LG gram 14 vs. LG gram 14 2-in-1: Which is a better buy?

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The young pretender

The LG gram 14 is about the lightest laptop you’ll find at this size, yet is durable and powerful and it’s competitively priced, to boot. And with Wi-Fi 6, Thunderbolt 3 and 10th Gen Intel processors and graphics, it’s easily more powerful than the year-old gram 14 2-in-1.

Older convertible

The LG gram 14 2-in-1 is still a decent convertible, but it hasn’t been refreshed along with the rest of the lineup. As such, and given that it’s still basically full price, it’s tough to recommend over the new gram 14, with only the touch display giving it any edge.

The LG gram 14 2-in-1 hasn’t yet been updated for 2020; as such, it’s not a great recommendation. It’s still a decent laptop, but given the price, the 8th Gen Intel processor, lack of Thunderbolt 3, weaker graphics and lack of Wi-Fi 6, what you’re missing out on is certainly enough to warrant either getting the regular gram 14 or going for something else like the Dell XPS 13 2-in-1.

LG gram 14 vs. LG gram 14 2-in-1 tech specs

One old, one new

LG has updated its full gram laptop lineup for 2020 with some important new hardware. Or rather, it updated everything except the gram 14 2-in-1, which is still the same spec that launched in early 2019. It’s still an outstanding laptop, just as it always was. But you shouldn’t buy one in 2020.

The new gram 14 has a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with superior Iris Plus graphics, Thunderbolt 3, and Wi-Fi 6 over the older gram 14 2-in-1. These may not sound like a big deal, especially if you’re not looking to do anything particularly intensive, but then there’s the price.

If the gram 14 2-in-1 had been discounted at all, then there might be a case to recommend it, but the truth is that it’s still basically full price and is more expensive than the Core i5 version of the new 2020 model gram 14. With an 8th Gen processor, fairly week integrated graphics, and no Thunderbolt 3 or Wi-Fi 6, it’s not something you should be spending over $1,200 on at this point.

There is one area the gram 14 2-in-1 does still have the edge, and that’s the display. Both laptops feature 14-inch displays at 1080p resolution, but only the gram 14 2-in-1 offers touch. It’s also a convertible, which makes it much better for consuming media on, but even bearing this in mind, the new gram 14 is a better value laptop.

Alternative for convertible lovers

If it was the convertible, touch-based nature of the gram 14 2-in-1 that was drawing you in, there is an alternative that is definitely a smarter buy: The Dell XPS 13 2-in-1.

Starting at $1,000, it has everything that is missing from the gram 14 2-in-1. You get 10th Gen Intel Core i3, i5, and i7 processors to choose from, up to the same Iris Plus graphics you get on the gram 14, Thunderbolt 3, and Wi-Fi 6. There are also a bunch of other great options to choose from depending on your budget, including a 4K display.

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It’s by far a better way to spend on a convertible laptop than the gram 14 2-in-1.

Probably the best convertible you can buy right now

The XPS 13 2-in-1 has everything the gram 14 2-in-1 is lacking, and so much more besides that; it’s a much better purchase for convertible lovers.

The gram 14 is the better laptop

It’s pretty clear cut that the new 2020 model LG gram 14 is a better buy than the LG gram 14 2-in-1. It’s more up to date with better internals and features like Thunderbolt 3 and Wi-Fi 6, while being available for less if you spring for the Core i5 model.

The gram 14 2-in-1 is still a decent laptop, but you shouldn’t be buying one right now at the price it’s still going for. And if you really want a touchscreen, convertible laptop, there arebetter alternatives

Thin, absurdly light, and an excellent laptop all-round.

LG’s latest gram is a serious contender to the best in the business, and you won’t find a lighter Ultrabook than this.

A good convertible that needs a refresh

Until the gram 14 2-in-1 gets refreshed like the rest of the lineup, it’s pretty impossible to make a case to buy one right now, especially at the price it still sells for.

Richard Devine is a Managing Editor at Windows Central with over a decade of experience. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently, you’ll find him steering the site’s coverage of all manner of PC hardware and reviews. Find him on Mastodon atmstdn.social/@richdevine