Two years on, the LG Gram 17 still proves why a lightweight 17-inch laptop can be a reliable daily companion. Despite early concerns about chassis flex, real-world durability has been impressive. After heavy use, the only visible signs of age are minor scratches and worn edges around the display. It even survived a nasty fall that cracked the screen but left everything else intact. The best part: the repair was straightforward, and a replacement display cost around €140, making an unfortunate accident far less painful than expected. This particular model also uses a different chassis coating, which appears to help with day-to-day wear.
The input experience stays a strong selling point. The spacious keyboard with a full numeric keypad is excellent for long typing sessions and spreadsheets, while the glass touchpad is precise and responsive. Battery longevity is another highlight. Over two years, capacity declined by about 20%, leaving around 71Wh of the original 90Wh—still good for roughly 10 to 12 hours of real-world use. With the 2025 refresh promising greater efficiency, similar aging could still translate to an impressive 15 to 18 hours after two years.
There are a few important changes in the 2025 LG Gram 17 that potential buyers should know about. The microSD card reader is gone. For photo-heavy workflows, that’s a notable loss, since popping a card in is often simpler than carrying a camera cable everywhere. On the upside, the new model swaps facial recognition for a fingerprint sensor. That’s likely an improvement, considering the older face unlock often struggled in low light, especially during evening use.
Key takeaways for shoppers:
– Durability exceeds expectations, with only cosmetic wear after long-term use.
– Keyboard and glass touchpad remain standouts for productivity.
– Battery aging is modest and still delivers all-day endurance two years in.
– 2025 model trades the microSD slot for a fingerprint scanner; better biometrics, less convenience for photographers.
If you want a big-screen laptop that stays light in your bag and lasts through a full day, the Gram 17 continues to deliver. Just decide whether you can live without the microSD card reader on the 2025 model, and enjoy the added convenience of a reliable fingerprint login.
