Quick Answer
The LG Gram 17 (2025) and Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel) are both large-screen laptops designed for different primary users. The Gram 17 is typically focused on extreme portability and long battery life in a 17-inch form factor, while the ThinkPad P16s is engineered for professional workloads, offering features like ISV certification and enhanced serviceability.
LG Gram 17 (2025) vs Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel): Full Comparison
Introduction
Choosing a large-screen laptop often involves a trade-off between portability and professional capability. This comparison examines two distinct approaches: the LG Gram 17 (2025), known for its exceptionally lightweight design, and the Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel), a mobile workstation built for reliability and demanding applications. By analyzing their displays, performance, build quality, and key features, this guide aims to clarify their respective strengths to help you identify which model aligns more closely with your specific needs.
Design and Portability
This is one of the most significant differentiators between these two laptops. Their design philosophies cater to almost opposite priorities.
- LG Gram 17 (2025): The defining characteristic of the Gram series is its weight, or lack thereof. Despite its 17-inch screen, it is typically one of the lightest laptops in its class, often weighing under 1.4 kg (3 lbs). It features a minimalist, modern design with a focus on a slim profile.
- Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel): As part of the ThinkPad workstation line, it prioritizes durability and serviceability. It generally features a more robust chassis, often meeting MIL-STD durability standards, and includes the iconic ThinkPad keyboard with TrackPoint. It is typically heavier than the Gram, reflecting its sturdier construction and internal cooling solutions.
Display and Visual Experience
Both laptops offer large, high-resolution displays, but their panel technology and intended use differ.
- LG Gram 17 (2025): It generally features a high-resolution IPS or OLED display with a focus on color accuracy and brightness, suitable for content consumption and creative work. The large screen real estate is paired with a thin bezel design to maximize the viewing area within a compact chassis.
- Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel): Its display options are often tailored for professional accuracy. It may offer high-resolution IPS panels with factory color calibration and a wider range of brightness options. Some configurations also provide touchscreen functionality, which is less common on the Gram 17.
Performance and Use Case
The core hardware and software optimization point toward different user bases.
- LG Gram 17 (2025): Performance is generally balanced for everyday productivity, multitasking, and media tasks. It utilizes standard consumer-grade Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated or discrete graphics, focusing on efficiency to support its long battery life claims.
- Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel): This is a mobile workstation. It uses Intel Core Ultra H-series processors and is certified with professional-grade NVIDIA RTX or Intel Arc Pro graphics. It undergoes Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certification for stability with applications like AutoCAD, Revit, and SOLIDWORKS, making it suitable for engineering, architecture, and data science.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery performance and port selection reflect their design goals.
- LG Gram 17 (2025): Battery life is a major selling point. Its efficient components and large battery capacity typically allow for all-day usage, which is notable for a 17-inch laptop. Port selection is modern but may prioritize slimness over legacy connections.
- Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel): Battery life is generally designed to last a full workday but may be shorter than the Gram under heavy professional loads due to more power-hungry components. It typically offers a more comprehensive port selection, including RJ45 Ethernet and often more USB-A ports, to support a professional docking environment.
Key Features Comparison Table
| Feature | LG Gram 17 (2025) | Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Design Focus | Ultra-portability & Battery Life | Professional Workstation & Durability |
| Display (Typical) | 17-inch, WQXGA+ (2560×1600) or 4K, IPS or OLED, non-touch | 16-inch, WQXGA (2560×1600) or 4K, IPS, Touch optional, Calibrated |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra U/P-series (Efficient) | Intel Core Ultra H-series (Performance) |
| Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics or consumer NVIDIA GeForce | NVIDIA RTX or Intel Arc Pro (ISV Certified) |
| RAM & Storage | Up to 32GB LPDDR5, Up to 2TB NVMe SSD | Up to 64GB DDR5, Up to 2TB NVMe SSD (often user-upgradable) |
| Build & Durability | Lightweight magnesium alloy | Robust chassis, often MIL-STD 810H tested |
| Keyboard & Input | Standard backlit keyboard, large trackpad | Legendary ThinkPad keyboard with TrackPoint, spill-resistant |
| Battery (Typical) | 90Wh, Long-lasting (15+ hours in some scenarios) | ~86Wh, All-day (varies with workload) |
| Ports (Common) | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, microSD | Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A (multiple), HDMI, RJ45 Ethernet, optional smart card reader |
| Key Differentiator | Extremely light for a 17-inch screen | ISV certifications for professional software stability |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main difference between the LG Gram 17 and the ThinkPad P16s?
The core difference lies in their intended use. The LG Gram 17 prioritizes being the lightest possible large-screen laptop with maximum battery life for mobility. The ThinkPad P16s is a mobile workstation built for demanding professional applications, emphasizing certified performance, durability, and serviceability.
Which laptop is better for software like AutoCAD or SOLIDWORKS?
The Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 is generally the more suitable choice. Its ISV certification ensures tested compatibility and stability with such professional applications, and its professional-grade graphics drivers are optimized for these workloads.
Can the LG Gram 17 handle general office work and multimedia?
Yes, absolutely. With its modern Intel Core Ultra processors and high-resolution display, the LG Gram 17 is well-equipped for everyday productivity tasks, web browsing, video streaming, and light photo editing.
Which model typically has better upgrade options?
The ThinkPad P16s often provides more user-accessible upgrade paths, such as socketed RAM and storage in some configurations. The LG Gram 17, due to its ultra-thin and light design, frequently has components like RAM soldered to the motherboard to save space.
Final Thoughts
This comparison highlights two highly competent but purpose-driven laptops. The LG Gram 17 (2025) stands out for users who value screen size above all but refuse to compromise on weight and battery longevity, making it ideal for students, frequent travelers, and general users. Conversely, the Lenovo ThinkPad P16s Gen 4 (Intel) is engineered for professionals whose work depends on specific software performance, system reliability, and a durable, serviceable platform. The decision ultimately hinges on whether the priority is maximum portability or certified professional capability within a large-screen format.