[Mania] AI-Equipped 'LG Gram Pro'... Combining Portability and Performance

'LG Gram Pro' Review

Lightweight Continuing the Gram Lineage
Thinner Thickness

Equipped with Intel Core Ultra CPU
AI Completes Input in 10 Seconds

'LG Gram Link' Excellent Connectivity
Connects Regardless of iOS or Android

The greatest strength of a laptop is undoubtedly its portability. However, there is a challenge in enhancing performance while increasing portability. Capturing both advantages is considered the biggest task for laptop manufacturers.

LG Electronics has recently addressed this challenge to some extent. They added a new premium line to the existing 'LG Gram' lineup. The star of this addition is the 'LG Gram Pro.' It inherits the characteristics of the LG Gram, which has maintained popularity for nearly a decade, while introducing new differentiators worthy of the 'Pro' name.

To experience the product firsthand, I visited LG Electronics' experience space 'Ground220' in Yangpyeong-dong, Seoul, on the 30th of last month.

'LG Gram Pro 360' and 'LG Gram Pro'.
Photo by Han Yeju

First, I looked at the weight, which can be considered the identity of the Gram series. The newly released LG Gram Pro continues the Gram lineage, boasting a light weight of 1.3 kg for the 17-inch model. The 16-inch model weighs 1.1 kg. Considering the large size, this is incredibly light.

The thickness is also slim, measuring less than 13 mm. It even seemed thinner than its predecessor. While maintaining slimness, it offers various ports, which is an advantage. Recently, USB ports have decreased, requiring the purchase of a separate multi-hub, but the LG Gram Pro supports a total of five ports: two USB ports, two C ports, and one HDMI port.

The refresh rate has also changed notably. While previous models had some with up to 144Hz and some without, now all LCDs support a maximum refresh rate of 144Hz.

The new CPU is the first among Intel chips to feature the Intel® AI Boost, a semiconductor neural processing unit (NPU) specialized for artificial intelligence computations, enabling AI processing without network connectivity. When the reporter input the phrase "silent moody galaxy," an image of the universe appeared in less than 10 seconds.
[Photo by Han Yeju]

The most significant change is the adoption of the next-generation processor 'Intel Core Ultra CPU,' the first Intel chip specialized for artificial intelligence (AI) computation. It is evaluated as having the best performance among all Gram series to date.

LG Gram has been criticized for struggling to satisfy consumers seeking higher performance or graphics due to its lightweight image. However, this new product allows users to experience graphics performance that was previously hard to expect with integrated graphics, without making the device bigger, thicker, or heavier.

LG Electronics' experience space 'Ground220' located in Yangpyeong-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The LG Gram Pro was located in the popup zone, a space where you can try LG Electronics' new products.
[Photo by Han Yeju]

The new CPU includes Intel AI Boost, a semiconductor neural processing unit (NPU) specialized for AI computation, the first among Intel chips, enabling AI computations without network connection. On-site, visitors could create desired images using an AI image generation program. When the reporter input the phrase 'silent moody galaxy,' an image of the universe appeared in less than 10 seconds.

At Ground220, there was also an event where visitors could create T-shirts for free using AI-generated images. This event, held daily for the first 10 people in the morning and 10 in the afternoon, was very popular. A staff member explained, "The slots fill up quickly every day," adding, "Customers who miss the slots often purchase T-shirts to make them themselves, showing great interest."

Concerns about heat generation due to increased performance were also dispelled. The LG Gram Pro is equipped with a mega dual cooling fan, improving this issue compared to previous models. The cooling fan blades total 178, boasting up to 36% more airflow than before.

Mirrored the iPhone screen through 'LG Gram Link'.
Photo by Han Yeju

Personally, the most impressive feature was 'LG Gram Link.' It is an app designed to enable mobile operating system (OS) and near-field communication connectivity for consumers who value connectivity. Most notably, it showed excellent compatibility with the iPhone. After downloading the LG Gram Link app on the iPhone and running it near the laptop, automatic search and recognition were possible.

Photos taken on the phone could be sent immediately, and documents or photos worked on the laptop could be easily transferred to the phone. When mobile mirroring was performed, the screen mirrored in real-time smoothly. It was possible to connect not only smartphones but also PCs and tablets, and screen sharing with tablets was supported. Keyboard and mouse sharing was also available, making it convenient. The seamless connection regardless of manufacturer, whether iOS or Android, was an attractive feature.

An eraser button has been added, and the new stylus pen has been changed to a rechargeable type.
Photo by Han Yeju

The stylus pen that can be used with the 'LG Gram Pro 360' was also upgraded. The button that previously functioned as the right-click on a mouse remains in the same position at the front, but an eraser button was added at the back. The pen switched from a battery-powered design to a rechargeable one, enhancing convenience. It automatically charges when attached to the magnetic connector on the right side of the keyboard.

The battery capacity also increased to 90,020 mAh. When fully charged, it could be used for 9 hours in 'maximum performance' mode and 12 to 13 hours in 'balanced' mode.

However, the high price compared to similar models from other companies may be a burden. The price of the LG Gram Pro ranges from 2,540,000 KRW to 3,340,000 KRW, and the LG Gram Pro 360 ranges from 2,740,000 KRW to 3,190,000 KRW.