Casio fx-85GTX Scientific Calculator, Black

This calculator, released in January 2019, is Casio's replacement for the fx 85 GT Plus, which has been the most popular calculator for GCSE Maths in the UK for some years. The new version has many similarities to the old, including its overall size and most functionality. The differences are (1) the carbon fibre look of the front, (2) an improved, larger and higher resolution display, (3) a faster processor, (4) 14 more functions, mostly statistics-related, and (5) tweaks to the configuration options including menus. It is still powered by the combination of a solar cell and a 2032 battery.Casio has also released the similar, and generally slightly cheaper, fx-83 GTX calculator, which differs only in that it has no solar panel, and uses 2 AA batteries. All the other functionality is identical, so this review can be considered to cover that calculator too.Note that this calculator is *not* suitable for A level Maths, which now requires some additional statistics functions in a calculator. Get the Casio fx-991EX or a graphics calculator for A level Maths. The fx-95 GTX is still fine for A level science subjects requiring a calculator. At university level, it's hard to generalise, but this calculator can be recommended for many courses that require one.What is the competition like? Casio's own fx-991EX has a number of additional functions and is suitable for A level Maths too (as mentioned above) and is allowed by all the exam boards for GCSE, although not all schools seem to have got the memo on this. The other mainstream manufacturers of suitable calculators for GCSE are Sharp and Texas Instruments, each of which have various decent models. While I love my HP calculators, they are not very competitive in this particular market. You probably do not want to buy a GCSE scientific calculator from anybody other than the first 3 manufacturers listed: there are very basic, even cheaper, scientific calculators around which are almost invariably a false economy.Casio dominates the GCSE calculator market with good reason. They produce robust cheap calculators with just the right level of functionality. I can see no reason why this new model wouldn't be the new best seller.In summary, if you already have a Casio fx-85GT Plus (or fx-83GT Plus) there's no urgent need to upgrade to this new one. But if you are buying a calculator for GCSE Maths for the first time, or replacing a lost one, this is the safe choice, and will be absolutely ubiquitous before long.

The son loves the calculator

Ideal for a teenager coming up to year 9 mathematics.Well priced.

My son had a private tutor this has been a great tool in preparation for maths and science exams.Has all the scientific needs and is very robust. Great bit of kit and great value for money

It's easy to use and is recommended by my daughter's school. These calculators are accepted in British exams that permit use of a calculator. It's light, which is important in a school bag. The range of functions is excellent. It can work with fractions directly. The solar cell should reduce spending on batteries. My only criticism is that the cover is removeable, which means it will probably be lost within about a week !

Lovely calculator at a reasonable price for £10.

very pleased to buy this calculator.

If you're thinking about buying this calculator then get it. It's a great piece of instrument for either in the classroom or out in the field doing complicated measurements and solving formulas such as in my work as an engineer. There is no doubt it can be daunting to operate and so many options and menus that you probably won't need half of them, but it great they are there just in case at this purchase price. It comes with an in-depth reader manual to help you get the best out of the device. You won't regret buying one.