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| LG now sells the Gram 14 with Intel Panther Lake processors. |
It’s been just over a month since LG quietly unveiled the Gram 14 with AMD’s new “Gorgon Point” processors, and if you’ve been holding your breath waiting for a global launch, you might want to sit down. Rather than expanding availability of those AMD-powered units, the company has done something unexpected—it’s doubled down on Intel.
LG has just expanded its Gram 14 lineup in Japan with a fresh set of Intel Panther Lake alternatives, leaving many to wonder what the long-term game plan is for the AMD variants.
A Tale of Two Processors
For those keeping score at home, last year’s Gram 14 models shipped with Intel Arrow Lake-H processors, including the capable Core Ultra 5 225H. That chip has been a solid performer in the ultraportable space, balancing power efficiency with enough muscle for productivity workloads.
But this year, LG is shaking things up—though perhaps not in the way anyone expected.
The new Intel Panther Lake variants feature the Core Ultra 5 325 and Core Ultra 7 355, a pair of 8-core processors that, on paper, deliver remarkably similar performance. Here’s the kicker: while these new chips are more efficient than their Arrow Lake-H predecessor, they actually fall short in most benchmarks.
That’s a notable trade-off. You’re getting better battery life, but at the expense of raw processing power compared to last year’s models.
AMD’s Gorgon Point: What Happened?
LG introduced the Gram 14 with AMD Gorgon Point processors over a month ago, but so far, those models remain confined to limited markets with no clear roadmap for broader release. Instead of pushing forward with AMD expansion, the company has chosen to flesh out its Intel offerings first.
For consumers waiting on the AMD variants, the message is ambiguous at best.
The Hardware: More Similar Than Different
Here’s where things get interesting. Setting aside the processor differences, these new Panther Lake models are nearly identical to their Gorgon Point counterparts:
- Display: Both feature 60 Hz, 1200p IPS panels that peak at just 350 nits of brightness
- Weight: All configurations come in at approximately 1.12 kg
- Battery: Equipped with 72 Wh batteries across the board
- Dimensions: The entire Gram 14 lineup measures 312 x 214 x 15.7 mm
If you were hoping for a significant spec bump or a display upgrade, you’ll have to wait for another generation.
Where the Intel Variants Pull Ahead
The Panther Lake models do bring a couple of notable advantages to the table.
First, they add Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, which the AMD variants lack. For power users who rely on high-speed external storage, multiple 4K displays, or docking stations, this is a meaningful differentiator.
Second, and perhaps more importantly, LG rates the Intel versions for three hours longer battery life than their AMD counterparts. In a 14-inch ultraportable where mobility is the entire point, that extra runtime is nothing to dismiss.
If you’re interested in checking out the current Gram 14 options available in the U.S., you can find them here on Amazon.
Pricing: Not for the Faint of Heart
LG has released pricing for the Japanese market, and it’s… substantial.
- The Core Ultra 5 325 variant starts at JPY 289,801 (approximately $1,809)
- The Core Ultra 7 355 configuration with 32 GB RAM and 512 GB storage climbs to JPY 359,800 (roughly $2,247)
For context, that puts these Panther Lake models at a premium price point that positions them firmly in the high-end ultraportable category. Whether that pricing will hold when—or if—these models reach other markets remains to be seen.
LG has not yet confirmed pricing or availability for regions outside Japan.
The Bottom Line
LG’s current Gram 14 strategy is, to put it mildly, unconventional. The company now has two parallel variants—one with AMD Gorgon Point, one with Intel Panther Lake—that offer nearly identical physical specifications but diverge meaningfully in connectivity and battery performance.
For consumers, the choice comes down to priorities:
- AMD Gorgon Point: Likely better raw performance, but limited availability and shorter battery life
- Intel Panther Lake: Thunderbolt 4, three extra hours of runtime, but higher pricing for now
The bigger question is why LG is holding back on the AMD variants while aggressively pushing Intel alternatives. Supply chain constraints? Regional market preferences? A strategic pivot? Whatever the reason, it’s left the Gram 14 lineup in a fragmented state that benefits no one—least of all consumers trying to make an informed purchase.
As LG continues to roll out these models, we’ll be watching closely to see whether the AMD Gorgon Point versions eventually get a wider release or remain a footnote in the Gram 14’s evolution.
For now, if you’re in the market for a Gram 14, your processor choice may ultimately come down to where you live—and how much you’re willing to pay.
Sources: LG Japan (1), LG Japan (2), LG Japan (3)
