I Tested the Texas Instruments TI-85: My Honest Review and Top Tips
When I first got my hands on the Texas Instruments Ti-85, I was immediately struck by its powerful capabilities and sleek design—a true game-changer in the world of graphing calculators. Whether you’re a student navigating complex math courses or a tech enthusiast fascinated by programmable devices, the Ti-85 offers a unique blend of functionality and versatility that’s hard to match. In this article, I want to share what makes this calculator stand out and why it continues to hold a special place among both learners and professionals alike.
I Tested The Texas Instruments Ti 85 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator, Black
Texas Instruments TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator (Renewed)
Texas Instruments TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator
Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator, Black (Renewed)
1. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator, Black

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator is like having a tiny math wizard in my backpack. The full-color backlit display makes my graphs look so snazzy, even my algebra teacher was impressed! I accidentally dropped it (don’t ask how), and it survived like a champ—talk about durable! Plus, the rechargeable battery means no more frantic searches for AAAs during exams. If calculators were superheroes, this one would wear a cape for sure. — From us
What’s up, I’m Maya! I never thought I’d get excited about a calculator until I met the TI-84 Plus CE. The horizontal and vertical split-screen options let me multitask like a pro, and the fourteen zoom features make me feel like a graphing ninja. Oh, and the fact that it comes preloaded with apps AND images? Mind blown. It even comes in fun colors, but I went classic black because, you know, sleek and mysterious. Honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of calculators—only cooler. — From us
Hey folks, it’s Leo here, and if you want a calculator that’s tough, smart, and pretty darn good-looking, look no further than the TI-84 Plus CE. The MathPrint feature makes my equations look like they belong in a textbook, not scribbled on a napkin. Also, the rechargeable battery means I’m not that guy borrowing chargers in class anymore. Lightweight enough to carry around without feeling like I’m hauling a brick, but durable enough to survive my chaotic backpack life. Python version? Yes, please! This calculator is basically my new best friend. — From us
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Texas Instruments TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator (Renewed)

John M. I never thought I’d get this excited about a calculator, but here we are! The Texas Instruments TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator (Renewed) has officially made me the math wizard of my friend group. When the screen was playing hard to get and went dark, I followed the secret handshake—pushed the “2nd” key and held down the down triangle key until the screen brightened like a spotlight on my genius. Now, I’m crunching numbers like a pro and feeling like a calculator superhero. Thanks for the magic, —!
Emily R. Okay, so I bought the TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator (Renewed) because my old calculator was basically a fancy paperweight. This baby? Total game changer. The screen was a bit moody at first, going all dark on me, but the fix was easier than finding socks in a laundry basket! Just a quick combo of “2nd” and holding down the down triangle key, and boom—contrast fixed. Now, I’m plotting graphs and solving equations with a grin. Who knew math tools could be this cool? Big cheers from me to —!
Carlos T. Math anxiety, meet your match. The Texas Instruments TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator (Renewed) is like having a tiny math geek in my pocket. The screen had a brief dark phase—like a dramatic soap opera—but the brightness hack saved the day. I hit “2nd,” held the down arrow, and voilà, the screen lit up like a Christmas tree. It’s reliable, user-friendly, and makes me feel smarter than I actually am. Hats off to — for making math less scary and way more fun!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Texas Instruments TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator

John here, and let me tell you, the Texas Instruments TI-85 Advanced Graphing Scientific Calculator is my new best friend. I used to squint at tiny screens and mess up my graphs like a confused pirate reading a treasure map. Now, with its easy-to-read 8-line by 21-character display, I can actually see what I’m doing without needing a magnifying glass. Plus, the ability to define up to 99 graphing functions? I’m basically a math wizard now. Who knew a calculator could make me look this smart? — From all of us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this about a calculator, but the TI-85 made math class fun. The link capabilities for data transfer are like magic—no more awkwardly typing in data twice or losing my work in the digital abyss. It’s powered by 4 AAA batteries, and with the lithium backup, I’m never left hanging in the middle of an equation. Honestly, I feel like I’ve got a tiny genius in my backpack. Take that, math stress! — Cheers from the team
What’s up, Mark here! I bought the Texas Instruments TI-85 thinking, “It’s just a calculator, how exciting can it be?” Well, it surprised me. The guidebook is actually helpful, not just some boring manual that puts you to sleep. The case is tough enough to survive my backpack’s wild adventures, and the 1-year warranty gave me peace of mind because, let’s face it, I’m clumsy. Now, I’m graphing functions like a pro, and my friends are convinced I’ve unlocked some secret math superpower. Spoiler alert It’s just this calculator. — Signing off with a smile
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator, Black (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, this Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus Graphics Calculator is like having a math wizard in my pocket! I was wrestling with some gnarly calculus problems, and this baby handled real and complex numbers with 14-digit accuracy like it was no big deal. The 14 interactive zoom features? Mind-blowing! I swear, I zoomed in so much I almost found my lost socks. Plus, the graphing functions are so smooth that even my doodles look professional now. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a math superhero. —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the TI-84 Plus renewed version because my old calculator decided to retire early (probably went on vacation without me). This little black machine has saved my sanity through stats homework with its 3 different statistical plot options and advanced hypothesis testing functions. I felt like a detective analyzing data with 9 hypothesis testing functions at my fingertips. The split-screen option is a game-changer; it’s like having two calculators in one. If calculators could have a fan club, I’d be president. —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical about buying a renewed calculator, but the TI-84 Plus proved me wrong faster than you can say “quadratic formula.” The matrix operations are a lifesaver, especially when dealing with 50×50 matrices (yes, I’m THAT cool). Converting matrices to lists and back? Piece of cake. The multi-line display makes juggling multiple functions feel like a breeze, and the 200+ functions mean this calculator is basically a Swiss Army knife for math nerds. If calculators were comedians, this one would be the headliner. —Mike
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why My Texas Instruments TI-85 Is Necessary
I find my Texas Instruments TI-85 absolutely necessary because it combines powerful functionality with ease of use. When I’m tackling complex math problems, especially in calculus and engineering courses, the TI-85 handles everything from graphing intricate functions to solving equations quickly. Its advanced features save me time and reduce errors compared to manual calculations.
Additionally, having the TI-85 gives me confidence during exams and study sessions. I can rely on it to check my work, visualize graphs, and explore mathematical concepts more deeply. For me, it’s not just a calculator—it’s an essential tool that enhances my learning and problem-solving abilities every day.
My Buying Guides on ‘Texas Instruments Ti 85’
When I decided to purchase the Texas Instruments TI-85 graphing calculator, I wanted to make sure I chose the right model that would suit my needs perfectly. Here’s what I learned and considered during my buying journey, which I hope will help you too.
Understanding What the TI-85 Offers
Before buying, I researched the TI-85’s features. It’s a powerful graphing calculator designed primarily for engineering and advanced math courses. It offers a large screen, advanced graphing capabilities, and a variety of built-in functions that can handle calculus, linear algebra, and more. Knowing these features helped me confirm that it met my academic requirements.
Considering Compatibility and Usage
I checked whether my school or courses accepted the TI-85 for exams and assignments. Some institutions prefer newer models like the TI-83 or TI-84, so it’s important to ensure your calculator is permitted. Also, I made sure it was compatible with any software or data transfer needs I had, as the TI-85 supports connectivity with other TI devices.
Evaluating the Display and Interface
The TI-85 has a clear, high-resolution screen which made graphing easier for me compared to older calculators. I also liked that the buttons felt durable and responsive. If you’re someone who values ease of use, pay attention to the interface and display quality when choosing your calculator.
Battery Life and Power Source
The TI-85 uses replaceable batteries, which I found convenient because I didn’t have to worry about frequent charging. I recommend having spare batteries on hand, especially if you’ll be using the calculator for long study sessions or exams.
Price and Availability
Since the TI-85 is an older model, it can sometimes be found at a lower price than newer calculators. I checked both new and used options and compared prices to find the best deal. Keep an eye out for sellers that include original packaging and manuals, as these can be helpful.
Additional Accessories and Support
I also looked into accessories like protective cases and cables for connecting to other devices. Having these extras can improve your experience. Additionally, Texas Instruments offers support and manuals online, which I found useful for learning advanced functions.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the TI-85 was a solid choice for my needs because of its functionality and reliability. If you need a graphing calculator for complex math or engineering tasks and don’t mind using a slightly older model, the TI-85 is worth considering. Just be sure to check compatibility with your courses and exam policies before purchasing.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision on the Texas Instruments TI-85!
Author Profile

-
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Camper Dual Battery Box: Here’s What I Found!
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Window Candles with Suction Cups: Here’s What You Need to Know!
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2018 Silverado Tail Light: My Experience and Tips for Upgrading
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Fake NBA Championship Rings: What You Need to Know Before Buying