LG's New 16‑Inch Gram Pro Falls Short of Expectations at $3,500

The latest LG Gram Pro 16‑inch laptop, unveiled for the 2026 model year and priced at $3,500, has drawn criticism from reviewers who say the premium cost is not matched by the device's performance or features.

LG markets the Gram line as ultra‑light, high‑end productivity machines, and the Pro iteration was billed as a step up for professionals needing a large screen without sacrificing portability. The new model retains the 16‑inch 3K display and a chassis that weighs under 2.5 pounds, but reviewers note that the hardware specifications—an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD—are comparable to less expensive competitors released earlier in the year.

Industry analysts point out that the laptop market has become increasingly crowded, with rivals offering similar or better specs at lower price points. For example, several ultrabooks from manufacturers such as Dell, HP, and Lenovo now ship with 16‑inch high‑resolution panels, integrated graphics, and comparable battery life for under $2,000. In that context, LG's pricing strategy appears misaligned with consumer expectations for value.

Beyond the price, reviewers highlight a few practical shortcomings. The keyboard travel is shallower than previous Gram models, and the trackpad lacks the precision that power users demand. Battery endurance, a historic strength of the Gram series, falls short of the advertised 15‑hour claim during real‑world testing, lasting closer to 10 hours under typical office workloads.

LG has not released a detailed response to the criticism, but the company’s history of rapid iteration suggests that future revisions could address the highlighted issues. Potential updates might include a higher‑end processor option, improved input devices, and a more competitive pricing tier, especially as the company seeks to retain its niche among mobile professionals.

The Gram Pro's reception underscores a broader trend: premium pricing increasingly hinges on demonstrable advantages in performance, durability, or ecosystem integration. As buyers weigh cost against capability, manufacturers that cannot justify a premium are likely to face pressure to either lower prices or deliver clear, differentiated features in subsequent models.