 |
| The Gram Pro 16 is LG's only laptop with an Aerominum composite body. |
When LG teased its next-generation Gram lineup back in January, the tech world took notice. The promise was simple yet ambitious: take the legendary lightweight formula of the Gram series and push it even further with a new material science breakthrough. Now, after months of anticipation, LG has officially pulled the curtain back. The new LG Gram Pro 16 has landed—though for now, you will have to look to the East to get your hands on one.
As of this week, the highly anticipated 16-inch ultraportable has begun appearing on LG’s official storefronts in Japan and China. While the company initially stated that a global rollout would follow the January tease, this regional release gives us our first concrete look at the specs, pricing, and—most importantly—just how light LG has managed to make a 16-inch powerhouse.
The Aerominum Difference: Unrivaled Portability
If you are familiar with the LG Gram series, you already know that “lightweight” is the name of the game. However, the Gram Pro 16 is in a league of its own. It is the only model in the current trio (which includes the smaller Gram 14 and the larger Gram Pro 17) to feature LG’s new proprietary material: Aerominum composite.
LG remains tight-lipped about the exact chemical makeup of this new alloy, but the results speak for themselves. Thanks to Aerominum, the Gram Pro 16 tips the scales at a ridiculous 1,199 grams (roughly 2.64 lbs). To put that into perspective, you are getting a massive 16-inch screen in a chassis that weighs less than most 13-inch office laptops.
It isn’t just about the weight, either. The engineering here is meticulous. The new Gram Pro 16 measures just 12.4 mm thick. That makes it incredibly sleek, though it is worth noting that it is about 0.9 mm thicker than the current king of thin-and-light, the Apple MacBook Air 15. Still, when you consider the screen real estate difference, the Gram Pro 16 makes a compelling case for itself as the ultimate road warrior device.
Two Distinct Display Personalities
One of the most interesting aspects of this launch is the segmentation regarding the display. LG is offering two distinct visual experiences depending on which processor you choose.
All SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) ship with a healthy 77 Wh battery and the modern, tall 16:10 aspect ratio. However, the display technology splits the lineup:
- The OLED Flagship: If you opt for the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H variant, you are treated to a stunning 2.8K OLED display. LG claims this panel hits a peak brightness of 500 nits and features a 30-120 Hz Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) . This is the configuration for content creators and media enthusiasts who demand inky blacks and fluid motion.
- The IPS Standard: For the other processor options, LG utilizes IPS panels. While still solid for productivity, these displays are capped at a 2.5K resolution with a fixed 60 Hz refresh rate and a lower peak brightness of 350 nits.
Pricing and Processor Options: East Meets West
As is often the case with regional launches, the processor availability differs slightly between Japan and China. Currently, LG offers the Core Ultra 7 355 and Core Ultra X7 358H variants in both countries. However, Japan is getting an exclusive option for the AMD fans out there.
For those looking to snag a unit or simply compare the pricing structure, here is how the SKUs break down:
Japan Pricing (via LG Japan)
- AMD Ryzen AI 5 435 / 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD / IPS Display: JPY 299,800 (~$1,875)
- Intel Core Ultra 7 355 / 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD / IPS Display: JPY 389,800 (~$2,439)
- Intel Core Ultra 7 355 / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD / IPS Display: JPY 369,800 (~$2,315)
- Intel Core Ultra X7 358H / 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD / OLED Display: JPY 274,800 (MSRP JPY 349,800) (~$1,719)
China Pricing (via LG China)
- Intel Core Ultra 7 355 / 32GB RAM / 1TB SSD / IPS Display: CNY 13,199 (~$1,909)
- Intel Core Ultra X7 358H / 32GB RAM / 512GB SSD / OLED Display: CNY 14,499 (~$2,098)
Note: The pricing in Japan for the OLED model reflects a current discount, making it an aggressive option for early adopters.
What About the Global Market?
For those in the US, Europe, or other regions, the wait continues. LG has historically used these Asian launches as a soft opening before a wider global release. If the Gram Pro 16 performs well in these initial markets—which it likely will given the "Aerominum" hype—expect a global announcement in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, if you are in the market for an ultraportable powerhouse but need something immediately, it is worth checking out the current market leader in thin-and-light laptops.
If you need a benchmark for comparison, the Apple MacBook Air 15 remains the gold standard for fanless efficiency. You can check current pricing and availability on Amazon here.
Final Thoughts
The LG Gram Pro 16 represents a fascinating evolution for the brand. By introducing Aerominum, LG has managed to further widen the gap between its devices and the competition in terms of weight-to-performance ratio.
With a suite of powerful Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen AI 5 processors, a massive 77Wh battery, and a chassis that defies the laws of physics for a 16-inch device, the Gram Pro 16 is shaping up to be one of the most impressive productivity laptops of the year. We will be keeping a close eye on LG’s press room for confirmation of the US and European launch dates.
Sources:- LG Japan (16Z90U-GU85J)
- LG Japan (16Z90U-GU88J)
- LG Japan (16Z90U-KUB5J)
- LG Japan (16Z95U-GS55J)
- LG China (16Z90U-KALB9C)
- LG China (16Z90U-KALB8C)
- LG China (16Z90U-KALB7C)
