LG CES 2021: New Gram Laptops & Monitors Revealed

content: LG's Virtual CES 2021 Innovations Unveiled

CES 2021 looked different, but LG's launches delivered major upgrades. After analyzing their virtual showcase, I'm breaking down the most significant improvements across their premium Gram laptops and cutting-edge monitors. These aren't just incremental updates—they redefine expectations for portability and display performance.

Gram Laptop Upgrades: Design and Performance

LG's Gram series now features 14", 16", and 17" models, all with revolutionary 16:10 aspect ratio displays. Previously exclusive to the 17-inch flagship, this change adds crucial vertical screen space for productivity. The 16-inch model claims the title of world's lightest 16-inch laptop at just 1.2kg, while the 17-inch weighs only 1.35kg.

Key enhancements include:

• Intel 11th Gen processors with Xe graphics (up to 2x faster than 10th gen)
• Thunderbolt 4 support for faster data transfer
• 99% DCI-P3 color coverage for photo/video editing
• Thinner bezels, larger trackpads, and refined keyboards
• 2560x1600 Quad HD resolution on 16"/17" models (Full HD on 14")

The 16:10 shift addresses a common productivity pain point, matching premium trends like Apple's MacBooks. However, the lack of optional NVIDIA GPUs remains a limitation for creative professionals needing rendering power.

Professional Monitors: OLED and Ultrawide Breakthroughs

LG's UltraFine OLED Pro (32EP950) marks their first OLED monitor with 4K resolution and 10-bit color. This isn't just another display—it delivers 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for true blacks, covering 99% of both DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB gamuts. For color-sensitive work, OLED's pixel-level lighting outperforms IPS panels. But note: OLED burn-in risk persists for static UI elements.

The 40WP95C ultrawide offers a 40-inch curved 5K x 2K (5120x2160) screen—ideal for 4K video editors needing native playback resolution. Its Thunderbolt 4 support and 98% DCI-P3 coverage make it a strong MacBook Pro companion, though the absence of high refresh rates limits gaming appeal.

Gaming Monitors: Next-Gen Console Readiness

The 27GP950 stands out as LG's first HDMI 2.1 gaming monitor, enabling 4K 120Hz for PS5/Xbox Series X. This 27-inch Nano IPS panel hits 160Hz (overclocked) with HDR600 and 98% DCI-P3 coverage. It solves a critical frustration: most monitors cap at 4K 60Hz via HDMI.

Other gaming launches:

• 32GP850: 32-inch 180Hz IPS panel with HDR10
• 34GP950G: 34-inch ultrawide with G-Sync Ultimate and HDR600

HDMI 2.1's scarcity across the lineup is a missed opportunity. The 27GP950 fills a console gaming gap, but competitive players might prefer larger high-refresh options like the 32GP850.

Choosing Your LG 2021 Upgrade

Use this actionable checklist to match products to your needs:

1. Ultra-portable work: 14" Gram (1kg) or 16" Gram (1.2kg)
2. Color-critical editing: UltraFine OLED Pro (4K OLED)
3. Multitasking/editing: 40WP95C (5K ultrawide)
4. Console gaming: 27GP950 (HDMI 2.1)
5. PC gaming: 34GP950G (ultrawide) or 32GP850 (fast IPS)

Top resources for deeper research:

• LG’s virtual showroom (linked in video description)
• RTINGS.com for technical display analysis
• Notebookcheck for laptop performance benchmarks

Final Thoughts

The Gram laptop redesign and OLED monitor debut are 2021’s most impactful LG innovations. If testing confirms the Xe graphics’ real-world gains, the Grams could dominate ultra-portable workflows. Which launch excites you most? Share your perspective below—I’ll prioritize hands-on reviews based on your feedback!