Communication: Inreach Mini 3 Plus, Garmin's satellite emergency transmitter with touchscreen and voice messages

With the inReach Mini 3 Plus, Garmin is updating its Mini series after three years. Compared to the inReach Mini 2which still had a small black and white display and button operation, the new model has a 1.88-inch colour touchscreen with a resolution of 306 x 230 pixels as well as built-in speakers and microphones. Garmin has now also integrated the inReach technology into smartwatches such as the Fenix 8 Prowhich also offers satellite communication and SOS functions. Unlike dedicated satellite phones for sailors, the communicator focusses on text messages, voice recordings and emergency calls - but dispenses with traditional telephone calls.

Voice messages and photo sharing as new features

The most important new feature of the inReach Mini 3 Plus is the ability to record voice messages and send them via the satellite network. The recordings can be up to 30 seconds long and are automatically converted to text if the recipient is unable to play back the audio file. Photos can also be sent from the smartphone via the Mini 3 Plus using the linked Garmin Messenger app. Received images can be displayed directly on the communicator's colour display.

For the first time, the touchscreen display allows text messages to be entered directly on the device itself - up to 1,600 characters, including emojis and reactions. Group chats are supported. Alternatively, the device can still be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth and operated via the Garmin Messenger app or the Garmin Explore app. The latter offers additional navigation functions with map material.

Emergency call function with Garmin response centre

In an emergency, the inReach Mini 3 Plus triggers an interactive SOS emergency call to the Garmin response centre, which is manned around the clock, at the touch of a button. The emergency coordinators can communicate bidirectionally with the user, contact stored emergency contacts and coordinate search and rescue measures with the relevant authorities. Photos and voice messages can also be transmitted during an SOS emergency call to provide the coordinators with details of the emergency situation. According to the manufacturer, the Garmin Response Team has supported more than 18,000 rescue operations in over 150 countries on all seven continents in almost two decades.

An integrated siren should also help to draw attention to the device. The position data is determined using GPS, Glonass and Galileo. The LiveTrack function allows friends and family to track your location in real time, including information on distance travelled, time elapsed and altitude.

Around 14 days battery life

The housing is protected against water and dust in accordance with IP67 and weighs 125 grams. Garmin promises a battery life of up to 330 hours in ten-minute tracking mode and 95 hours in performance mode. With light use, the manufacturer claims a runtime of 14 days. The device works exclusively via the Iridium satellite network, which offers worldwide coverage including the polar regions.

An active satellite subscription is required for use. According to Garmin, tariffs start at around ten euros per month. Preset standard messages can be sent without using up the monthly message quota.

Slimmed-down version available

Alongside the Mini 3 Plus, Garmin is also launching the inReach Mini 3 (without the "Plus"), which is available for 450 euros. This version does away with voice messages and photo functions, but retains the colour touchscreen, the SOS function, LiveTrack and the standard text messaging function.

Technical data:

• Display: 1.88 inch colour touchscreen, 306 x 230 pixels
• Satellite network: Iridium (worldwide coverage)
• Text messages: up to 1,600 characters
• Voice messages: up to 30 seconds
• Language transcription: automatic
• Photo sharing: via Garmin messenger app
• SOS emergency call: bidirectional with Garmin Response
• Battery life: Tracking mode: up to 330 h, Performance mode: up to 95 h, Light use: up to 14 days
• inReach Mini 3 Plus: 500 euros
• inReach Mini 3: 450 Euro

Alternative satellite communicators:

• Bivy Stick - https://bivystick.com
• Zoleo Messenger - https://www.zoleo.com
• ACR Bivy Stick - https://www.acrartex.com

More articles on this topic:

• Practical test: 4 satellite messengers that send signs of life
• Communication on board: Five satellite phones for sailors
• Inreach Mini 2: Satellite emergency transmitter with up to 30 days of battery life
• Fenix 8 Pro: Garmin launches smartwatch with satellite communication
• Emergency transmitters: triggering, searching and finding alarms - a system overview