People use calculators to help them solve math problems, especially the complicated ones. For students this tool is required in school and college as well and among them graphing calculators such as Casio FX-9860GII Vs FX-CG50 are very useful. They are helpful for algebraic equations, geometry and calculus, trigonometry and many more. These tools are not cheap as well so it is wise to consider what they can offer and what functionalities you will want them to have.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What are Graphing Calculators
- What are Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50
- How are the Design of Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50
- How are the Interface of Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50
- How are the Apps in Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50
- How are the Graphing Function with Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50
- Casio FX-9860GII Vs FX-CG50
Graphing Calculators
There are so many different types of calculators and not all of them are going to be useful in your type of application. All calculators will come with all the basic functions but a graphing calculator can do more. They are very useful for students and required in classes to help them learn and solve math problems. They are typically expensive as well which is why it is important to actually decide the best choice based on what they will be used for.
Graphing calculators can be as useful as typical calculators but they are more complicated to use. This is because there are lots more functions and buttons that may seem confusing yet they are necessary. The tool is different because they have an ability to show plotted graphs for complex equations including parabolas and other plotted results. They are more sophisticated in general when it comes to processing multiple equations and working on more complex calculations.
They were first available in the market for mass use in the 1980s replacing the basic calculators. Back then the calculators and adding machines used to have numeric keypads and buttons for addition, multiplication, subtraction, and division; they were working with numbers and fractions only. When the graphing calculators came, they added more functions like sine, cosine, tangent, and all of the basic functions from the earlier calculators. The tool soon began to be common tools for higher education when students have to learn about more complex mathematical problems.
In modern days, if you need a graphing calculator chances are it is because your teacher or professor said you will need one. It is easy to get confused among the number of options you can buy so if they can recommend one or two, it is best to get the calculator since they have the knowledge and experience about the subject. You can also check the College Board to see what models are approved for your SAT and AP exams.
| Casio FX-9860GII | FX-CG50 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 11 x 7.5 inches | 10.32 x 7.21 x 2.05 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 7.8 ounces | 12.8 ounces |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
Personally, for better experience we will recommend a graphing calculator with adequate screen size or display because it is annoying to look into a small screen and zooming in or out if you need it. The clarity is important as well and usually the entry-level options have it in black and white while if you can spend more the multi-color one will look better. In some variants such as the Casio FX-CG500 Vs HP Prime, the display can even show you the 3D model of the graph and colorful icons so the menu looks far more attractive.
About Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50
There are more than plenty to choose from when it comes to graphing calculators so it can be quite confusing but it is not impossible to find the one that meets your application the most. Just like any product, it is wise to think about what they can offer and what you will need them for. Not everyone will use all the features on $100+ graphing calculators but certainly some of us will. The more we pay the more features or capabilities coming from the unit.
For graphing calculators, fortunately there are only a few names that stand out from the rest. Yes you can buy from any company but most of the time people choose the options from these companies and they are usually Texas Instruments, Hp, and Casio. If you have been browsing around for a good graphing calculator, chances are many come from these names. More people using them also means more sources of learning and troubleshooting in case you meet one later during the application.
As it has been mentioned above, graphing calculators don’t have to be expensive as long as they are adequate for what you will use them for and there are many below $100 to consider such as Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50. Both of them are quite popular and affordable for what they can offer and while in general they are not up to the famous options such as the CG500, we do think many students will still be able to use them for long.
Many will probably think that FX-9860GII is a wiser choice and this can be depending on what you will need from the tool because in comparison adding just a few dollars to get the CG50 is a more attractive option. Both are similar yet not the same because between the Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50, your CG50 is the one that comes with more features and with just a little bit of fortune we are getting a color display. It may not be as important for some people but, this display is much better in application.
Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 Design
As you can see, the difference between these models are pretty obvious and the advantage of having a wide screen or better resolution is that you can read them easier later because there is only so much a black and white display can offer in FX-9860GII. The shapes of these calculators are not the same as well but having a slimmer torso is probably more ideal for handheld application. The layouts for button arrangements are pretty similar however with FX-9860GII being larger.
Just like many other Casio’s higher-end calculators, the Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 have ports to let you connect them to the computer or Casio Data Projector. You can connect them to each other as well using SB-62 cable. Similarly, they are powered with batteries so you will need to prepare 4 AAA alkaline batteries to make them work; they will last for a very long time. Usually you get the batteries too when buying the unit, though they may not always be in great condition.
Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 Interface
Now for the most important part, let’s see what the Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 can offer. When asked where these two are among Casio’s graphing calculators, they are probably in the middle; not quite an entry level but definitely not the most capable as well. They actually come with the same basic functions and are perfect for high school students. None of them have CAS so you probably will need something more expensive years later but it also makes them simpler and straightforward.
We love the menu of these calculators and FX-CG50 is just more fun to see because it has not only a better resolution but is also colorful. The setup is very much the same and if you have used Casio graphing calculators before, they will be very familiar as well. They are easy to use and arranged logically, for example when you need to graph just insert your equations, and then press draw. We are not a fan of their small menus however especially on FX-9860GII that are difficult to read.
Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 Apps
For the apps, both Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 have all the basics that you will need but as expected the CG50 is also going to come with more and this calculator has a total of 21 apps in the menu while the former has 17 of them. Depending on what you will want to use, we can just find them in the menu. For example both have this Equation app which is very useful when you need to solve simultaneous equations, solving algebra equations, or finding zeros of a polynomial.
They have the financial app as well when you need to work on something like home finance and we also like this function because there are lots of built-in features that make the process more convenient. What’s lacking on the FXP9860GII is mostly related to science so this calculator doesn’t have a unit converter, periodic table, etc.
Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 Graphing
Lastly, since Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 are graphing calculators, let’s see the graphing ability as well but to sum it up while the two are equally capable to graph. The problem with FX-9860GII is that the display can be difficult to read for the low resolution itself, especially when you have more than one function graphed together. Additionally, due to the limitation of this screen, we can’t do 3D graphs on the calculator while this function is present on FX-CG50.
Casio FX-9860GII Vs FX-CG50
Both Casio FX-9860GII and FX-CG50 are very capable calculators for all basic use and they are also user friendly with a straightforward menu. However, in comparison the FX-9860GII is not as sophisticated because of the display limitation that makes some functions harder to read or graphs that are more difficult to see into the details. It also doesn’t carry as many apps as the CG50, and the lack of 3D graphing may be necessary for some.
Conclusion
NOTE : Product prices, availability, ratings and save money information are accurate as of the date/time indicated on post time (as seen right bellow the post) and are subject to change. Any price, availability and save money information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The choice is all yours since it is wise to get the one that meets the application the most but with a little price gap we do recommend getting the FX-CG50 because it is similarly affordable and comes with a much better screen for better experience.