LG Gram 14" 14Z90S-V.AP78A8 Black 2026

Weighing just 1.10kg, the LG Gram 14Z90S is one of the most portable 14-inch laptops we've tested, and its Core Ultra 7 CPU sits in the 76th percentile for processing power. But the 9th percentile reliability score and a 16.6 gaming score on integrated graphics mean this machine is a gamble. Only consider it if portability is your only priority and you're willing to roll the dice on long-term durability.

In a laptop market obsessed with thin and light, the LG Gram 14Z90S hits 1.10kg and practically dares you to weigh it. That's one of the most portable machines we've seen, landing in the 88th percentile for compactness, and it still manages to cram in a 16-core Intel Core Ultra 7 155H that benchmarks in the 76th percentile among all laptops. If you're a frequent flyer or just hate shoulder strain, the numbers are on your side. But the Gram's single-minded pursuit of lightness comes with trade-offs you can't unsee. Our internal reliability data is the red flag here. This model scores in the 9th percentile, which puts it near the absolute bottom for long-term durability. That's not a number we toss around lightly. Combined with integrated Arc Graphics that only manage a 16.6 gaming score and a screen that's solid but unremarkable, you're paying a premium for portability and hoping nothing goes wrong.

The Core Ultra 7 155H is the star of the show. It's a 16-core chip that pushes this Gram well above average for CPU work, landing in the 76th percentile. In practical terms, that means compiling code, crunching spreadsheets, or juggling dozens of browser tabs won't slow you down. However, the integrated Intel Arc Graphics are a different story. They sit squarely in the middle of the pack, with a 64th percentile GPU score, which is fine for 4K video playback and light photo editing but completely useless for modern gaming (the gaming score dips to a dismal 16.6). The 16GB of RAM puts you in the 37th percentile, so heavy multitaskers might feel the squeeze, and the 512GB SSD is average at best for speed. If you live in Chrome and Office, it's peppy. If you want to game or do 3D work, you'll quickly hit a wall.

At $1300 for this open-box unit, the value argument hinges entirely on your priorities. You're getting a CPU that rivals much pricier ultrabooks, all wrapped in a case so light you'll forget you packed it. But that same price could net you a Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro with a better screen or an ASUS ROG Flow with discrete graphics. The Gram's build quality concerns, reflected in that 9th percentile reliability score, mean you're paying more upfront and possibly more down the line. If you can snag this at a deeper discount, it's a niche gem. At this price, we'd want peace of mind that just isn't there.

Stacked against the MacBook Pro M5 Pro, the Gram's weight advantage (1.10kg vs. about 1.6kg) is undeniable, but Apple's machine trounces it in reliability, screen quality, and GPU muscle. The ASUS ROG Flow GZ302EA offers a far better gaming and GPU score, though it's nearly twice the weight, and the MSI Prestige hits a similar CPU sweet spot with expandable RAM. The Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro is the closest rival in portability, but its screen and overall polish usually score higher. The Gram stands alone as the ultralight king, but you're sacrificing durability across the board. Only the Lenovo Legion Pro 7i is in a different class entirely, too heavy to compare directly.

If you're a gamer, a creative professional needing color-accurate screens, or anyone who keeps a laptop for more than two years, skip this. The 16.6 gaming score rules out any real GPU work, the screen's 44th percentile quality won't make your photos pop, and the 9th percentile reliability makes it a financial risk. Even light users who expect basic durability should look at the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro or a MacBook Air instead.

If you need the absolute lightest laptop with a decent CPU for everyday work, the LG Gram 14Z90S delivers on that promise. The 88th percentile compactness and 76th percentile CPU are great, and the port selection is generous. But we can't ignore that 9th percentile reliability rating. It's a dealbreaker for anyone who expects their laptop to last more than a couple of years. Factor in the limp gaming performance and average screen, and this becomes a hard sell at $1300. Only buy if portability trumps literally every other concern.