LG’s Gram series of laptops is well-known for its lightweight and highly portable devices. The LG Gram 17 (2023) continues this tradition but with a unique twist—a spacious 17-inch screen. This laptop offers a combination of portability, impressive display quality, and powerful performance. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at whether the LG Gram 17 (2023) justifies its price tag and if it’s the right choice for your needs.
Display & Design: A Productivity Marvel
The LG Gram 17 (2023) boasts a generous 17-inch display, making it a perfect companion for tasks that require a spacious screen. Whether you’re handling spreadsheets, documents, or multitasking with multiple applications, this laptop delivers an efficient work experience. Additionally, it enhances your entertainment experience with its large screen, ideal for watching movies or editing.
The laptop maintains the impressive display quality of its predecessors, featuring a 17-inch IPS non-touch-enabled screen with a WQXGA resolution (2,560×1,600) and a wide 99 percent color gamut coverage on the DCI-P3 scale. Although the refresh rate is capped at 60Hz, the slim bezels create a comfortable 16:10 aspect ratio, suitable for both work and leisure. The anti-glare coating ensures a glare-free experience, even in well-lit environments.
For entertainment, the LG Gram 17 (2023) provides an immersive experience with an IPS panel that performs admirably. While it may not match the vibrancy of AMOLED displays, it offers impressive visuals.
Design-wise, LG has kept it sleek and practical. The magnesium alloy chassis provides durability while keeping the laptop incredibly lightweight at just 1.35kg. You can choose between black and white models, although the black one is more prone to fingerprints. LG maintains a clean and sophisticated appearance by avoiding excessive stickers on the laptop’s body.
Ports: Versatility in Connectivity
The LG Gram 17 (2023) offers a comprehensive selection of ports. On the left side, you’ll find two Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI 2.1 video output, and a 3.5mm audio jack. On the right side, there are two USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 ports and a MicroSD card slot. Wi-Fi 6 support ensures fast wireless networking, making it suitable for various connectivity needs.
Performance: Smooth and Reliable
Powering the LG Gram 17 (2023) is the latest 13th-Gen Intel i7-1360P processor with EVO certification, known for delivering exceptional performance and efficiency. With 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 512GB NVMe Gen 4 storage, it offers a reliable configuration.
In daily use, the laptop exhibits consistent and smooth performance with minimal hiccups. Even with multiple Chrome tabs open, the laptop maintains its composure. However, it’s important to note that this laptop is designed for productivity, not gaming. While it can handle some games smoothly, demanding AAA titles may be a challenge due to the lack of a dedicated graphics card.
Keyboard, Trackpad, & Webcam: Typing Comfort and Usability
The LG Gram 17 (2023) features a full-sized keyboard with a dedicated numpad, offering comfortable key feedback for extended typing sessions. The keyboard’s LEDs offer two brightness levels, and despite some flexibility in the keyboard deck, it doesn’t hinder typing. The centrally aligned trackpad is sizeable and avoids unintended touches, although its click feedback may not suit everyone.
The keyboard deck remains stable despite some flexibility in other areas. The keys have a pleasant tactile feel with a comfortable 1.7mm travel distance.
The laptop includes a 1080p webcam for video calls, delivering a decent performance in controlled settings. However, background noise can be an issue in video feeds. It’s worth noting that the power button, despite its appearance, doesn’t function as a fingerprint reader.
Audio: Clarity Lacking Bass
Equipped with two 2W speakers with Dolby Atmos support, the LG Gram 17 (2023) struggles in delivering exceptional audio quality. While volume isn’t an issue, the clarity and bass performance fall short of expectations.
Battery: Impressive Endurance with Slow Charging
The laptop is equipped with an 80Wh battery and a 65W adapter, offering excellent battery life. In the Pure Battery Analytics benchmark, the LG Gram 17 (2023) lasted 7 hours and 46 minutes on a single charge, even with the brightness and keyboard backlight turned on. Charging, however, is on the slower side, reaching 50% in an hour and fully charging in over two hours.
Software: Standard Windows 11 Home with Added Privacy Features
The LG Gram 17 (2023) runs Windows 11 Home and includes LG Glance, a software suite that enhances security and privacy features. For example, it blurs the display when you step away from the laptop and notifies you if someone is looking over your shoulder. Other features include pausing video playback when you look away and a quick shortcut to disable the webcam and microphone.
Verdict: A Lightweight Workhorse with a Premium Price Tag
The LG Gram 17 (2023) shines with its expansive display, portability, comfortable keyboard, and impressive battery life. However, it has some room for improvement. The alloy body may feel less premium, the large screen tends to wobble, and its pricing, while discounted to Rs 1,42,990, still places it in a competitive market. For a slightly higher investment, alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 offer features like a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
Nonetheless, if your priorities align with portability, a vibrant display, a comfortable keyboard, and exceptional battery life, the LG Gram 17 (2023) remains a reliable choice.