- Updated: January 2, 2026
- 7 min read
LG Gram Pro 17 & 16 Unveiled at CES 2026 – World’s Lightest RTX‑Enabled Ultrabooks with Aerominum Chassis
LG’s new Gram Pro 17 and Gram Pro 16 laptops, unveiled at CES 2026, are the world’s lightest 17‑inch RTX laptops, featuring an ultra‑light Aerominum chassis, Nvidia RTX 5050 graphics, and high‑performance specs tailored for professionals and creators.
LG Gram Pro Series Unveiled at CES 2026
At the Consumer Electronics Show 2026, LG announced the Gram Pro 17 and Gram Pro 16, two ultralight laptops that push the envelope of performance‑to‑weight ratio. The company touts the 17‑inch model as the “world’s lightest RTX laptop,” a claim backed by a new proprietary material called Aerominum. Both devices combine the sleek, feather‑weight design LG is known for with Nvidia’s latest RTX 5050 GPU, delivering enough graphics horsepower for demanding creative workflows while staying comfortably portable.
Gram Pro 17 – Full Specification Breakdown
The 17‑inch model (model code 17Z90UR) is engineered for power users who need a large canvas without the bulk of a traditional workstation.
Key Hardware Specs
- Display: 17‑inch IPS, 2560 × 1600 px, 300 nits, 100% sRGB coverage
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 5050 with 8 GB GDDR6 VRAM
- CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 (12‑core, 4.8 GHz boost)
- Memory: 32 GB LPDDR5X (upgradable to 64 GB)
- Storage: 1 TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
- Battery: 99 Wh (up to 15 hours mixed‑use)
- Weight: Under 2.5 kg (claimed “lightest 17‑inch RTX laptop”)
- Ports: 2× Thunderbolt 4, 1× HDMI 2.1, 1× USB‑C (DP + PD), micro‑SD, headphone/mic combo
The combination of a high‑resolution display and RTX 5050 makes the Gram Pro 17 suitable for video editing, 3D rendering, and moderate gaming. While it won’t replace a dedicated desktop GPU for AAA titles at max settings, it offers a smooth experience at 1080p‑1440p with medium‑high presets, which is impressive for a laptop that weighs less than many 15‑inch ultrabooks.
Gram Pro 16 – Compact Powerhouse
The 16‑inch sibling (model 16Z90U) targets users who prioritize a slightly smaller footprint without sacrificing performance.
Core Differences from the 17‑inch Model
| Feature | Gram Pro 17 | Gram Pro 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 17 in (2560 × 1600) | 16 in (2880 × 1800 OLED) |
| GPU | RTX 5050 (8 GB) | RTX 5050 (8 GB) |
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 | Intel Core Ultra 7 |
| Weight | ≈ 2.5 kg | ≈ 2.2 kg |
| AI Features | On‑device AI acceleration | On‑device + cloud AI (first in class) |
The OLED panel on the Gram Pro 16 delivers deeper blacks and a 120 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for graphic designers and content creators who need color accuracy. Like its larger sibling, it leverages the Aerominum chassis to stay under 2.2 kg, positioning it as the lightest 16‑inch laptop with both high‑end GPU and AI capabilities.
Aerominum: The Game‑Changing Chassis Material
LG’s Aerominum is a magnesium‑aluminum alloy infused with nanostructured carbon fibers. The result is a material that is up to 30% lighter than traditional magnesium‑aluminum blends while offering superior rigidity and scratch resistance. For professionals who travel frequently, the reduced weight translates directly into less fatigue and more mobility.
Key benefits of Aerominum include:
- Weight reduction without compromising structural integrity.
- Enhanced thermal conductivity, helping to dissipate heat from the RTX 5050 GPU.
- Improved resistance to dents and surface abrasions, extending the laptop’s lifespan.
How the Gram Pro Series Stacks Up Against Previous Models
Compared with the prior LG Gram 15 (2024) and Gram 17 (2023) models, the new Pro line delivers:
- GPU Upgrade: From integrated Intel graphics to a dedicated RTX 5050.
- Display Evolution: Higher resolution and, for the 16‑inch, OLED technology.
- Weight Advantage: Despite the added GPU, the Aerominum chassis keeps the devices lighter than many competing 15‑inch laptops with similar specs.
- AI Integration: Built‑in AI accelerators enable on‑device inference for tasks like image upscaling and real‑time translation.
When placed side‑by‑side with rivals such as the Dell XPS 17 (3.0 kg, RTX 4060) or the Razer Blade 16 (2.4 kg, RTX 4070), the Gram Pro 17’s sub‑2.5 kg footprint gives it a decisive edge for users who cannot compromise on portability.
Market Impact of the CES 2026 Launch
The CES stage has historically been a launchpad for industry‑shaping products. LG’s decision to debut the Gram Pro line here signals a strategic push into the high‑performance ultralight segment—a niche previously dominated by a handful of premium manufacturers.
Potential market effects include:
- Shift in Consumer Expectations: Professionals will now expect RTX‑capable graphics in sub‑2.5 kg laptops.
- Competitive Pressure: Competitors may accelerate development of lighter alloys or adopt similar AI‑on‑device features.
- Enterprise Adoption: Companies seeking mobile workstations for field engineers or designers may favor the Gram Pro for its blend of power and portability.
Why AI‑Centric Professionals Should Take Note
Beyond raw hardware, the Gram Pro series integrates AI‑ready components that align perfectly with modern AI‑driven workflows. For instance, developers can leverage the OpenAI ChatGPT integration on the UBOS platform overview to prototype AI‑enhanced applications directly on the laptop, taking advantage of the on‑device AI accelerator.
Similarly, the Chroma DB integration enables fast vector search for large multimedia datasets, a common requirement for creators building generative‑AI pipelines. Pairing these capabilities with the ElevenLabs AI voice integration can turn the Gram Pro into a portable studio for voice‑over production.
Boost Your Workflow with UBOS AI Tools
UBOS offers a suite of AI‑powered utilities that can be installed on the Gram Pro to supercharge productivity:
- AI SEO Analyzer – instantly audit web content for ranking potential.
- AI Article Copywriter – generate drafts while you sip coffee on the go.
- AI Video Generator – create marketing clips directly from your laptop’s GPU.
- AI Chatbot template – prototype conversational agents without leaving the device.
These tools illustrate how the Gram Pro’s hardware can be leveraged to run demanding AI workloads locally, reducing latency and preserving data privacy—critical for enterprises and startups alike.
Real‑World Use Cases for the Gram Pro Line
Below are three scenarios where the Gram Pro’s unique blend of lightness and power shines:
Creative Content Production
Video editors can render 4K footage on the go using the RTX 5050, while the OLED screen on the 16‑inch model ensures color‑accurate grading. Coupled with AI Video Generator, creators can produce teaser clips in minutes.
Field Engineering & Design
Engineers using CAD software benefit from the high‑resolution display and GPU acceleration, while the Aerominum chassis survives the rigors of travel. On‑device AI can run real‑time simulations without a cloud connection.
AI‑First Startups
Startups can prototype models locally with AI Article Copywriter or AI SEO Analyzer, then deploy to production via the Web app editor on UBOS. The lightweight form factor means the team can work from cafés or co‑working spaces without sacrificing compute.
Enterprise Mobility
Enterprises can roll out the Gram Pro as a secure, AI‑enabled endpoint. Pair it with the Enterprise AI platform by UBOS for centralized model management while keeping data on the device.
Pricing, Availability, and Where to Buy
LG has not disclosed exact pricing at the time of the CES reveal. However, the company typically positions the Gram Pro line in the premium segment, with price points expected to start around $1,799 for the 16‑inch model and $2,199 for the 17‑inch version. Availability will begin in the United States, followed by select international markets later in 2026.
For a detailed breakdown of subscription options and potential discounts for businesses, visit the UBOS pricing plans. While not a direct seller, UBOS often partners with hardware vendors to bundle AI services with premium laptops.
How to Get Started with Your New Gram Pro
Once you receive your device, consider the following quick‑start steps to unlock its full potential:
- Run the pre‑installed Workflow automation studio to set up routine tasks (e.g., file backups, AI model updates).
- Install UBOS templates for quick start such as the AI Article Copywriter or AI SEO Analyzer.
- Connect to the UBOS partner program if you’re an agency looking to resell AI‑enhanced services.
- Explore the UBOS portfolio examples for inspiration on how other businesses have leveraged the platform on similar hardware.
External Reference
For the original announcement and additional media assets, see the original Verge story.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark for Mobile Performance
The LG Gram Pro 17 and 16 set a new benchmark for what a lightweight laptop can achieve. By marrying the ultra‑light Aerominum chassis with Nvidia’s RTX 5050 and on‑device AI accelerators, LG delivers a device that meets the demanding needs of creators, engineers, and AI‑first professionals without forcing a trade‑off between power and portability. As the market reacts, we can expect a wave of lighter, AI‑ready laptops that will redefine mobile productivity in 2026 and beyond.