LG gram +view 16

LG gram +view 16 Monitor Review

Brand: LG
Released: May 8, 2023
Updated: 1 hour ago
3.8
Overall review score
199
Review insights
51
Scored features
12
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

A remarkably sharp, color-rich 16:10 panel makes this an excellent travel-friendly laptop companion, but its basic folio stand and USB-C-only inputs can frustrate.

People with compatible USB-C laptops who need a lightweight, sharp second screen for documents, coding, spreadsheets and mobile work.

Users needing a sturdy adjustable stand, HDMI inputs, console compatibility, touchscreen controls or guaranteed professional color calibration.

Verdict

The LG gram +view 16 is most appealing as a genuinely portable second screen for a modern USB-C laptop. Its 2560 × 1600 resolution and taller 16:10 proportions make documents, spreadsheets and code unusually comfortable to read, while strong color coverage and good indoor brightness put its panel ahead of many basic portable monitors. The thin, light construction is easy to travel with, and connecting to a compatible laptop is typically simple. The biggest tradeoff is the folding magnetic folio: some reviewers find it usable, but others report limited adjustment, shaky support and insufficient protection for the back. USB-C-only input limits HDMI devices and game consoles, and power draw affects laptop battery life. Software rotation and power-passthrough reports also vary between the model generations reviewed. It is an attractive choice for mobile productivity, less so for demanding stand ergonomics or versatile connections.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

51 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0
    17 (33%)
  • Positive 3.5-4.4
    17 (33%)
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4
    8 (16%)
  • Negative 1.5-2.4
    8 (16%)
  • Very negative below 1.5
    1 (2%)

Pros highlights

  • 4.5
    11 reviews moderate consensus
    portability and weight: 4.5, 11 reviews, moderate consensus
    The panel is unusually slim and light for its screen area, so it slips into a laptop bag; the folio adds noticeable carry weight.
  • 4.4
    10 reviews moderate consensus
    overall satisfaction: 4.4, 10 reviews, moderate consensus
    Most assessments recommend the +view as a lightweight second screen with a very sharp panel. Enthusiasm is tempered by stand design and connectivity limitations.
  • 4.9
    8 reviews strong consensus
    Resolution: 4.9, 8 reviews, strong consensus
    Its 2560 × 1600 panel is repeatedly singled out for laptop-like clarity and extra working space over common 1080p portables.
  • 4.8
    8 reviews strong consensus
    aspect ratio: 4.8, 8 reviews, strong consensus
    The 16:10 shape shows more code, document rows and web content vertically than 16:9, making it particularly useful for work.
  • 4.0
    8 reviews strong consensus
    brightness: 4.0, 8 reviews, strong consensus
    Many testers find the display bright enough indoors and in moderately bright settings, though direct sun and comparisons with brighter competitors expose limits.
  • 4.9
    7 reviews strong consensus
    color gamut: 4.9, 7 reviews, strong consensus
    Broad sRGB and P3 coverage makes colors vivid and is a major advantage for a lightweight work display.

Cons highlights

  • 3.2
    9 reviews low consensus
    port selection: 3.2, 9 reviews, low consensus
    Two USB-C inputs on opposite edges make cable placement flexible, but the lack of HDMI is a repeated limitation.
  • 2.6
    7 reviews low consensus
    Device compatibility: 2.6, 7 reviews, low consensus
    It integrates readily with USB-C laptops that support video and adequate power, but HDMI devices and some game consoles are problematic.
  • 2.6
    7 reviews low consensus
    Stand stability: 2.6, 7 reviews, low consensus
    Stand impressions vary: some find the magnetic folio usable, while others say it tips easily or feels flimsier than a hinged kickstand.
  • 2.7
    7 reviews moderate consensus
    stand adjustability: 2.7, 7 reviews, moderate consensus
    The folio allows basic tilt and portrait arrangements, but its folding angles and lack of height adjustment limit flexibility.
  • 3.2
    5 reviews low consensus
    Automatic orientation switching: 3.2, 5 reviews, low consensus
    Auto-rotation gets both praise when it works and criticism when it fails or requires installing extra software.
  • 2.0
    3 reviews strong consensus
    Folio cover protection: 2.0, 3 reviews, strong consensus
    The magnetic folio shields the screen, but several reviewers warn that most of the rear remains unprotected against bag scratches.

Use Cases

Best for

  • 4.7
    11 reviews strong consensus
    Desktop productivity: 4.7, 11 reviews, strong consensus
    Extra vertical pixels make documents, spreadsheets, browsing and multitasking noticeably easier without a bulky desktop monitor.
  • 4.5
    6 reviews strong consensus
    Travel: 4.5, 6 reviews, strong consensus
    Its thin, low-weight design is well suited to carrying a large second screen in a backpack or on a commute, provided the laptop can power it.
  • 5.0
    3 reviews strong consensus
    Portable workstation use: 5.0, 3 reviews, strong consensus
    A compatible laptop gains a crisp, generous second screen while away from a fixed desk; the folio stand is the main setup frustration.

Not ideal for

  • Dedicated PC monitor use
    2.0
    1 review
    Dedicated PC monitor use: 2.0, 1 review
    A traditional desktop monitor can offer more flexibility and better value if the display rarely leaves one desk.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Monitors, this product is above average in Power-on readiness, documentation quality, Mac integration, near average in setup ease, color accuracy, below average in stand adjustability, Color calibration controls, Stand stability.

Comparison summary

45 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher
    14 (31%)
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts
    15 (33%)
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower
    16 (36%)

Largest category differences

Attribute This product Category average Difference
stand adjustability 2.7 4.5 -1.8
Color calibration controls 2.0 3.8 -1.8
Stand stability 2.6 4.3 -1.7
console gaming compatibility 2.0 3.8 -1.8
Device compatibility 2.6 4.2 -1.6
Automatic orientation switching 3.2 4.8 -1.6
built-in speakers 1.0 2.5 -1.5
Software and driver support 2.0 3.5 -1.5

Consider This Instead

If you want better Stand stability

Choose Dell P1425 Monitor. It scores 5.0 vs 2.6 for Stand stability, with a 3.9 overall score.

Compare

If you want better stand adjustability

Choose espresso Pro 15. It scores 5.0 vs 2.7 for stand adjustability, with a 4.3 overall score.

Compare

If you want better Automatic orientation switching

Choose Lenovo ThinkVision M14t Gen2. It scores 5.0 vs 3.2 for Automatic orientation switching, with a 3.9 overall score.

Compare

If you want better built-in speakers

Choose Dell S3425DW. It scores 4.6 vs 1.0 for built-in speakers, with a 4.2 overall score.

Compare

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

  • Better: resolution, touch and brightness The espresso is sharper, brighter and touch-enabled, while LG has better matte reflection control.

Lenovo ThinkVision M14d

  • Better: built-in stand and ergonomics The Lenovo wins the editor preference largely thanks to its more precise built-in hinged stand.
  • Worse: display quality The LG screen is praised as outperforming the Lenovo M14d display.

AOC Q27P2CA

  • Cheaper: portable monitor premium versus stationary desktop The LG travel form factor costs about as much as a much larger conventional AOC screen.

FAQ

Is the LG gram +view 16 good for office work?

Yes. Its sharp 2560 × 1600 panel and tall 16:10 format make documents, web pages, spreadsheets and code easier to manage beside a laptop.

Can it connect to any laptop with a USB-C port?

No. The host must support video output through USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode and supply enough power; a data-only USB-C socket will not work.

Does the +view 16 have HDMI or a touchscreen?

The models discussed rely on USB-C video inputs and do not offer touch. If HDMI or touch is essential, consider a different portable display.

How good is the magnetic folio stand?

It supports basic landscape and portrait arrangements, but cannot adjust height and receives repeated criticism for limited rigidity and stability.

Can the LG gram +view 16 be used for photo editing?

The panel has wide color coverage and is good for casual photo work, though some reviewers recommend a professionally calibrated display for demanding color-sensitive tasks.

Will it drain my laptop battery?

Yes, when powered by the laptop. Higher brightness can increase drain, and reports about USB-C charging passthrough differ across model revisions.

Does automatic screen rotation work?

Some reviewers found software-assisted rotation useful, while another could not get it working on two PCs. Manual rotation remains possible.

Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed

These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.

rtings.com

The LG gram +view 16 is an entry-level 16-inch portable monitor. It has a 16:10 aspect ratio with a 2560x1600 resolution, offering high pixel...

Review score
3.7

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