LG Gram 17 (2025) Review: The Ultimate Lightweight Powerhouse
Introduction
In the world of laptops, finding the perfect balance between performance and portability can be challenging. The LG Gram 17 (2025) aims to bridge this gap, offering a large screen experience in an incredibly lightweight package. But does it live up to the hype? Let's dive deep into this impressive machine and find out if it's the right fit for you.
Design and Build Quality
Featherweight Champion
The LG Gram 17 (2025) continues the tradition of its predecessors, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in laptop design. Weighing just 1.35 kg (2.98 lbs), it's astonishingly light for a 17-inch laptop. To put this into perspective:
- It's lighter than many 13-inch laptops
- You can easily hold it with one hand
- It won't weigh down your backpack during commutes
Durability Meets Elegance
Despite its lightweight nature, the Gram 17 doesn't compromise on durability:
- Magnesium alloy body for enhanced strength
- Passed MIL-STD-810H military-grade tests
- Resistant to drops, shocks, and extreme temperatures
The sleek, minimalist design features a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. Available in classic silver and a new midnight blue color option, the Gram 17 exudes professionalism and style.
Display
Immersive Viewing Experience
The 17-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display is the star of the show:
- 16:10 aspect ratio for more vertical space
- 99% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage
- HDR 400 certification for vivid colors and deep blacks
- Anti-glare coating for comfortable viewing in bright environments
Productivity Powerhouse
The large screen real estate is perfect for:
- Multitasking with multiple windows side by side
- Content creation and video editing
- Immersive movie watching and gaming experiences
Performance and Hardware
Cutting-Edge Internals
The 2025 LG Gram 17 comes equipped with:
- 14th Gen Intel Core i7 processor (up to 5.5 GHz boost)
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5X RAM
- 1TB NVMe SSD (expandable)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Benchmark Results
In our tests, the LG Gram 17 (2025) performed admirably:
- Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 2,450
- Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 12,800
- PCMark 10: 5,800
- 3DMark Time Spy: 1,950
These scores indicate excellent performance for productivity tasks, content creation, and light gaming.
Keyboard and Touchpad
Typing Comfort
The full-sized keyboard with numpad offers:
- Comfortable key travel (1.65mm)
- Backlit keys with three brightness levels
- Quiet operation for distraction-free typing
Precise Control
The large touchpad (13.0 x 8.5 cm) provides:
- Smooth and responsive tracking
- Support for Windows Precision drivers
- Multi-touch gestures for easy navigation
Ports and Connectivity
Versatile Connectivity Options
The LG Gram 17 (2025) offers a good selection of ports:
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C)
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 1x HDMI 2.1
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x microSD card reader
Wireless connectivity includes:
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
- Bluetooth 5.3
Battery Life
All-Day Endurance
The 80Wh battery provides impressive longevity:
- Up to 20 hours of video playback
- 12-14 hours of real-world mixed usage
- Fast charging: 0-80% in under an hour
Audio
Immersive Sound
The quad-speaker system with DTS:X Ultra technology delivers:
- Clear and balanced audio
- Good bass response for a laptop
- Virtual 3D surround sound for movies and games
Webcam and Security
Crystal-Clear Video Calls
The 1080p webcam is a significant upgrade:
- Sharp image quality in various lighting conditions
- AI-powered noise reduction
- Windows Hello facial recognition for quick logins
Additional security features include:
- Fingerprint reader integrated into the power button
- TPM 2.0 for hardware-based encryption
Software and Features
Productivity Enhancements
LG includes several useful software features:
- LG Glance by Mirametrix (attention-based screen management)
- LG Control Center for system optimization
- Microsoft Office 365 (30-day trial)
Price and Value Proposition
The LG Gram 17 (2025) starts at $1,799 for the base configuration. While this may seem steep, consider:
- The unique combination of large screen and ultralight design
- High-quality build and components
- Long battery life and excellent performance
For professionals, content creators, and users who value screen real estate and portability, the Gram 17 offers compelling value.
Comparison with Competitors
How does the LG Gram 17 (2025) stack up against its rivals?
| Feature | LG Gram 17 (2025) | Dell XPS 17 (2025) | MacBook Pro 16 (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.35 kg | 2.21 kg | 2.15 kg |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours | Up to 14 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Display | 17" WQXGA IPS | 17" 4K Touch | 16" Mini-LED |
| Processor | Intel Core i7 | Intel Core i9 | Apple M3 Pro/Max |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe | NVIDIA RTX 4070 | Integrated |
| Price (Starting) | $1,799 | $2,399 | $2,499 |
While competitors may offer more powerful GPUs or slightly better displays, the LG Gram 17 stands out for its unmatched portability in the large-screen laptop segment.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight for a 17-inch laptop
- Excellent battery life
- High-quality, color-accurate display
- Good performance for productivity and content creation
- Comfortable keyboard and large touchpad
Cons:
- Integrated graphics limit gaming potential
- Premium price point
- No option for discrete GPU
- Some flex in the chassis due to lightweight design
Use Cases and Target Audience
The LG Gram 17 (2025) is ideal for:
- Business professionals who need a large screen on the go
- Content creators working with multiple windows or timelines
- Students who want a portable desktop replacement
- Frequent travelers who don't want to compromise on screen size
- Anyone who values a big display but dreads carrying a heavy laptop
Conclusion
The LG Gram 17 (2025) continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in laptop design. It offers an unparalleled combination of screen size and portability, making it a top choice for users who need a large display without the traditional bulk associated with 17-inch laptops.
While it may not be the best choice for hardcore gamers or those needing workstation-level graphics performance, the Gram 17 excels in almost every other aspect. Its long battery life, high-quality display, and comfortable keyboard make it a productivity powerhouse.
If you're in the market for a large-screen laptop that won't break your back (or your bank), the LG Gram 17 (2025) should be at the top of your list. It's a testament to LG's commitment to innovation and a glimpse into the future of portable computing.