Mini 3 or Mini 3 +: which one should I choose? Or perhaps a Mini 2?

What does the Mini 3 (non +) have that the Mini 2 doesn’t?

Larger screen,
touchscreen (can be disabled, also operable via buttons only),
color display,
base map,
text input via touch possible,
various keyboards for text input,
satellite setting for “all + multiband”,
Garmin Share
IPX 67

What does the Mini 3+ have that the Mini 3 doesn’t?

send (via mess app)/receive photos/forward received pics via M3+
voice messages
voice notes
siren
text messages up to 1600 characters (Mini 3 (and Mini 2)  only up to 160)
more free memory

As an aside: 3 out of 4 consumer plans already include a number of photos/voice messages (10/25/50 per month), which you can’t use on a Mini 3 non plus (or a Mini 2).

Of course the current Mini 2 sale price ($/€ 249) is a really good offer. But for a more up to date device, I would go for a Mini 3+, especially because the price difference M3+ ($/€ 499)  :  M3 ($/€ 449) is only 50$/€ (side note: the M3+ comes within carabiner loop ($/€ 15), which even makes the difference less).

I have chosen the M3+, but that’s only my opinion. I have upgraded my Mini 2 and for me it is really a big step forward (but the Mini 2 is still a good device!). Perhaps this post helps someone. But people may see it different. This is only intended to be a possible aid in the decision-making process.

I haven’t mentioned Messenger/Messenger+ because the display is too small (my opinion) and for a comfortable use you will need the Messenger app/phone ( also my opinion). Mini2 and M3/M3+ are more useful for standalone use.

  • It looks like in some countries (like Netherlands, Germany, probably other EU countries as well?), Garmin doesn't even offer the inReach Mini 3, only the inReach Mini 3 Plus. For example in the Netherlands, there's only a inReach Mini 3 Plus product page on the Garmin website, with no option to switch between Plus and non-Plus version. So that may impact your buying decision as well.

    Other than that not much more too add. I guess it depends on how much money you're willing to pay and how you intend to use the device. The Mini 2 is a good deal right now, though...