LG Gram 17 (2021)

LG Gram 17 (2021)

Manufacturer	LG
Release date	January 2021 (2021-01)
Introductory price	USD 1700 to 2000
Discontinued	No
Operating system	Windows 10 Home (Can be upgraded to Windows 11)
CPU	Intel Core i5-1135G7 Intel Core i5-1155G7 Intel Core i7-1165G7
Memory	8 GB or 16 GB LPDDR4X-4266 MHz (onboard)
Memory slots	None
Storage	512 GB or 1 TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD
Storage slots	2 user accessible
Removable storage	MicroSD (UFS/Micro-SD)
Display	Screen size: 17 inch Panel type: IPS Coating: Glossy Resolution: 2560 x 1600 Aspect ratio: 16:10 Brightness: 300 to 382 Nits sRGB: 96 % DCI-P3: 93 % Screen-to-body ratio:
Graphics	Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Sound	2 x 1.5 W stereo speakers
Camera	Front: 720p HD webcam
Touchpad	Large glass touchpad
Connectivity	Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 Bluetooth 5.1 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-A) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 (Type-C, Thunderbolt 4, DP 1.4, PD) 1 x HDMI 2.0 1 x 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack 1 x RJ45 Ethernet (via USB-C port with RJ45 gender)
Dimensions	W: 15 inches (38 cm) D: 10.3 inches (26 cm) H: 0.7 inches (1.8 cm)
Mass	2.98 pounds (1.35 kg)
Power brick	65W USB-C power adapter
Battery	4 cell Li-Polymer 80 Wh
Keyboard	Backlit (soft light blue)
Chassis	Color: Dark Silver Materials: Magnesium Alloy Cooling:
Number pad	Full size
Fingerprint reader	Yes
Facial recognition	No
Special features	MIL-STD 810G durability certification
Website	LG

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The LG Gram 17 (2021) is a lightweight, ultraportable laptop designed for productivity and general use. It features Intel's 11th Gen processors and a 17-inch WQXGA display, making it suitable for users who need a large screen without sacrificing portability. The laptop is known for its impressive battery life, robust build quality, and versatile connectivity options.

Primary Hardware

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Processor

The LG Gram 17 (2021) can be configured with the following processors:

• Intel Core i5-1135G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, base clock of 2.4 GHz, and turbo boost up to 4.2 GHz.
• Intel Core i5-1155G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, base clock of 2.5 GHz, and turbo boost up to 4.5 GHz.
• Intel Core i7-1165G7 with 4 cores and 8 threads, base clock of 2.8 GHz, and turbo boost up to 4.7 GHz.

The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is the most powerful option, providing adequate performance for general productivity tasks such as web browsing, document editing, and video playback. However, it is not suitable for CPU-intensive tasks. The Core i5 variants also perform well for everyday tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.

In synthetic benchmarks, the i7-1165G7 scored in the high 4900s in PCMark 10, indicating strong performance for general computing tasks. In Cinebench R15, it placed second to the Lenovo ThinkBook 14s Yoga in multi-threaded performance but lagged in single-threaded performance. The HandBrake utility test showed it trailing behind the Lenovo ThinkBook and Surface Pro 7+, suggesting it may slow down during CPU-intensive tasks.

The i5-1135G7 and i5-1155G7 are efficient for office applications and general use, providing sufficient power for multitasking. However, they struggle with 3D applications and gaming, making them less suitable for graphics-intensive tasks. The PL1 TDP for medium-duration loads is configured at an average of 25 watts, but the cooling system is unable to maintain this level consistently under longer loads, leading to performance throttling.

Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R15:
  • i5-1135G7: 737 pts (multi-core), 188 pts (single-core)
  • i7-1165G7: 4900 pts (PCMark 10), 2nd place in multi-threaded, below average in single-threaded
• Geekbench 5:
  • i5-1155G7: 1,495 pts (single-thread), 5,207 pts (multi-thread)
  • i7-1165G7: 1,416 pts (single-core), 4,905 pts (multi-core)

Graphics

The LG Gram 17 (2021) is equipped with integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics.

The integrated graphics are suitable for basic tasks and light productivity but not for gaming or heavy graphics work. The LG Gram 17 is not designed for demanding graphical applications. In synthetic benchmarks, the Iris Xe Graphics performed marginally better than some competitors but still trailed behind others, confirming its limitations in graphics performance.

Benchmarks:

• 3DMark TimeSpy 1.2: 1416 pts
• 3DMark Fire Strike: 3043 pts
• 3DMark Night Raid: 15172 pts
• 3DMark Wild Life: 11448 pts

Memory

The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with 8 GB or 16 GB LPDDR4X-4266 MHz RAM, which is soldered onto the motherboard and not user-upgradeable.

The memory configuration supports good performance for multitasking and general use, but the lack of upgradeability may be a drawback for some users. The RAM is sufficient for running office applications smoothly and contributes to the overall performance of the laptop.

Storage

The LG Gram 17 (2021) can be configured with either a 512 GB or 1 TB M.2 2280 NVMe SSD.

The storage capacity allows for ample space for files and applications, and the NVMe interface ensures fast read and write speeds, enhancing overall system responsiveness. The SSD provides good transfer rates and access times, with the option to expand storage via a second M.2 slot.

Benchmarks:

• CrystalDiskMark 5/6:
  • Read Seq: 3563 MB/s
  • Write Seq: 2983 MB/s
• AS SSD:
  • Read Seq: 2540 MB/s
  • Write Seq: 2363 MB/s
• DiskSpd:
  • seq_q8t1_read: 3436 MB/s
  • seq_q8t1_write: 2980 MB/s

Input Devices

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Keyboard

The LG Gram 17 (2021) features a full-sized keyboard with a number pad and backlit keys.

The keyboard is comfortable for typing, featuring a 100%-size layout with a noticeable pressure point. The keys have plenty of travel, sound whisper quiet, and are super bouncy, making typing comfortable and enjoyable. However, it can bend under pressure due to the lightweight construction.

Touchpad

The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with a large glass touchpad.

The touchpad is responsive and tracks movements well, with no issues regarding palm rejection. It supports multi-finger gestures, making navigation smooth and intuitive. However, it can register unintended inputs if the laptop is warped.

Webcam

The LG Gram 17 (2021) is equipped with a 720p HD webcam.

The webcam provides average quality for video calls, with improved performance over its predecessor. However, an external webcam is recommended for better quality.

Microphone

The LG Gram 17 (2021) features an integrated microphone.

The microphone quality is adequate for video calls, but it may not meet the standards for professional audio recording. It sounds clear but may require adjustment for gain levels to avoid picking up background noise.

Output Devices

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Display

The LG Gram 17 (2021) features a 17-inch WQXGA (2560 x 1600) IPS display with a 16:10 aspect ratio.

The display is sharp and provides ample space for multitasking, with a 16:10 aspect ratio that offers more vertical space than standard 16:9 displays. It covers 96% of the sRGB color gamut and 93% of the DCI-P3 color space, making it suitable for media consumption and productivity tasks. However, the glossy finish leads to reflections that can hinder visibility in bright environments. The display has a brightness range of 300 to 382 nits, which can lead to glare in outdoor settings.

Benchmarks:

• Brightness: 323 cd/m² average
• Contrast: 951:1
• Color accuracy: ΔE Color 3.46
• Color Gamut: 99.91% sRGB, 98.33% DCI P3

Audio

The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with two 1.5W stereo speakers.

The speakers produce decent sound quality with balanced mids and highs, but they lack powerful bass. The downward-facing design can affect sound quality based on the surface it is placed on. The sound quality does not degrade at max volume, but the speakers do not get very loud.

Benchmarks:

• Max Volume: 71 dB SPL
• Bass Extension: 261 Hz
• Treble Extension: 19 kHz

Connectivity

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WiFi

The LG Gram 17 (2021) is equipped with an Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX201 module.

The Wi-Fi performance is robust, supporting high-speed internet connectivity and improved range compared to previous Wi-Fi standards. It is suitable for streaming and online gaming.

Benchmarks:

• Average download speed: 1419 MBit/s
• Average upload speed: 1453 MBit/s

Bluetooth

The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with Bluetooth 5.1.

SD Card Reader

The LG Gram 17 (2021) includes a MicroSD card reader.

The card reader allows for easy access to additional storage, making it convenient for photographers and content creators. It achieves good read and write rates, although it lacks a full-sized SD card slot.

Benchmarks:

• Average JPG Copy Test: 80.5 MB/s
• Maximum AS SSD Seq Read Test: 90.1 MB/s

USB

The LG Gram 17 (2021) is equipped with the following USB ports:

• 2 x USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2)
• 2 x USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort 1.4, Power Delivery)

The USB ports are well-placed and offer good connectivity options, including fast data transfer and charging capabilities. The Thunderbolt 4 ports speed up file transfers and allow for rapid power delivery and charging, enhancing productivity.

Display Outputs

The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with the following display outputs:

• 1 x HDMI 2.0
• 2 x DisplayPort (via USB-C)

The HDMI port allows for external display connections, supporting productivity in multi-monitor setups. The USB-C ports also allow for video output to 4K displays at 60Hz.

Case

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The LG Gram 17 (2021) features a magnesium alloy chassis with a dark silver color.

The design is simple and lightweight but lacks stiffness, making it prone to flexing. The laptop weighs just 2.98 pounds and has a military-grade MIL-STD 810G durability certification, reassuring users of its robustness despite its lightweight design. The chassis is compact compared to other 17-inch laptops, and the hinges are sturdy, allowing the display to open up to a 140-degree angle without wobbling.

Maintenance

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The LG Gram 17 (2021) has limited upgradeability. The bottom panel is difficult to access due to glued-on covers, requiring careful handling to avoid damage. The working memory and WLAN module are soldered in, restricting upgrades to storage and battery replacement.

Cooling System

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The LG Gram 17 (2021) features a cooling system that struggles under prolonged loads, leading to performance throttling. The laptop does not get excessively hot, but the cooling efficiency could be improved.

Heat

The laptop remains cool to the touch during light tasks but can get hot during intensive workloads. The maximum surface temperatures reach around 44 °C (111 °F) during heavy use.

Benchmarks:

• Keyboard Temp While Idle: 32 °C (89 °F)
• Keyboard Temp Under Load: 55 °C (130 °F)

Noise

The LG Gram 17 (2021) operates quietly, even under load, making it suitable for quiet environments. The fans are noticeable under load but not annoying, primarily producing the sound of heavy airflow rather than a high-pitch whine.

Benchmarks:

• Idle: 25 dB(A)
• Load: 27.7 / 30.5 dB(A)

Energy Management

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Power Consumption

The LG Gram 17 (2021) uses a 65W USB-C power adapter.

The power consumption is typical for the hardware, with efficient performance under various loads. The laptop is power-efficient, with a long battery life that allows for extended use without needing to recharge.

Benchmarks:

• Off / Standby: 0.5 / 0.6 Watt
• Idle: 4.9 / 10.8 / 14 Watt
• Load: 26.4 / 42 Watt

Battery Life

The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with an 80 Wh Lithium-Ion battery.

The battery life is outstanding for light productivity tasks, allowing users to work for extended periods without needing to plug in. The Gram 17topped the chart in battery tests, running for just over 13 hours, effectively eliminating the major buyer turnoff for larger laptops—lack of battery life.

Benchmarks:

• Idle: 33h 34min
• WiFi Websurfing: 12h 43min
• Load: 2h 35min
• Web Browsing: 13.0 hrs
• Video Playback: 9.4 hrs
• Charge Time: 2.7 hrs

Biometrics

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The LG Gram 17 (2021) includes a fingerprint sensor built into the power button.

The fingerprint sensor allows for quick logins and secure access, enhancing the overall user experience.

Software

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All SKUs ship with Windows 10 Home, but the laptop can be upgraded to Windows 11.

Preinstalled Software

The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with several preinstalled software applications, including:

• Cyberlink Director Suite, which includes video editing and media management tools.
• Amazon Alexa for voice commands and smart home integration.
• DTS:X Ultra for sound customization.
• LG Control Center for system settings.
• LG PowerManager for battery management.
• McAfee Live Service for antivirus protection.
• Thunderbolt Control Center for device compatibility verification.

Linux Support

The laptop has potential for Linux installation, but specific compatibility may vary based on the distribution.

Accessories & Warranty

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The LG Gram 17 (2021) comes with a 65W USB-C power adapter and paperwork.

There is a one-year limited manufacturer warranty if purchased in the US.

Reviews Summary

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Overall Sentiment

The LG Gram 17 (2021) is highly regarded for its lightweight design, impressive battery life, and large, high-resolution display. It is considered an excellent choice for productivity and general use, especially for users who need a portable laptop with a large screen. However, it is not suitable for demanding tasks such as gaming or heavy graphics work due to its integrated graphics and limited cooling capabilities.

Problems Summary

• Flexible case prone to bending under pressure.
• Glossy display finish leads to reflections in bright environments.
• Limited upgradeability with soldered RAM and WLAN module.
• Integrated graphics not suitable for demanding tasks.
• Cooling system struggles under prolonged loads, leading to performance throttling.
• Speakers lack powerful bass and do not get very loud.
• HDMI port limited to HDMI 1.4, restricting maximum resolution and refresh rate for some displays.

Links

i7-1165G7, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD: PCWorld

i5-1135G7, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: NoteBookCheck

i5-1155G7, 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD: RTINGS