The 2026 laptop market is off to a strong start with LG's boldest move yet: equipping its flagship gram Pro lineup with an AMD processor for the first time. Traditionally, the gram series was synonymous with Intel, but the new 'Aeromium' alloy chassis and the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450 APU signal a shift towards better performance-per-watt and value. This review breaks down the key specs, real-world performance, and whether this ultra-light machine lives up to the hype.
Build & Design: The New 'Aeromium' Alloy
The most significant physical change is the material. LG replaced the previous magnesium alloy top lid with a new 'Aeromium' material, a blend of aluminum's rigidity and magnesium's lightness. The result is a chassis that feels significantly more premium and solid, addressing a common complaint about the 'plasticky' feel of previous models. The hinge stiffness has also improved, reducing screen wobble.
Display & Ports
The 16-inch model features a WQXGA (2560x1600) IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, a notable upgrade for productivity and smooth scrolling. The port selection remains generous: two USB-C, two USB-A, HDMI, and a headphone jack, all in a chassis that weighs just 1.19kg (2.62 lbs). For a deeper dive into the best ultra-portable laptops of 2025, check out the Tech Teams Top 5 Gadget Picks of 2025.
Performance Benchmarks & Gaming
The unit tested features the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450 processor. While direct CPU benchmarks show mixed results compared to the previous Intel Core Ultra 7 (e.g., -1.5% in Geekbench 6 Multi, but +11.6% in Cinebench R23 Multi), real-world performance tells a different story.
Gaming Frame Rate Comparison (WQXGA Resolution)
| Game | Settings | Avg FPS (AMD) | Avg FPS (Prev. Gen) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| League of Legends | Very High | 150.9 | 155.2 | -2.8% |
| Lost Ark | High | 50.0 | 34.7 | +44.1% |
| PUBG | Ultra | 48.0 | 41.4 | +15.9% |
Interestingly, despite lower raw GPU benchmark scores (e.g., -22% in 3DMark Time Spy), the AMD gram Pro showed superior frame rates in demanding online games like Lost Ark and PUBG. This suggests better thermal management and sustained performance under load. The chipset peaked at 93ยฐC, which is 13ยฐC cooler than the previous Intel generation, allowing for higher sustained clocks.
Battery Life
This is where the AMD variant truly shines. In a 4K YouTube streaming test, the AMD gram Pro lasted 11 hours, which is 18% longer than the previous Intel model. This aligns with the processor's focus on efficiency over raw graphical power.
Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
The 2026 LG gram Pro AMD is not a gaming laptop, but it is an exceptional productivity machine. It offers class-leading portability (1.19kg), a premium build, excellent battery life, and surprisingly competent performance for light gaming. If you prioritize all-day battery life and a lightweight design for work or study, this is a top contender. If you need maximum GPU power for video editing or AAA gaming, the upcoming Intel version might be a better fit.
๐ Information as of: January 2026
