Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 vs LG Gram 17 (2024)
The Verdict
Both laptops deliver excellent value at $1599, but serve different priorities. Apple's MacBook Pro 14" M3 excels with its stunning 3024x1964 Liquid Retina XDR display (1600 nits), compact 1.55kg design, and seamless macOS ecosystem,ideal for creative professionals needing color accuracy and portability. LG's Gram 17" counters with a larger 17-inch WQXGA screen, superior multitasking via 16GB RAM vs. 8GB, expandable storage, three USB-A ports, and lighter 1.35kg chassis. Performance-wise, M3's 10-core GPU dominates creative workflows, while Intel Core Ultra 7 155H handles productivity and gaming more flexibly. Battery life is comparable (17 hours claimed). Choose the MacBook Pro for creative work and macOS preference; select the LG Gram for screen real estate, upgradeability, and Windows flexibility. The Gram's lower display brightness (350 nits) and 60Hz refresh rate are notable compromises versus the MacBook's premium panel.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 if…
- →Full ProMotion mini-LED XDR display at the $1599 entry tier
- →Excellent 17-hour battery life for a 14-inch machine
- →Compact and portable at 1.55 kg
Buy the LG Gram 17 (2024) if…
- →Remarkably light for a 17-inch laptop at just 1.35 kg
- →Up to 17-hour battery life is class-leading at this size
- →MIL-STD-810H certified for everyday durability
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3
Pros
- Full ProMotion mini-LED XDR display at the $1599 entry tier
- Excellent 17-hour battery life for a 14-inch machine
- Compact and portable at 1.55 kg
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI and SD card
- Silent under light-to-moderate workloads
Cons
- 8 GB base RAM is restrictive for demanding tasks
- Storage upgrades carry a steep Apple premium
- M3 GPU struggles with heavy 3D workloads compared to Pro/Max
- Notch in display polarises opinions
LG Gram 17 (2024)
Pros
- Remarkably light for a 17-inch laptop at just 1.35 kg
- Up to 17-hour battery life is class-leading at this size
- MIL-STD-810H certified for everyday durability
- Generous port selection including USB-A and full-size SD card
- Large 2560x1600 display ideal for productivity
Cons
- 350-nit display brightness is modest in bright environments
- IPS display lacks the vibrancy of OLED alternatives
- No discrete GPU option
- 60Hz refresh rate feels dated compared to 90–120Hz peers
- Thin chassis can flex under pressure
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 | LG Gram 17 (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Software | macOS Sonoma | Windows 11 Home |
| Body | ||
| Weight | 1.55 kg | 1.35 kg |
| Material | Aluminum unibody | Magnesium alloy (Nano skin finish) |
| Dimensions | 312.6 x 221.2 x 15.5 mm | 381.3 x 261.5 x 13.0 mm |
| Ports | ||
| HDMI | 1 | 1 |
| SD card | ||
| MagSafe | — | |
| Thunderbolt ports | 3 | 2 |
| USB-A ports | — | 3 |
| USB-C ports | — | 1 |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours wireless web | Up to 17 hours mixed use |
| Capacity | 72.4 Wh | 90 Wh |
| Display | ||
| Size | 14.2 inches | 17.0 inches |
| Type | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED | WQXGA IPS anti-glare |
| Resolution | 3024 x 1964 | 2560 x 1600 |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz ProMotion | 60Hz |
| Brightness (nits) | 1600 | 350 |
| Storage | ||
| SSD | 512 GB NVMe | 512 GB NVMe |
| Expandable storage | ||
| Keyboard | ||
| Backlit | ||
| Touch Bar | ||
| Processor | ||
| RAM | 8 GB unified | 16 GB LPDDR5x |
| Cores | 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 16-core (6P+8E+2LPE) |
| Chipset | Apple M3 | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in laptops, see all Apple products or all LG products. View full details for the Apple MacBook Pro 14" M3 or the LG Gram 17 (2024).