Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) vs LG gram Pro 16 (16Z90U)
The LG gram Pro 16 is the better laptop on paper: it is lighter, has more memory and has a bigger screen. Pick the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 only if it matters to you that it is more compact and has a brighter screen.
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Key differences
- Weight LG gram Pro 16 wins
The LG gram Pro 16 is 0.5 kg lighter: 1.199 kg against 1.66 kg.
- Memory LG gram Pro 16 wins
The LG gram Pro 16 has 32 GB of memory against 16 GB, so it has more room for big projects and heavy multitasking.
- Screen size Depends on you
The LG gram Pro 16 has the bigger screen (16" against 15"), while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 is more compact.
- OLED screen LG gram Pro 16 wins
The LG gram Pro 16 has an OLED screen, with true blacks and richer colour than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15's LCD.
- Brightness Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 wins
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15's screen is brighter (600 against 500 nits), so it's easier to see near a window.
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 if…
- You want something compact for small bags and train tables: it has a 15-inch screen.
- You work near windows or outside: its screen is brighter at 600 nits.
- You like to tap, scroll and sign things on screen: it has a touchscreen.
Choose the LG gram Pro 16 if…
- You'll carry it every day: at 1.199 kg it's easy to take everywhere.
- You keep lots of tabs and apps open: 32 GB of memory gives it more room.
- You want more room to work: its 16-inch screen fits two windows side by side.
- You watch a lot of films and video, or edit photos: its OLED screen has true blacks and rich colour.
Full spec comparison
Add more laptopsThe LG gram Pro 16 leads on battery and weight and performance; elsewhere the two are closely matched. Highlighted values mark the better spec in each row, and you can hide the rows where they match.
Performance
The LG gram Pro 16 is ahead on performance.
It has more memory, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | LG gram Pro 16 (16Z90U) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Snapdragon X2 Elite (12 Core) | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H |
| Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno GPU | Intel Arc B390 Graphics |
| AI engine (NPU) | 80 TOPS | 50 TOPS |
| Memory (RAM) | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory type | LPDDR5X | LPDDR5X |
| Maximum memory | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory upgrades | Soldered (not upgradeable) | Soldered (not upgradeable) |
| Storage | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Storage type | SSD | SSD |
| Storage interface | PCIe Gen 4 removable SSD | NVMe Gen5 SSD |
| Storage slots | 1 | 2 |
Screen
Each laptop has its strengths on the screen.
The LG gram Pro 16 has the bigger screen (16" against 15"), while the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 is more compact. The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 is more compact, has a brighter screen and has a touchscreen, while the LG gram Pro 16 has a bigger screen and has an OLED screen.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | LG gram Pro 16 (16Z90U) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 15" | 16" |
| Resolution | 3K (3270 x 2180) | 3K (2880 x 1800) |
| Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 16:10 |
| Panel | LCD | OLED |
| Refresh rate | 120 Hz | 120 Hz |
| Variable refresh (VRR) | Yes | Yes |
| Brightness | 600 nits | 500 nits |
| Colour range | — | DCI-P3 100% (Typical) |
| HDR | HDR display | — |
| Finish | — | Anti-reflective |
| Touchscreen | Yes | No |
| Pen standard | Surface Pen compatible | — |
Battery and size
The LG gram Pro 16 is ahead on battery and weight.
It is lighter and is slimmer, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | LG gram Pro 16 (16Z90U) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (maker claim) | Up to 19 hours | Up to 27 hours |
| Battery capacity | — | 77 Wh |
| Charges via | USB-C or Surface Connect | USB-C |
| Weight | 1.66 kg | 1.199 kg |
| Dimensions | 329 x 239 x 18 mm | 357.7 x 251.6 x 12.4~12.8 |
| Materials | — | Aerominium |
| Durability | — | MIL-STD-810H |
| Colour | Black | Aerominium Black |
| Colours available | Black, Platinum | Aerominium Black |
Ports and wireless
On ports and wireless, it comes down to what you need.
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 has an SD card reader, while the LG gram Pro 16 has HDMI.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | LG gram Pro 16 (16Z90U) |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 2x USB-C / USB4, 1x USB-A 3.2, 1x 3.5 mm audio, 1x Surface Connect, 1x microSDXC Express | 2x USB4 Gen 3x2 Type-C (USB-C charging, PD up to 65W, DisplayPort; LG feature text calls them Thunderbolt 4), 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1x HDMI (version not stated), 1x 3.5 mm headphone-out (4-pole) |
| Thunderbolt / USB4 | 2x USB4 | USB4 Gen 3x2 (LG feature text: Thunderbolt 4) |
| Card reader | microSDXC Express | None |
| Ethernet | None | None |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 6.0 |
| Mobile data | None | None |
Features
The LG gram Pro 16 is ahead on extras.
It has a number pad, and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 doesn't beat it on anything here.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | LG gram Pro 16 (16Z90U) |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | 1080p Full HD + IR | 1080p + IR |
| Backlit keyboard | — | Yes |
| Keyboard | — | Full-size backlit, 98 keys with 3-column numeric keypad |
| Login | Face | Face |
| Number pad | No | Yes |
| Touchpad | haptic touchpad | Precision Touch Pad with scroll and gesture function |
| Speakers | — | 2x 3.0 W stereo, Dolby Atmos |
| Microphones | — | dual mic |
| Pen | Supported (sold separately) | No |
| Security | Windows Hello face authentication | SSD security |
Software and model
Both run Windows.
So the same apps work on both, and they get the same kind of updates.
| Spec | Microsoft Surface Laptop 15 (8th Edition) | LG gram Pro 16 (16Z90U) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Model number | EP2-61223 | 16Z90U-K.AUB8AN |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |