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| The Gram 16 2026 starts at around $1,130 in China. Pictured: a promo picture showing the thin and light design of the laptop. |
The latest iteration of LG's flagship lightweight laptop brings significant performance upgrades while maintaining its legendary portability
LG has quietly unveiled the 2026 edition of its popular Gram 16 laptop, and while the company isn't making a huge fuss about it, this refresh brings some noteworthy improvements that tech enthusiasts and mobile professionals will appreciate. The new model swaps out the previous Arrow Lake processors for Intel's newer Lunar Lake lineup, marking a significant step forward in performance efficiency.
Lunar Lake Processors Bring Pro-Level Performance
The LG Gram 16 2026 arrives with two processor options: the Core Ultra 5 226V and the Core Ultra 7 258V. The entry-level Core Ultra 5 226V comes equipped with Intel's Arc 130V graphics, while the more capable Core Ultra 7 258V features the slightly more powerful Arc 140V GPU.
These new CPU options bring the refreshed laptop remarkably close to the Gram Pro 2025 in terms of raw performance. This means users can expect snappy responsiveness for demanding workloads, from video editing to data processing, without sacrificing the ultra-portable form factor that makes the Gram series so appealing.
Display: IPS Excellence Without OLED Premium
Unlike the OLED-toting Gram Pro, the non-Pro Gram 2026 sticks with a 16-inch IPS panel featuring a crisp 2560x1600 resolution and a modern 16:10 aspect ratio. While it may not match the deep blacks and vibrant colors of an OLED display, the IPS panel delivers impressive 99% DCI-P3 color coverage, making it more than capable for professional creative work and content consumption.
The screen's 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical real estate compared to traditional 16:9 displays, which can make a significant difference when scrolling through documents or editing photos.
Ultra-Portable Design That Defies Expectations
True to the Gram name, this laptop is remarkably lightweight at just 1.239kg (approximately 2.73 pounds). Combined with its slim 15.7mm profile, the Gram 16 2026 is the perfect companion for professionals who need serious computing power without the burden of a heavy laptop.
Battery Life That Lasts and Lasts
Perhaps the most impressive specification is the battery life. LG claims the 77Wh battery can deliver up to 23.5 hours of runtime on a single charge. While real-world usage typically falls short of manufacturer claims, this figure suggests exceptional endurance that could easily get you through multiple workdays without reaching for a charger.
Connectivity and Ports
Despite its thin profile, the Gram 16 2026 offers a versatile port selection:
- 2x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
- 2x USB4
- 1x 3.5mm audio jack
- 1x HDMI
There appears to be a microSD card slot as well, though LG didn't prominently feature it in promotional materials. For users who need additional storage, consider the 512GB Samsung T7 external SSD currently available on Amazon for enhanced file management and backup capabilities.
Additional Features
LG has equipped the Gram 16 2026 with a Dolby Atmos speaker setup, delivering immersive audio for entertainment and video conferencing. The sleek design language continues LG's tradition of producing visually appealing laptops, while the LG gram Link feature enables seamless connectivity with other LG devices.
Pricing and Availability
The LG Gram 16 2026 has debuted in China with competitive pricing:
- Core Ultra 5 226V, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD: CNY 7,649 (approximately $1,130)
- Core Ultra 7 258V, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD: CNY 9,499 (approximately $1,402)
While global availability hasn't been confirmed yet, LG has already listed the laptop on its official website. Tech enthusiasts can check the official product page for the latest information.
For those interested in pre-ordering or learning more about the specifications, the official LG product page provides detailed information about this exciting new release.
Final Thoughts
The LG Gram 16 2026 represents a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor, bringing Lunar Lake processors and impressive battery life to an already beloved ultra-portable lineup. While the display quality might not match OLED alternatives, the excellent color coverage and lightweight design make this a compelling option for professionals who prioritize mobility without compromising on performance.
The question remains whether LG will bring this model to global markets. Given the positive reception of previous Gram laptops and the notable improvements in this generation, it's likely we'll see international availability in the coming months. For now, tech enthusiasts can track the JD.com listing for availability and pricing updates in the Chinese market.
Pros:
- Exceptional lightweight design
- Powerful Lunar Lake processors
- Impressive 23.5-hour battery claim
- Comprehensive port selection
- High-resolution IPS display with excellent color coverage
Cons:
- IPS panel lacks OLED's contrast capabilities
- Limited availability outside China
- No OLED option for non-Pro variant
Whether you're a digital nomad, business professional, or student, the LG Gram 16 2026 proves that you don't have to choose between portability and performance. With its combination of cutting-edge Lunar Lake processors, extended battery life, and featherlight construction, this laptop sets a new standard for what ultra-portables can achieve.
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| Ports of the 2026 Gram 16 |
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| Slim and light design of the laptop |
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| Core display specs of the Gram 16 2026 |
