Tech head-to-head
Casio fx-9750GIIIvsTI-84 Plus
15 years apart and the average barely moved: 7.9 for the 2019 Casio fx-9750GIII, 7.7 for the 2004 TI-84 Plus. Value is the axis that did move, 9.2 to 8.4.
Casio fx-9750GIII
Casio
7.9
A full graphing calculator with Python, allowed on the SAT, ACT, and AP exams, at a fraction of a TI's cost.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
TI-84 Plus
Texas Instruments
7.7
The monochrome original that schools bought by the crate. Indestructible, everywhere on eBay, and visibly old.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Value, Casio fx-9750GIII ahead 9.2 to 8.4. They come closest on Ease of use, 8.2 to 7.8. Left of center is Casio fx-9750GIII, right is TI-84 Plus.
Which one to pick
Take the Casio fx-9750GIII
Leads on Performance, Value and Design.
- You need a graphing calculator for one course and would rather not spend TI money
- You want a backup calculator in the bag for test day
- You'd rather swap AAA batteries than keep track of a charger
Take the TI-84 Plus
Leads on Durability and Ease of use.
- You want the same keystrokes your teacher uses for very little money
- It's a loaner or a spare that may get lost or dropped
- You want a calculator that runs on any AAA in a drawer
What each one gets wrong
Casio fx-9750GIII
- Your teacher will demonstrate every step on a TI-84 and you'll want the menus to match
- You need a color screen to tell overlapping graphs apart
TI-84 Plus
- Overlapping graphs on a low-resolution screen will slow you down
- The listing shows "Property of" engraving, because school units are often sold without the school's say
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Casio fx-9750GIII | TI-84 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Monochrome, 128×64 | Monochrome, 96×64 |
| Power | 4 AAA batteries | 4 AAA batteries plus a backup coin cell |
| Programming | Casio Basic, Python | — |
| Connectivity | USB | Mini-USB and link port |
| Exam mode | Built-in exam mode | — |
| Memory | — | 480KB archive, 24KB RAM (TI) |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Is the 2019 Casio fx-9750GIII the safer pick over the 2004 TI-84 Plus?
- Casio fx-9750GIII leads on Performance, Value and Design. If Durability and Ease of use matter more to you, take the TI-84 Plus instead. The 15-year gap shows in the totals as 7.9 against 7.7.
- What does the 2004 model still win?
- On Durability and Ease of use, yes. Those axes still go to the 2004 model. The 2019 one answers with Performance, Value and Design.
- Which one ranks higher in "Graphing calculators to buy used, by exam"?
- Casio fx-9750GIII sits at #3 in "Graphing calculators to buy used, by exam", TI-84 Plus at #4.