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LG Gram 16Z90Q Laptop Review: Lightweight Powerhouse

lightweight laptop performance review

The LG Gram 16Z90Q redefines portability without compromising performance, boasting a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and a 16-inch IPS display with exceptional color accuracy. Its featherlight 2.64-pound design makes it a standout for professionals seeking mobility, while the 80Wh battery guarantees extended productivity. However, its soldered RAM and limited storage raise questions about long-term adaptability. Is this ultraportable laptop the ultimate solution for on-the-go professionals, or do its trade-offs warrant a closer look? The answer lies in understanding how its features align with real-world demands.

Key Takeaways

  • Ultra-lightweight at 2.64 lbs with a durable metallic alloy build, ideal for portability and travel.
  • Features a 16-inch non-reflective IPS display with 2560 x 1600 resolution and 99% DCI-P3 color accuracy.
  • Powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and 256GB PCIe4 SSD for efficient multitasking.
  • Equipped with an 80Wh battery for extended usage and Thunderbolt 4 for versatile connectivity.
  • Includes Windows Hello facial recognition, AI-enhanced webcam, and MIL-STD 810H durability for enhanced security and reliability.

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The LG Gram 16Z90Q laptop, powered by the Intel Evo Platform and a 12th Gen Intel Quad Core i7 processor, delivers robust performance for productivity tasks, browsing, and light gaming. Its 80Wh battery guarantees extended usage, supported by advanced battery optimization techniques that balance power consumption and performance. The laptop's thermal management system is efficient, utilizing a bottom vent and a quiet, adjustable-speed fan to maintain ideal temperatures during prolonged use. This design prevents overheating while guaranteeing consistent performance, even under moderate workloads. The lightweight chassis, combined with these engineering choices, enhances portability without compromising durability. While the thermal solution is effective for everyday tasks, it may struggle with sustained high-intensity workloads, a limitation inherent to its ultraportable design. The Intel Arc A370M Graphics found in comparable models like the Dell XPS 15 9530 highlights the importance of dedicated GPUs for enhanced visual performance in gaming and creative tasks. Overall, the LG Gram 16Z90Q excels in balancing power efficiency and thermal control.

Features and Benefits

The LG Gram 16Z90Q leverages the Intel Evo Platform, delivering robust performance with its 12th Gen Core i7 processor for seamless multitasking. Enhanced security features include Presence Detection, which locks the screen when the user steps away, and Smart Display, which blurs the screen for privacy. Additionally, Windows Hello facial recognition guarantees quick and secure login, complemented by AI-driven noise filtering for clear communication during video calls. The laptop also features four strategically placed speakers for an immersive audio experience, ideal for multimedia tasks and video conferencing.

Intel Evo Platform Performance

Powered by the 12th Gen Intel Quad Core i7 Processor, the LG Gram 16Z90Q leverages the Intel Evo Platform to deliver exceptional performance and responsiveness. The platform guarantees seamless multitasking, with the 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 256GB PCIe4 NVMe SSD enabling rapid data access and smooth application performance. Intel Evo's focus on battery efficiency secures extended usage, with the 80Wh battery supporting productivity tasks for hours. Thermal management is optimized through a vented design and quiet fan system, maintaining performance without overheating. Thunderbolt 4 connectivity enhances data transfer speeds and external display support, while Intel Iris Xe Graphics handles light gaming and creative workloads. The integration of the Intel Evo Platform assures a balance of power, efficiency, and reliability, making the LG Gram 16Z90Q a versatile choice for professionals and casual users alike.

Presence Detection Locks Screen

When the user steps away from the LG Gram 16Z90Q, its Presence Detection feature automatically locks the screen, enhancing security and privacy. This functionality leverages the laptop's IR webcam to detect the user's presence, guaranteeing the device remains secure when unattended. By locking the screen in real-time, it mitigates unauthorized access, providing robust privacy protection. The feature also enhances user convenience by eliminating the need for manual screen locking, streamlining workflows in dynamic environments. Its seamless integration with Windows 11 confirms compatibility with existing security protocols, such as Windows Hello facial recognition. This intelligent system balances privacy protection with operational efficiency, making it ideal for professionals and multitaskers who prioritize both security and ease of use.

Smart Display Blurs Screen

To guarantee privacy during sensitive tasks, the LG Gram 16Z90Q incorporates a Smart Display feature that automatically blurs the screen when the user steps away. This advanced privacy protection mechanism secures screen security by obscuring content from prying eyes, making it ideal for public or shared workspaces. The feature leverages the laptop's IR webcam and presence detection technology to monitor user activity, seamlessly activating when the user is no longer in view. This functionality is particularly beneficial for professionals handling confidential data, as it minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. The Smart Display's responsiveness and reliability enhance user trust, guaranteeing that sensitive information remains protected without requiring manual intervention. This integration of privacy-focused technology underscores LG's commitment to secure and user-centric design.

Windows Hello Facial Recognition

Building on its privacy-focused features, the LG Gram 16Z90Q integrates Windows Hello facial recognition, offering a seamless and secure login experience. Leveraging the Full HD IR webcam, this biometric login system guarantees quick and accurate authentication through advanced facial security. Windows Hello eliminates the need for passwords, reducing vulnerabilities to phishing or brute-force attacks. The system works efficiently in various lighting conditions, thanks to infrared imaging, and pairs seamlessly with the laptop's AI-enhanced features. This integration enhances user convenience while maintaining robust security, making it ideal for professionals prioritizing both productivity and data protection. By combining cutting-edge facial recognition with the Intel Evo platform, the LG Gram 16Z90Q delivers a modern, secure computing experience.

Product Quality

The LG Gram 16Z90Q exemplifies high product quality through its ultra-lightweight metallic alloy body, which combines durability with a sleek, professional aesthetic. The build quality is reinforced by a robust design that minimizes flex at the palms and hinge, ensuring structural integrity during daily use. Material durability is further highlighted by the laptop's resistance to wear and tear, maintaining its premium finish over time. The antiglare screen and quiet fan operation contribute to a refined user experience, while the keyboard's reactive keys and integrated number pad enhance functionality. Despite its lightweight construction, the device avoids coil whine and maintains stability, underscoring its meticulous engineering. This combination of build quality and material durability positions the LG Gram 16Z90Q as a reliable and long-lasting device for demanding users. Additionally, the laptop's MIL-STD 810H durability testing ensures it can withstand rigorous travel and environmental conditions, making it a dependable choice for professionals on the go.

What It's Used For

The LG Gram 16Z90Q is designed for productivity and multitasking, leveraging its 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB RAM to handle demanding workflows efficiently. Its high-resolution, color-accurate display makes it ideal for media consumption and streaming, while Intel Iris Xe Graphics supports light gaming and creative tasks such as photo editing. However, its 256GB SSD and soldered RAM may limit its suitability for more storage-intensive or upgrade-heavy applications. The laptop's rigorous endurance testing ensures it can withstand prolonged usage, making it a reliable choice for professionals.

Productivity and Multitasking

Designed to handle demanding workloads, the LG Gram 16Z90Q excels in productivity and multitasking scenarios, thanks to its 12th Gen Intel Quad Core i7 processor and 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM. The combination of high-speed memory and a powerful CPU guarantees efficient workflows, enabling users to run multiple applications simultaneously without performance bottlenecks. Whether managing spreadsheets, editing documents, or handling complex software, the laptop delivers consistent responsiveness. Its Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports further enhance connectivity, allowing seamless multitasking across peripherals and external displays. The lightweight design and long battery life make it ideal for professionals on the go, while the anti-glare display reduces eye strain during extended use. Overall, the LG Gram 16Z90Q is a reliable tool for productivity-focused tasks, balancing performance and portability effectively.

Media Consumption and Streaming

With its 16-inch non-reflective IPS display and DCI-P3 99% color gamut, the LG Gram 16Z90Q offers an immersive visual experience for media consumption and streaming. The 2560 x 1600 resolution guarantees exceptional display clarity, delivering sharp details and vibrant colors for movies, shows, and online content. The anti-glare coating minimizes reflections, enhancing visibility in various lighting conditions. Complementing the visuals, the laptop's audio quality, powered by AI sound technology, provides clear and balanced sound, though external speakers or headphones may be preferred for a more robust audio experience. The lightweight design and long battery life make it ideal for extended viewing sessions, whether at home or on the go. Overall, the LG Gram excels as a portable entertainment hub for streaming enthusiasts.

Light Gaming and Creative Work

While not designed as a dedicated gaming or creative workstation, the LG Gram 16Z90Q handles light gaming and creative tasks with reasonable efficiency, thanks to its Intel Iris Xe Graphics and 12th Gen Core i7 processor. For gaming performance, it manages less demanding titles like indie games or older AAA titles at medium settings, though modern, graphics-intensive games may struggle. In creative applications, the laptop excels in tasks like photo editing, light video editing, and graphic design, supported by its 16GB LPDDR5 RAM and 99% DCI-P3 color-accurate display. However, its 256GB SSD and integrated GPU limit its capability for heavy workloads or high-end gaming. For casual users or professionals with moderate demands, it strikes a balance between portability and functionality.

Product Specifications

The LG Gram 16Z90Q laptop, featuring a 16-inch non-reflective IPS display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels and DCI-P3 99% (Typ.) color gamut, is powered by an Intel Evo 12th Gen Core i7 processor paired with 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM running at 5200 MHz. It includes a 256GB PCIe4 M.2 NVMe SSD for storage and Intel Iris Xe Graphics for seamless visuals. The device boasts an 80Wh battery capacity, ensuring extended usage without frequent recharging. Connectivity options include Thunderbolt 4, USB 3.0, and USB-C ports, alongside a Full HD IR webcam with AI sound technology. The lightweight design, weighing just 2.64 pounds, complements its robust performance. The Intel Evo platform ensures smooth multitasking and performance, making it ideal for demanding tasks.

FeatureSpecificationDetails
Display Resolution2560 x 1600 pixelsNon-reflective IPS
Battery Capacity80WhLong-lasting performance
RAM16GB LPDDR5 (5200 MHz)High-speed memory

Who Needs This

The LG Gram 16Z90Q is tailored for professionals and students seeking a lightweight, high-performance laptop for productivity and portability. Business professionals will appreciate its Intel Evo 12th Gen Core i7 processor, 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, enabling seamless multitasking and fast data transfers. Frequent travelers benefit from its 2.64-pound weight and long-lasting 80Wh battery, making it ideal for on-the-go use. The 16-inch non-reflective IPS display with DCI-P3 99% color gamut guarantees accurate visuals for presentations or creative work. Its compact design, Windows Hello facial recognition, and AI-enhanced webcam enhance security and convenience for remote work. While its 256GB SSD may limit storage-heavy users, its lightweight build and robust performance make it a practical choice for those prioritizing mobility and efficiency. The ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, making it suitable for long work or study sessions.

Pros

With its ultra-lightweight design and robust performance, the LG Gram 16Z90Q excels in portability and efficiency, making it a standout choice for professionals and students alike. The laptop's exceptional battery longevity guarantees extended productivity without frequent recharging, while its versatile port selection, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C, enhances connectivity for modern peripherals. The 16-inch non-reflective IPS display with DCI-P3 99% color gamut delivers vibrant visuals, ideal for creative work and multimedia consumption. The Thunderbolt 4 port offers data transfer rates of up to 40Gbps, ensuring quick file transfers and seamless integration with high-resolution displays.

  • Lightweight Build: At just 2.64 pounds, it's one of the lightest 16-inch laptops available.
  • Battery Longevity: The 80Wh battery supports all-day usage on a single charge.
  • Comprehensive Port Selection: Includes Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, and USB 3.0 for seamless connectivity.

These features make the LG Gram 16Z90Q a reliable and efficient tool for demanding workflows.

Cons

Despite its impressive strengths, the LG Gram 16Z90Q has notable drawbacks that may impact user satisfaction. The laptop's limited storage capacity, with only a 256GB SSD, may prove insufficient for users requiring extensive file storage or demanding applications. Additionally, the soldered RAM restricts upgradeability, limiting future-proofing options for users who may need more memory. These design choices could hinder long-term usability for power users or professionals with evolving needs. Furthermore, the lack of dedicated graphics may limit performance for tasks like gaming or graphic design, despite the laptop's energy-efficient integrated graphics.

  • Limited storage: 256GB SSD may not suffice for heavy workloads or large media libraries.
  • Soldered RAM: Non-upgradeable 16GB LPDDR5 RAM limits future flexibility.
  • Upgrade constraints: Lack of expandability options for storage and memory.

These limitations, while not deal-breakers for casual users, could deter those seeking a more customizable or future-ready device.

What Customers Are Saying

While the LG Gram 16Z90Q has garnered praise for its lightweight design and long battery life, customer reviews highlight a mix of satisfaction and frustration. User feedback frequently commends the laptop's portability, vibrant 16-inch display, and efficient performance for productivity tasks. However, customer opinions also reveal recurring concerns, such as the limited 256GB SSD storage and non-upgradable soldered RAM, which hinder long-term usability. Some users report occasional app crashes, high CPU usage, and screen wobble, impacting the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, many appreciate the laptop's sleek build, responsive keyboard, and advanced features like Windows Hello and AI noise filtering. The 3.9-star rating reflects a balance between its strengths and limitations, with users weighing its lightweight power against its upgrade constraints and occasional performance hiccups. A new sentence with anti-glare technology and the rest of the sentence.

Overall Value

The LG Gram 16Z90Q offers a compelling blend of portability and performance, making it a strong contender in the ultra-lightweight laptop category. Its 2.64-pound weight and 80Wh battery deliver exceptional battery longevity, ensuring extended productivity without frequent recharging. The portability advantage is further enhanced by its slim profile and durable metallic alloy build, ideal for professionals on the go. While the 256GB SSD and soldered RAM limit upgradeability, the 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM provide robust performance for everyday tasks. The 16-inch non-reflective IPS display with DCI-P3 99% color gamut enhances visual clarity, though storage constraints may deter power users. The long-lasting battery life is comparable to the MacBook Air's 12-hour web browsing capability, making it a reliable choice for users prioritizing mobility. Overall, the LG Gram 16Z90Q excels in balancing lightweight design and reliable functionality, offering solid value for its target audience.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

To maximize the performance and longevity of the LG Gram 16Z90Q, users should leverage its built-in software tools and optimize system settings. For battery optimization, enable power-saving modes in Windows 11 and adjust brightness levels to extend runtime. Utilize LG's Smart Assistant to monitor and manage background processes, reducing unnecessary power drain. For thermal management, make sure the laptop is placed on a flat, hard surface to maintain airflow through the bottom vent. Use LG's fan control software to balance cooling efficiency with noise levels, especially during intensive tasks. Regularly update drivers and firmware to maintain system stability and performance. Avoid blocking the vent and clean it periodically to prevent dust buildup, guaranteeing consistent thermal performance and preventing overheating.

Conclusion

Building on the optimization strategies for the LG Gram 16Z90Q, it is evident that this laptop excels in balancing portability, performance, and usability. Its 80Wh battery guarantees exceptional battery longevity, supporting extended productivity sessions without frequent recharging. The 2.64-pound weight and compact dimensions underscore its portability advantages, making it an ideal choice for professionals on the go. The 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB LPDDR5 RAM deliver robust performance for multitasking and demanding applications, while the 16-inch non-reflective IPS display enhances visual clarity. Despite minor drawbacks like limited storage and soldered RAM, the LG Gram 16Z90Q remains a standout option for users prioritizing lightweight design, long battery life, and reliable performance in a premium, travel-friendly package.

Author

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