Best Ultrabooks with 16 GB RAM or More

TL;DR: The Surface Laptop 3 in matte black packs a 12th‑Gen i7, 16 GB RAM and a vivid 13.5‑inch display into a 2.8‑lb chassis that lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge.

The standout spec is the 12th‑Gen Intel Core i7‑1255U that can boost to 4.7 GHz, paired with 16 GB LPDDR5x soldered memory, delivering fast‑look‑and‑feel performance for everyday tasks. Its 13.5‑inch 2256 × 1504 PixelSense screen, calibrated to sRGB and Vivid, offers a crisp 201 PPI visual experience, while the 0.256 TB removable SSD gives you enough fast storage for most workloads.

At 2.8 pounds, it's heavier than the ultra‑light CHUWI MiniBook X but lighter than the Dell Latitude 5490, Dell Latitude 7290, Vaio FS 16‑inch and the 17‑inch LG Gram models, which all tip over 3 pounds. Its up‑to‑18‑hour battery life outstrips the 6‑hour runtime of the MiniBook and the roughly 12‑hour figures reported for the Dell and Vaio peers, putting it among the longest‑lasting devices in this nine‑product set.

Reviewers praise the premium Alcantara or metal finish and the comfortable keyboard, while professional outlets note the “blazing fast” feel thanks to the Evo‑class platform. Users consistently mention the 720p front‑facing camera as a drawback, especially compared with higher‑resolution webcams on some competitors, and the limited port selection—just one USB‑C/Thunderbolt 4 and a single USB‑A—can feel restrictive for power users.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option

Avoid if: You've got limited desk space or need portability

TL;DR: The Dell Latitude 5490 offers a rugged 14‑inch chassis, 16 GB RAM and a 13‑hour advertised battery for just $245, making it a solid budget business ultrabook with plenty of ports.

The standout spec is its 68 Wh battery that Dell advertises for up to 13 hours of use, paired with a relatively lightweight 3.53 lb magnesium‑alloy chassis. Inside, a quad‑core 8th‑Gen Intel Core i5‑8350U runs at a 1.7 GHz base and can boost to 3.6 GHz, backed by 16 GB of DDR4 memory and a 6 MB cache, delivering smooth multitasking for office suites and web browsing.

Compared with the other eight laptops in this roundup, the Latitude 5490 sits between the ultra‑light CHUWI MiniBook X (under 2 lb) and the heavier Dell Latitude 7290 (around 3.9 lb). It also offers more ports than many peers, including three USB‑A, one USB‑C, HDMI, Gigabit Ethernet and an SD‑card reader, which many competitors lack or provide in fewer numbers.

Reviewers praise the laptop’s durability—MIL‑STD‑810G testing and optional smart‑card reader make it a favorite for field technicians. Professionals note the solid security stack with vPro and Dell ControlVault 2. However, users frequently mention that real‑world battery life tends to fall short of the 13‑hour claim, often landing in the 5–8 hour range, and the chassis weight can feel noticeable on the go. The display’s modest brightness also limits comfortable use outdoors, and fan noise becomes audible under heavy CPU loads, a point expert reviewers highlighted.

Best for: Enterprise IT teams, field technicians, and business professionals who need a rugged, secure, and upgradable 14‑inch laptop on a budget.

Avoid if: You prioritize ultra‑light weight, long all‑day battery endurance, or a high‑brightness screen for outdoor work.

TL;DR: The Surface Laptop 3 13.5‑inch packs a 16 GB LPDDR3 memory, a 512 GB PCIe SSD and a 300‑350 nits PixelSense touchscreen into a 2.8‑pound aluminum shell with up to 14.5 hours of video playback.

The standout spec is the 13.5‑in PixelSense touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio and typical brightness of 300‑350 nits, backed by 16 GB of LPDDR3 RAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD. At just 2.8 pounds, the laptop feels light enough for a daily commute, and its battery can deliver approximately 9 hours of mixed‑use time or up to 14.5 hours of video playback, with fast charging that reaches 80 % in about 1 hour.

Compared with the other eight ultrabooks, the Surface Laptop 3 sits in the middle of the weight range – it’s a shade heavier than the LG gram Pro 16‑inch (2.73 pounds) but noticeably lighter than the Dell Latitude 5490 (3.53Pounds) and Dell Latitude 7290 (3.88pounds). Its mixed‑use battery life trails the LG gram Pro’s 12‑hour average, yet it still outlasts many older business models that list only 6‑hour runtimes. Port selection is modest, offering a USB‑A 3.0, a USB‑C 3.1 Gen 2, a Mini DisplayPort and the proprietary Surface Connect, which is fewer than the broader connectivity found on some larger laptops.

Reviewers consistently praise the machined aluminum chassis and the soft Alcantara‑wrapped keyboard, calling the typing experience “luxurious.” Professional reviewers also note the vibrant display and the solid performance of the 7th‑gen Intel i7 with a base clock around 2.5 GHz and turbo up to 4.0 GHz. On the downside, users flag the Alcantara material for staining and wear, and they point out that both the RAM and SSD come soldered, so you can’t upgrade them later. The lack of Thunderbolt support also limits high‑speed external GPU options.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The LG Gram 17‑inch packs a 17.0‑inch 2560 × 1600 IPS display, 16 GB LPDDR4X RAM and a 1 TB SSD into a feather‑light 2.98‑lb chassis with an 80 Wh battery for all‑day use.

The standout feature is its 17.0‑inch WQXGA IPS panel that delivers 350 nits of brightness and 99% DCI‑P3 colour coverage, all while the laptop weighs just 2.98 pounds. At 0.70 in thickness, it feels more like a tablet than a traditional 17‑inch notebook, and the 1.65 mm key travel makes typing comfortable without adding bulk.

Compared with the other eight contenders, the Gram is lighter than the Dell Latitude 5490 (3.53 lb) and Dell Latitude 7290 (3.88 lb), but a touch heavier than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 (2.8 lb). It shares the same weight as the LG Gram 17‑inch 2TB model, while the CHUWI MiniBook X is considerably lighter. In terms of price, the Gram sits above the budget‑oriented CHUWI and Dell Latitude options, but below premium devices like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5‑inch.

User feedback repeatedly praises the ultra‑light chassis and the vivid, colour‑accurate screen, calling it “ideal for travel and creative work.” Professional reviewers echo this, noting the combination of Intel Evo certification, 16 GB LPDDR4X memory running at 4266 MHz, and a 1 TB PCIe NVMe SSD as a well‑balanced performance package. The downside that surfaces in many reviews is the soldered RAM, which prevents future memory upgrades, and the average speaker volume that falls short for media‑rich tasks.

LG powers the Gram with an 11th‑gen Intel Core i7‑1195G7 (2.9 GHz base, up to 5.0 GHz Turbo) that draws a 28 W TDP, and pairs it with Intel Iris Xe graphics sharing the 16 GB of system memory. Battery capacity sits at 80 Wh, and the included 65 W USB‑C Power Delivery adapter can recharge it quickly. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type‑A ports, HDMI, a micro‑SD reader and Bluetooth 5.1, covering most modern peripheral needs.

Best for: Business travelers, content creators and students who need a large, colour‑accurate screen in a portable, all‑day‑battery package.

Avoid if: You require a discrete GPU, anticipate needing more than 16 GB of RAM, or prioritize high‑fidelity speaker performance.

TL;DR: The Dell Latitude 7290 packs 16 GB DDR4 RAM, a 0.256 TB SSD and a magnesium‑alloy chassis into a 3.88‑lb, 12.5‑inch ultrabook, but its low‑resolution screen and poor user rating may limit appeal.

What really stands out is the 16 GB DDR4 memory running at 2400 MHz, paired with a 0.256 TB solid‑state drive. Together they give the 12.5‑inch business laptop enough horsepower for multitasking while keeping the chassis under 4 pounds (3.88 lb). The magnesium‑alloy body adds durability without adding bulk, and the 60 Wh battery delivers an estimated 12 hours of use.

Compared with the other eight ultrabooks in this roundup, the Latitude 7290 is heavier than the ultra‑light CHUWI MiniBook X (about 2 lb) and the LG Gram series (under 3 lb), but it’s in the same weight class as the Dell Latitude 5490 (3.53 lb) and the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 models (2.8 lb). Its 12‑hour battery life sits between the 6‑hour runtime of the MiniBook X and the 13‑hour claim of the Latitude 5490, while most competitors list larger screens (14‑17 inches) and brighter displays.

Everyday users praise the laptop’s portability, the sturdy magnesium build, and the convenience of having HDMI, Ethernet and a USB‑C port with PowerShare in one compact package. Professional reviewers echo those points and note the solid security suite (TPM 2.0, optional fingerprint reader, vPro). The most common complaints focus on the low‑resolution 1366 × 768 TN panel, which delivers limited brightness and narrow viewing angles, and the very low 1.0 / 5 star rating that suggests widespread dissatisfaction.

Best for: Mobile business professionals, field technicians, and remote workers who need a lightweight, durable ultrabook with 16 GB RAM and strong security features.

Avoid if: You require a high‑resolution, color‑accurate display, strong user satisfaction, or a longer warranty period.

TL;DR: The LG Gram 17‑inch 2 TB packs a 17‑in WQXGA IPS panel, 16 GB of 4266 MHz LPDDR4X RAM, and an 80 Wh battery that lasts up to 19.5 hours, all in a feather‑light 2.98‑lb chassis.

The standout feature is its 17.0‑inch IPS LCD with a 2560 × 1600 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio and 99% DCI‑P3 colour gamut, paired with an 80 Wh lithium‑ion battery that is rated at 19.5 hours in MobileMark 2014. At just 2.98 pounds (1350 g), the laptop feels more like a tablet than a 17‑inch notebook.

Compared with the LG Gram Pro 16‑inch, the Gram 17 is slightly heavier (2.98 lb vs 2.73 lb) but shares the same 5.1 Bluetooth version and a similar 80 Wh battery capacity (the Pro’s is 77 Wh). It matches the standard LG Gram 17‑inch in weight and dimensions while offering a larger 2 TB optional SSD alongside a 512 GB primary drive.

Professional reviewers praise the ultra‑light chassis and the marathon‑length battery, yet they note that the magnesium‑alloy body can flex under pressure, causing the screen to flex slightly. Everyday users echo the praise for portability and screen real‑estate, but they also point out the low‑resolution 0.9 MP webcam and the fact that the 16 GB of RAM is soldered, so you can’t upgrade it later.

Best for: Business professionals who travel frequently and students or creators who need a large, colour‑accurate screen without sacrificing portability.

Avoid if: You require upgradable RAM, a high‑performance dedicated GPU for gaming, or a premium‑metal feel in the chassis.

TL;DR: The CHUWI MiniBook X packs a 10.5‑inch 1920×1200 IPS touchscreen, 16 GB LPDDR5 RAM and a 0.5 TB NVMe SSD into a 1.96‑pound aluminum chassis, but its 6‑hour battery life may limit all‑day use.

The standout spec combines 16 GB LPDDR5 memory running at 4800 MHz and a 0.5 TB NVMe SSD that reads and writes faster than 1500 MB/s, all sitting behind a 10.51‑inch IPS In‑Cell touchscreen with 100 % sRGB coverage. At just 1.962 pounds and 17.2 mm thin, the MiniBook X feels like a premium tablet‑laptop hybrid, and the 28.88 Wh battery pairs with PD 3.0 fast charging.

Compared with the other eight ultrabooks, the MiniBook X is significantly lighter than the Dell Latitude 5490 (3.53 pounds) and the Dell Latitude 7290 (3.88 pounds). Its 10.5‑inch display is also smaller than the 14‑inch screen on the Latitude 5490 and the 13.5‑inch panels on the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 models, which makes it more portable but less comfortable for long coding sessions. Battery life at an average of 6 hours is shorter than the 13‑hour rating of the Latitude 5490 and the up‑to‑18‑hour claim of the Surface Laptop 3, so power‑hungry days will require the charger.

In practice, everyday users praise the device’s featherweight feel, the crisp 1920×1200 touchscreen, and the flexibility of the 360° hinge that switches between laptop, tablet and tent modes. Professional reviewers note the premium aluminum alloy chassis and the rarity of two full‑function Type‑C ports at this price point. However, the low‑power Intel N150 processor can feel sluggish when many browser tabs are open, and the modest 6‑hour battery often draws criticism.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The VAIO FS 16‑inch packs a 16‑core Meteor Lake CPU, 16 GB of fast LPDDR5x RAM and a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD into a 1.47 kg aluminum ultrabook with a 10‑hour battery.

The standout hardware is the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, a 16‑core (6 P‑cores + 8 E‑cores + 2 AI cores) Meteor Lake processor paired with Intel Arc graphics and a 6400 MHz LPDDR5x memory module. Combined with a 1 TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD, the machine promises rapid boot‑up and smooth multitasking for demanding workloads.

At 1470 g, it's noticeably lighter than the Dell Latitude 7290, which lists a weight of 3.88 pounds, and also lighter than the Dell Latitude 5490’s 1600 g chassis. Its 55 Wh battery gives a typical 10‑hour runtime, a bit smaller than the 60 Wh cell in the Latitude 7290 and the 68 Wh unit in the Latitude 5490, but still respectable next to the 28.88 Wh pack in the CHUWI MiniBook X. The 300‑nits, 1920×1200 IPS display is dimmer than the 350‑nits panel on the LG Gram 17‑inch and far below the 400‑nits screen of the LG Gram Pro 16‑inch, which some users note limits outdoor visibility. Where the VAIO shines is its port variety: it includes an RJ45 Ethernet jack and an HDMI 1.4 output, features the CHUWI MiniBook X and Surface Laptop 3 lack in their listed specs, and offers two Thunderbolt 4/USB4 ports alongside two USB‑A 3.2 Gen 1 connectors.

Reviewers consistently praise the all‑aluminum unibody, the spill‑resistant backlit keyboard, and the instant Windows Hello login via fingerprint and IR webcam. Professionals highlight the AI‑ready Meteor Lake chip for efficient multi‑threaded tasks, while everyday users appreciate the THX‑tuned 16:10 touchscreen and Dolby Atmos‑compatible audio. The main criticisms focus on the 300‑nits brightness, the 1920×1200 resolution on a 16‑inch panel, and the fact that both RAM and SSD are soldered, preventing future upgrades.

Best for: Professionals who need a powerful CPU, secure login options and a versatile port set in a lightweight aluminum ultrabook.

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The LG Gram Pro 16‑inch packs a 400‑nit OLED touchscreen, 77 Wh battery and 2.73‑lb chassis, delivering ultra‑light portability and long endurance at a premium price.

The standout feature is its feather‑light 2.73 lb magnesium‑alloy body, which makes it the world’s lightest 16‑inch 2‑in‑1. Coupled with a 16‑inch OLED panel that reaches 400 nits of brightness and covers 133.5% of the DCI‑P3 color gamut, the laptop offers vivid visuals without sacrificing portability. The 77 Wh battery promises up to 12 hours of mixed‑use time and an impressive 25.5 hours of video playback, while the 144 Hz refresh rate keeps motion smooth on the touchscreen.

Compared with the other eight models in this roundup, the Gram Pro is noticeably lighter than the LG Gram 17‑inch options, which tip the scales at 2.98 pounds. Its display also outshines those 17‑inch variants, delivering a brighter 400‑nit panel versus their 350‑nit screens. Video‑playback endurance tops the LG Gram 17‑inch 2TB’s 19.5‑hour claim, and the newer Bluetooth 5.4 edges out the 5.1 versions found in the same line. Even the Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 sits a shade heavier at 2.8 pounds, so the Gram Pro remains the most portable choice.

Reviewers praise the ultra‑light chassis and the OLED screen’s vivid colors, calling the display “gorgeous” and the battery life “notable.” However, professional outlets note a “mushy” trackpad and occasional performance throttling when the CPU or optional RTX 3050 GPU is pushed hard. Users also mention that the pre‑installed LG software can be buggy, and the keyboard feel lands in the “average” range.

Under the hood, the machine runs an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor (2.2 GHz base) paired with 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM clocked at 8500 MHz. Storage comes from a 2 TB NVMe Gen 4 SSD, and an optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 with 4 GB GDDR6 can be added for light graphics work. The 48‑TOPS NPU enables on‑device AI tasks, while Wi‑Fi 7 and MIL‑STD‑810H durability round out the feature set. Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, two USB‑A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a 1080p webcam with Windows Hello.

Best for: Frequent travelers, remote workers, and students who prioritize extreme portability and a high‑quality OLED display.

Avoid if: You need sustained high‑performance CPU/GPU power for gaming or professional‑grade workloads.