Buying guide
Buying a TI-84: What Actually Matters
Calculators are a rare purchase where the cheapest working option is often the smartest one. These guides cover how the models differ, what to inspect on a second-hand unit, which accessories survive a school year, and how to keep a calculator running for four years of maths.
How we write buying guides: we do not publish fake star ratings or invented “hands-on” verdicts. Recommendations here are based on documented specifications, exam requirements and the failure points students report most often. Some links are affiliate links — see our affiliate disclosure.
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Buying questions
Is a refurbished TI-84 worth buying?
It can be, if you buy from a seller that states the unit is tested and working and offers a return window. Refurbished TI-84 Plus units typically cost noticeably less than new ones and perform the same functions; the main risks are a worn screen, weak battery contacts, or a missing USB cable. See our refurbished buying guide for the exact checks to perform in the first five minutes after it arrives.
How long does a TI-84 battery last?
A TI-84 Plus runs on four AAA alkaline batteries and usually lasts several months of normal classroom use; the backup lithium cell behind the battery cover lasts years and only protects memory when the main batteries are removed. A TI-84 Plus CE has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that typically holds a charge for many hours of use. Heavy graphing, long programming sessions and leaving the unit on all day shorten both figures.
What is the difference between the TI-84 Plus and the TI-84 Plus CE?
The TI-84 Plus is the older, thicker model with a monochrome screen, four AAA batteries and a 96×64 pixel display. The TI-84 Plus CE is slimmer, has a bright backlit colour screen, a rechargeable battery and a faster processor, and it supports more memory for apps and programs. Both are accepted on the same exams. The Plus CE is generally the better buy if you are purchasing new.
Which accessories are actually worth buying for a TI-84?
Practical additions are a spare set of AAA batteries or the charging cable for the CE, a screen protector, a hard case, and a unit-to-unit link cable if you share programs. A USB computer cable matters only if you plan to transfer files. Beyond those, most accessories are cosmetic, so spend on a case and screen protection before anything else.