Tech head-to-head
Casio fx-9750GIIIvsTI-Nspire CX II
TI-Nspire CX II edges Casio fx-9750GIII, 8.2 to 7.9. The 5 axes split 3-2, widest on Performance at 1.6.
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-Nspire CX II
Texas Instruments
8.2
Strongest non-CAS graphing calculator here, approved on the ACT. Make sure the listing isn't the CAS model.
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 Performance, TI-Nspire CX II ahead 9.0 to 7.4. They come closest on Durability, 8.2 to 8.0. Left of center is Casio fx-9750GIII, right is TI-Nspire CX II.
Which one to pick
Take the Casio fx-9750GIII
Leads on Value and Ease of use.
- 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-Nspire CX II
Leads on Performance, Durability and Design.
- You are headed into calculus or engineering and want document-style work with graphs, tables, and notes linked together
- You are sitting the ACT and want the most capable calculator it permits
- Python is on the syllabus
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-Nspire CX II
- Your teacher teaches on a TI-84, since the menus share almost nothing
- The seller can't confirm whether it's the CX II or the CX II CAS
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Casio fx-9750GIII | TI-Nspire CX II |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Monochrome, 128×64 | Color, 320×240, backlit |
| Power | 4 AAA batteries | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Programming | Casio Basic, Python | TI-Basic, Lua, Python (OS 5.2 and later) |
| Connectivity | USB | — |
| Exam mode | Built-in exam mode | Press-to-Test |
| Input | — | Touchpad plus full keyboard |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Casio fx-9750GIII or TI-Nspire CX II — which should I buy?
- TI-Nspire CX II leads on Performance, Durability and Design. If Value and Ease of use matter more to you, take the Casio fx-9750GIII instead.
- Is 0.3 a real difference?
- Barely. Casio fx-9750GIII averages 7.9 and TI-Nspire CX II averages 8.2, and the total is the plain average of 5 axes, so 0.3 is what one axis moving 1.5 looks like after averaging. The axis split, 3-2, tells you more.
- Which one ranks higher in "Graphing calculators to buy used, by exam"?
- TI-Nspire CX II sits at #2 in "Graphing calculators to buy used, by exam", Casio fx-9750GIII at #3.