RAM, 1TB SSD): $2,199
- Premium model (32GB RAM, 2TB SSD): $2,699
Europe (converted from EUR):
- Base model: €1,899 (~$2,050)
- Mid-tier: €2,299 (~$2,480)
- Top model: €2,799 (~$3,020)
Availability:
The laptop launched in North America and Europe in Q1 2024, with Asian markets following in Q2. Most major retailers stock the base and mid-tier configurations, while the premium model may require special ordering.
Value Proposition
At $2,199 for our review configuration, the Gram Pro 17 sits in a competitive price range. You’re paying a premium for the unique combination of large display and ultralight weight – a combination that few alternatives can match.
Frequent travelers and mobile professionals will find the portability premium worthwhile, while desktop-bound users might prefer more powerful alternatives at similar prices.
FAQ Section
No, the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. Choose your memory configuration carefully at purchase time, as you’ll be stuck with it for the laptop’s lifetime. The storage SSD can be replaced or upgraded, providing some future flexibility.
The display’s 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage make it suitable for photo editing work. The large screen provides ample space for tools and timelines.
Battery life varies significantly by usage. Light productivity tasks like web browsing and document editing can achieve 12-14 hours, while intensive workloads reduce this to 6-8 hours
Conclusion
The LG Gram Pro 17 successfully achieves its primary mission: delivering a genuinely portable 17-inch laptop experience. At 2.98 pounds, it redefines what’s possible in the large laptop category, making it feasible to carry extensive screen real estate wherever your work takes you.
This laptop shines brightest for professionals who prioritize productivity and portability over raw performance. Business travelers, consultants, researchers, and students will appreciate the combination of all-day battery life, generous display space, and carry-friendly weight.
However, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Creative professionals requiring GPU-intensive applications, gamers seeking high frame rates, or users who prioritize premium build materials over portability should look elsewhere.
The software experience feels polished and bloatware-free, while the comprehensive port selection reduces dongle dependency. At $2,199 for the reviewed configuration, pricing remains competitive within the premium ultrabook segment.
Who should buy the LG Gram Pro 17:
- Mobile professionals needing large displays
- Business travelers prioritizing portability
- Students requiring extensive multitasking capability
- Anyone wanting desktop-like screen space without desktop weight
Who should consider alternatives:
- Creative professionals requiring discrete GPUs
- Users prioritizing build quality over portability
- Gamers or performance-focused users
- Budget-conscious buyers (consider smaller Gram models)
If the idea of carrying a 17-inch laptop in your daily bag without shoulder strain appeals to you, the LG Gram Pro 17 delivers on that promise admirably. It represents a successful engineering achievement that prioritizes mobility without completely sacrificing capability.
Ready to experience ultralight large-screen computing? The LG Gram Pro 17 is available now at major electronics retailers and LG’s official store. Consider your specific needs carefully, but for the right user, this laptop offers a unique and compelling combination of features that few alternatives can match.
Have you used the LG Gram Pro 17 or similar ultralight laptops? Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to Gizopedia for more in-depth tech reviews and buying guides.
I'm Salim, the creator and tech enthusiast behind this website. My passion for technology has been a lifelong journey, fueled by a deep curiosity about how things work and a desire to explore the latest gadgets and innovations that shape our world.