LG gram 13 review
The LG LG gram 13 ranks as the #593 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 69. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #417-ranked connectivity among 620 laptops. Consider the Lenovo Legion Y740S or Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 7i, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The LG Gram 13 is a solid choice for those seeking portability, performance, and stamina in a laptop. With its highly portable design, great performance (especially with the Core i7 model), excellent battery life, and good display, it checks many boxes. However, it's not perfect, lacking Thunderbolt 3, a full-sized SD card slot, and a fast NVMe SSD. Upgradability is limited to 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. Despite this, the Core i7 model offers great value, making it a worthwhile consideration for those in need of a compact laptop with robust specs.
Build
The LG Gram 13's build is its crowning glory. The laptop's slim profile and lightweight design make it incredibly portable, weighing in at just 2.87 pounds. The magnesium alloy construction provides a sturdy feel without being too bulky. The keyboard deck is spacious and well-suited for typing, with a comfortable layout that doesn't compromise on key travel. The screen's metal bezels add to the overall premium feel of the laptop. Overall, the build quality of the LG Gram 13 is exceptional, making it a joy to carry around and use in everyday situations. You might want to check out Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid, featuring an upgraded build for a superior experience.
Display
The LG Gram 13's display is a highlight of the device. It boasts vibrant colors and crisp details, making it perfect for productivity and entertainment. The touchscreen model I reviewed sipped slightly more power than the base model without touch, but overall, battery life was impressive. In addition to its good performance, the screen also features a decent brightness level, which is suitable for indoor use. However, outdoor visibility can be an issue in bright environments. Overall, the display on the LG Gram 13 is solid and does justice to its sleek design. Take a look at Lenovo V17 - its improved display sets a new standard.
Performance
The LG Gram 13's performance is a highlight, particularly with the Core i7 model. It provides a ton more power than seventh-gen or older CPUs. The system's speed is decent, but limited by the slow 256GB SSD. Upgrading to an NVMe drive would greatly improve performance. The quad-core CPU handles battery-intensive tasks well, making it suitable for users who want to run power-hungry workloads off the charger. Overall, the Gram 13's performance is solid, but not exceptional, given its price and competition. If you're after top-notch performance, consider Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Gen 4.
Battery and Charging
The LG Gram 13's battery life is its standout feature, delivering excellent results in every test with some of the best results seen from recent laptops. The 72Wh battery provides ample power, even with a quad-core CPU inside. The laptop sips power well, making it suitable for long trips or work sessions on the go. Charging is also efficient, but the lack of quick charging and limited storage options (256GB SSD) are drawbacks to consider.
Connectivity
The LG Gram 13's connectivity options are somewhat bare-bones. It lacks Thunderbolt 3, and the full-sized SD card slot is also absent. While the laptop can be upgraded with an additional RAM module and a faster SSD, out-of-the-box configurations are limited to just 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which may not be sufficient for heavy users. Give Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Pro a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled connectivity.
Features
The LG Gram 13 boasts a slim design, weighing just 2.1 pounds. It features an active CPU cooler, keeping temperatures in check. The laptop comes with a 72Wh battery, delivering excellent battery life and making it ideal for long commutes or travel. Other notable features include a Quad-Core processor, up to 16GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD. Get your hands on Lenovo Legion Pro 7 if you're looking for better features.
Support and Maintenance
The LG Gram 13 offers great performance, portability, and battery life, making it an ideal choice for those seeking convenience. However, its bare-bones feature set is a drawback, lacking Thunderbolt 3, a full-sized SD card slot, and fast NVMe storage. Upgradability is limited to RAM and SSD, which may not be crucial for some users but could be a concern for others.
Pros
1. Provides a highly portable design
2. Great performance, especially with the Core i7 model
3. Excellent battery life, delivering some of the best results I've seen from past generations of laptops
4. Very good display
5. Active cooler for the CPU keeps surface temperatures in check
Cons
1. Bare-bones feature set, missing Thunderbolt 3 and full-sized SD card slot
2. Limited configurations: only 8GB of RAM and 256GB SSD
3. SATA drive is slow, capping sequential transfers at around 500MB/s
4. No option for a faster NVMe SSD out of the box
5. No significant improvement in performance compared to older CPUs, such as Core i5 7200U or Core i7 7500U
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features