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

The LG gram 14 2-in-1
The LG gram 14 2-in-1 (Image credit: Windows Central)

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

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Header Cell - Column 0 LG gram 14 2-in-1LG gram 14 (2020)
Processor8th Gen
Intel Core i7-8565U (up to 4.6GHz)
10th Gen Intel Core i5-1035G7
Intel Core i7-1065G7
RAM16 GB DDR48GB, 16GB DDR4
Storage512GB SSD256GB, 512GB SSD
Display size14-inches14-inches
Display resolution1920x10801920x1080
GraphicsIntel UHD Graphics 620Intel Iris Plus
PortsHDMI
USB-C 3.1
Two USB-A 3.1
microSD card reader
3.5 mm audio
USB-C Thunderbolt 3
USB-A 3.0
microSD card reader
3.5mm audio
HDMI
ConnectivityIntel Wireless-AC 9560
802.11 A/C (2X2)
Bluetooth 5
Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth 5.0
Battery72Wh72Wh
Dimensions12.8 inches x 8.3 inches x 0.7 inches12.7 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches
WeightFrom 2.53 lbs (1.2kg)2.18 lbs (0.99kg)

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

Dell XPS 13 2-in-1

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

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.

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

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 are better alternatives

Richard Devine
Managing Editor - Tech, Reviews

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 at mstdn.social/@richdevine