What’s the difference between all TI-84 models?
The TI-84 is the most popular, best selling graphing calculator in the world and has been for quite some time. Over the years there have been a handful of different versions that Texas Instruments has released. In this article we will explain the differences between each calculator. Keep in mind that the differences are subtle, each version has the same calculating capabilities.
The TI-84 Plus (2004)
This is the original TI-84 Plus calculator released in 2004 along with the next calculator on the list, the TI-84 Plus Silver Edition. These calculators replaced the TI-83. We also have an article explaining the differences <here>. This calculator is the oldest and most basic version of the TI-84 yet it remains one of the best selling graphing calculators in the world.
The TI-84 Plus Silver Edition (2004)
The Silver Edition was released in the same year as the original TI-84 Plus, but the Silver edition was the more premium model. For a small price difference, is that the Silver Edition comes with 2 MB of read only memory while the TI-84 Plus only has 1 MB. For most people, this will not be a noticeable feature difference.
The TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition (2013)
Next, we have the TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition. This calculator has the exact same processor as the regular Silver Edition. Also, once again, the software is almost identical. The Difference is the “C” which stands for Color. The only thing that got an upgrade on this calculator was the screen and the batteries. First and most obviously the screen has color, but along with that it has a higher resolution, and it’s backlit.
This is an advantage in most cases, but not when it comes to speed. As we said before, the regular Silver Edition and the C Silver Edition have the exact same processor, but the C Silver Edition has to support a better screen. This means that in practice the C Silver Edition is actually slower than the regular Silver Edition and even the regular TI-84 Plus. The models before this calculator used 4 AAA batteries, but the C Silver Edition has a lithium ion rechargeable battery.
The TI-84 Plus CE (2015) (Newest TI-84 Plus)
Finally, The most recent model released in 2015, the TI-84 Plus CE. The CE is the only TI-84 Plus with a total redesign that looks more modern and is way more sleek than the older design. The CE is has all the same features as the C Silver edition, but it has a faster processor. In practice the CE is about 2X as fast as the C Silver Edition. Since 2015 there have been notable new releases of the TI-84 Plus CE including a slightly faster processor and the addition of python programming in some models. This calculator can also support TI’s most recent software versions while the other TI-84 models cannot.
Which One Should You Buy?
As previously mentioned, the regular TI-84 Plus is still the best selling calculator on Amazon and most other retailers, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best choice. The prices on these calculators do change often, but the regular TI-84 Plus is around $100 despite it being originally released quite some time ago. Although it’s the most expensive on this list I’d recommend picking up the TI-84 Plus CE because the higher resolution screen and later software make a significant usability difference. I’d recommend you skip the TI-84 Plus C Silver Edition because without the extra processing boost that the CE has, the regular C version is just too slow because of the scree. The CE’s improved processor, makes the color screen much more usable.
See Next…
TI-84 Plus CE Full Review >>
The top 5 graphing calculators for 2018 with detailed reviews >>
Contact Us
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in touch by DMing us on Instagram, emailing us at mathclasscalculator@gmail.com or, leaving a comment below.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. This means that we get a small commission any time an item is purchased through one of our links at no extra cost to the buyer. Please note that we have used all the products that are reviewed on this website and our goal is to provide good content and honest reviews.