The forthcoming Garmin inReach Mini 3 series has officially broken cover, not through a formal announcement, but via a surprising retail appearance. Following a brief period of speculation ignited by an accidental marketing email from Garmin, the new satellite communicators were recently discovered—and one unit was even purchased—at a local outdoor equipment store. Reddit user u/HMITCHR is credited with the initial finding, having unexpectedly located both the standard inReach Mini 3 and the more feature-rich inReach Mini 3 Plus while browsing for holiday discounts, providing the first hard evidence of their existence outside of internal leaks.
Key Specifications and Pricing Confirmed
The detailed retail sighting immediately validates several features previously only suspected from the initial marketing leak. The Reddit thread offers a clear breakdown of the two new models, their distinct capabilities, and their confirmed pricing structure, aligning with Garmin’s strategy for premium satellite communication devices.
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Standard Model: The inReach Mini 3 will be priced at $449.
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Premium Model: The inReach Mini 3 Plus will carry a $499 price tag.
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Media Messaging: A significant new feature for the Plus model is the ability to send and receive photo and audio messages, a capability previously seen only on the larger Garmin Messenger Plus device.
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Modern Connectivity: The devices will feature USB-C charging, finally bringing modern, reversible charging to the Mini series.
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Display: Both units boast a new color touchscreen, described by the initial purchaser as bright and responsive.
Design Overhaul and Rugged Build
The new Mini 3 series marks a noticeable departure in design from its predecessors, the Mini 1 and Mini 2. Based on the initial hands-on observations and the leaked imagery, Garmin has opted for a more substantial and robust construction, emphasizing durability for challenging outdoor environments.
The new units are described as noticeably thicker and heavier than the original Mini 1, with a taller, rectangular body that matches the dimensions visible in the prior marketing materials. The physical feel suggests a more rugged device overall. Furthermore, the antenna has been redesigned, now appearing chunkier and more durable, enhancing the overall rugged aesthetic that aligns with Garmin’s latest “Outdoors” product line colorways.
Advanced Features: Touchscreen UI and Mapping
Beyond the physical redesign, the inReach Mini 3 introduces high-end software features previously reserved for Garmin’s flagship multisport watches. The early inspection reveals that the new color touchscreen powers a user interface (UI) based on full-color tiles, reminiscent of the current Fenix 8-era design language.
Crucially, the purchaser’s comments confirm the presence of on-device maps. While the specific scope and detail of the preloaded maps remain unknown until the device is officially activated, their inclusion represents a major functional upgrade for the compact satellite communicator. The premium Mini 3 Plus model explicitly offers richer communication options:
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Mini 3: Standard satellite messaging, full touchscreen, and maps.
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Mini 3 Plus: All standard features, plus the addition of photo and audio messaging, pushing the Mini-class hardware into the realm of media communication.
With physical units already on retail shelves, fully packaged, and marketing assets in circulation, all signs point to an imminent official announcement from Garmin for the inReach Mini 3 family.
Also Read:Â Top Garmin Smartwatch Deals on Amazon This Black Friday ( Up to 50% OFF)
