Ti-85 VS Ti-84 Calculator – Which One to Go With?6 min read

Ti is a well-known brand in the world of calculators. It offers a wide range of problem solvers, each having its own area of specialization. The problem here is to choose the right one among them. One hasty decision would not only waste your money but also lose your trust in a particular manufacturer. In this article, we will try to contrast and compare the important features of these two calculators ti-85 and ti-84 plus.

Hopefully, the effort made in this regard will assist you to opt for the one as per your requirement.

Contents

Ti-85 VS Ti-84 Calculator

So here are the main differences between both of these calculators:

Ti-85 Calculator

The product was launched back in the ’90s as Ti’s second graphing calculator. Not only can it cater to the needs of the students majoring in engineering and calculus. But it works really well for those having a hard time in basic calculations of math, statistics, and science.

Ti-85 VS Ti-84 Calculator
Image Credit: Texas Instruments

Equipped with graphing capabilities, the unit is loaded with up to 99 defined graphing functions. It helps you to plot and analyze parametric equations and polar equations simultaneously. It can also compute differential equations.

Ti-85 is ideal for solving pre-algebra and basic statistical functions.  It can compute mean, median and mod can solve powers to logarithm, exponents, quadratic polynomial, cubic polynomial, matrix, and regression analysis.

The unit is able to solve some trigonometric functions like cos, sin, tan, and cotan.

It comes with the Zilog Z80 6 MHZ processor that returns the output within a limited possible time.

The unit has a wide display of 8 lines long and 21 characters wide. Such a huge display omits the need to scroll the screen while entering and analyzing data.  

It has 28K RAM which makes it faster enough to perform the operations.

The I/O port designed helps you to create a connection with other compatible devices such as Ti-86 and ti-85 models.

It is powered by four AAA batteries with a lithium battery backup. And it has one year warranty.

Pros

  • It has a user-friendly interface.
  • It is designed for basic engineering and calculus.
  • It is programmable.
  • It comes with a comprehensive how-to use guide.

Cons

  • It has meager storage memory.
  • The device is not rechargeable.
  • A very limited range of other functions is available.
  • The device does not support the latest updates and has obsolete features.

Ti-84 Calculator

It is among the advanced versions of Ti calculators. it was launched back in the 2000s. Ti- 84 plus is an ample device for those entering their high school all the way to advance level studies. All the features of ti-83 have been accumulated in this mighty machine.

comparison of ti 85 vs ti 84
Image Credit: Texas Instruments

Ti 84 plus supports all the apps of Ti models specifically Ti 83. The calculator is good for statistics, science tools, interactive geometry, calculus, and probability and regression analysis. It also has upgraded graphing technology.

Unlike ti-85 the unit has an upgraded processor of Zi log Z80 15 MHZ with 128 KB RAM, which provides it enough space to run the programs swiftly.

Furthermore, its better programming capability can be analyzed by the fact that it has a built-in assembly language. This property makes it easier for the user to manipulate or design the programs of one’s own choice.

What makes it different from its predecessors is it can work with expressions. Its math print technology enables you to insert the equations along with their expressions in proper math format.

Its captivating 320×240 pixels high-resolution LCD visualizes results into well readable form. the screen displays 16 characters per 8 lines.

Among its pre-loaded apps graphing is one of the vital functions the unit offers. Advanced technology has been used in order to plot the graph including conic graphing and inequality graphing etc.

It can draw graphs in six different styles including scatter, box-and-whisker, XY-line, histogram, and normal probability plots.

The split-screen function previews the equation, its graph, and the coordinates. At the same time. Along with that one can navigate to any point on the graph.

What gives it an extra edge is that it can entertain the negative of complex numbers also, which the previous models were unable to compute.

Similarly, the design is sleek and handy. It is powered by four AAA alkaline batteries.

One silver oxide battery is also included in order to back up the data in case of battery failure.

For better connectivity, the device has an I/o port along with a USB port that makes the transfer of data easy.

PROS

  • The device is three times faster than its predecessors.
  • It provides ample functions at such an economical price.
  • The backlit screen makes the device easier to work in dim light.
  • The unit has a maximum storage of 128kb.  
  • Its I/O port helps it to communicate with other Ti devices.
  • The unit supports almost all the apps of Ti models specifically ti-83.
  • It is approved for PSAT, SAT, and ACT.

CONS

  • It is a non-rechargeable device.
  • Its monochrome screen is suspected to pressure damage.

Comparison of Ti-85 with Ti-84 Calculator

BrandTI-85TI-84
Processor Zilog Z80 6 MHZZilog Z80 15 MHZ
RAM28K128KB
Screen Resolution128×64 pixels320×240 pixels
Display21 characters per eight lines16 characters per 8 lines
Graphing TechnologyOBSOLETEADVANCED
Major FunctionsEngineering & CalculusMaths, Interactive Geometry, Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, Graphing
Ratings4.34.7
Comparison Table

FAQS

Is Ti-84 plus an older version or Ti-85?

Ti-85 was introduced by Texas Instruments in the 1990s as its second graphing calculator. Whereas Ti-84 plus is the latest model of calculators launched back in 2003.

Is there any major difference in the working of these two versions?

A yes, Ti-85 is specifically designed for the basic level calculations of engineering and calculus. The graphing functions provided by this device are limited and obsolete.

However, Ti-84 is equipped with advanced graphing technology. Moreover, it is flooded with the essential features to compute math, statistics, calculus, trigonometry, algebra, differential and integral equations, etc.

Conclusion

To conclude, Texas instruments provides a wide variety of calculators. In this article, we’ve compared the Ti-85 VS Ti-84 calculator. It is now evident that Ti-84 plus is a lot better model than the latter.

It comes with interactive features of math, science, statistics, algebra, calculus, and graphing. The only feature that makes Ti 85 a considerable unit is its wide display. No matter Ti 84 plus is a little bit more expensive than its predecessors, however, we bet that choosing it will never regret you buying it.

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