Was looking for a satellite messenger and PLB and came across this. Would have probably preferred the mini 2 but this is a lot cheaper.
Garmin inReach Explorer+ $399 (Was $769) Shipped @ Garmin
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LTrippelsewe on 13/01/2024 - 19:19 garmin.com (2962 clicks)
Last edited 13/01/2024 - 19:36 by 1 other user
Last edited 13/01/2024 - 19:36 by 1 other user
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Out of coverage sat service seems like becoming norm coming years so just wait a few years?
The subscription plans are expensive but you can just pay for 30 days at a time if you're only going remote a couple of times a year.
I did look at this style of device a while back but in the end I went with a standard PLB as it fitted my main need and has no subscription costs.
It does look quite good as a map capable GPS though and I'm almost tempted to get it for that alone.
I’ve got a normal PLB which at least can give me peace of mind in grave danger but would be nice to have one or two way satellite messaging with home due to family. But it’s good the plb doesn’t have subscription fees.
Still a few years away but spacex is working on satellite texting for black spots https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-satellites-direct-to-c…
Im using an ocean signal rescueme plb1 https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/ocean-signal-rescueme-… they’re about $369 but it’s waterproof and floats.
Satellite texting is already here with a product developed in the UK by Bullitt and made by Lenovo/Moto https://bullitt-group.com/motorola-defy-satellite-link-unvei…
It's on sale elsewhere but I've not seen it in Australia.
@Arronaj: Well it's not established as yet, so it's not possible to compare with the Iridium satellite network (which has great coverage, but isn't perfect). But if it's an affordable service that can be accessed with mobile phones that everyone already carries, then it will shake up the satellite based messaging options that currently exist. It won't replace PLSs but I know that if I was heading on a remote bikepacking trip, I'd rather take my existing phone and a PLB and not worry about a dedicated SMS device that I'd rarely use.
@zappy32: Similar technology, but aimed at a different market. Looks massively cheaper too (purchase and subscription) https://motorolarugged.com/en-gb/
@syswong: Skylo - https://spacenews.com/skylo-prepares-to-scale-network/
Their coverage isn't as great as others, but they partner with Inmarsat and others and the coverage is increasing.
I cannot stress enough that when you refer to "the plb", you should know this device isn't a PLB in any concievable way, shape, or form. See my other comment for further info.
Apple include emergency satellite signalling with new iPhones, but I think they plan on charging a subscription for it later. Suppose you'd want to carry an emergency battery charger if relying on iPhone for that, and a tough case so you don't smash the screen.
Costs for in-reach subscription are almost identical to Zoleo.
Can vouch for zoleo but you can only suspend it for $7.95 a month whilst you arent using it so agreed it can be costly but we use ours for work.
Or for leave the world behind bro.
Not the intent of this thing. You do you, but people have valid reasons for using these.
Usually these are for use in case of emergency like a PLB. E.g. you are out in the bush and a snake bites you and you need to call for an airlift
What's the direct phone number for the pilot that you use?
I dunno, I just pick a fight with randoms, you?
@Trippelsewe why do you say you prefer the mini 2?
I'm currently looking at this or the mini 2 and a PLB as well!
The inReach Mini 2 can last about 3 times longer than the Explorer+ because Garmin used a new chipset in the Mini 2 that uses much less power and requires less frequent charging, even when you use power-hungry functions like 10-minute or 30-minute tracking.
The Mini 2 has access to four GPS Satellite Networks, while the Explorer+ can only access one. This results in much faster GPS position acquisition and fewer ‘battery burning” attempts to find a signal. I’ve waited upwards of 15 minutes for a preset checkin message to be sent because the Explorer+ couldn’t acquire its GPS location to attach to the message. Sometimes it never gets a GPS signal even when I can get a cellphone message out.
Serious question. Why not, if you have a new iPhone, use their Satellite SOS function. Unless the service isnt operating in Australia yet?
-You're not in Australia?
-Your phone is flat?
-You don't trust it and want something proven and reliable.
- Iphone requires clear view of the sky and horizon, you may be injured in a forest, canyon ect. A satellite communicator has a stronger chance of working.
- Satellite messaging device allows you to send SMS messages and e-mails to anyone — not just the local emergency response service.
@Arturo88: iPhone SOS system is using Globalstar satellite system, which is totally on par with Iridium. In fact hikingguy.com did a comprehensive test of various satcoms and iPhone did pretty well (it's on youtube if you're interested).
Satellite messaging device allows you to send SMS messages and e-mails to anyone
How often do you need to do that? Also it's not a free service.
@corvusman: Absolutely not on par, that’s a ridiculous assertion, acquisition and reliability itself makes it clearly superior.
On the how often do you need to do that question, that’s up to you. If i’m hiking overnight I like to check in and let people know I’m okay, what my plans are ect.
If you’re in the regions or break down on the highway you’ll be fine with the satellite on your iphone. But anything else where your safety and wellbeing matters to you, you’ll invest in a sat communicator for the peace of mind reliability and effectiveness.
@Arturo88: Field tests show that iPhone SOS messaging is as reliable as other popular sat communicators. Here is one I was referring to earlier: https://youtu.be/_2uVDDmLTqY?si=8p9UqGIyeAGeFrWv
Can you share any tests/researches that show the opposite?
On the how often do you need to do that question, that’s up to you.
I know. Used Zoleo for about a year, cancelled and moved to a PLB, simply because there was no need to message people that often. They have now a medical support chat which is an interesting feature and I'm contemplating to get back to Zoleo just because of that, but for now happy with just my GME. So yeah, to each its own.
@corvusman: The easiest decider is the use case then right,
If you’re on a two hour hike the phone will be fine, people know where you are anyway and it will simply be an extra help. Going overnight, I wouldnt trust the iphones ruggedness, battery and reliability to connect to a satellite and potentially save my life.
How effective the iphone is at connecting to the sat isn’t a factor because, if you’re in a situation where you need a plb or sat communicator, you’re simply not going to rely on the iphone for the above mentioned reasons.
@Arturo88: 🤷♂️
to each its own. As I said, I do carry a PLB, however, don't think iPhone SOS feature is a joke and is unreliable.
@Arturo88: Anything more complicated than pressing a button is problematic in certain emergencies so as I said elsewhere it's ultimately down to users to decide how much risk they want to embrace.
Boating rules
Why not, if you have a new iPhone, use their Satellite SOS function. Unless the service isnt operating in Australia yet?
The iPhone's Satellite SOS function is limited to contacting emergency services and manual location sending only.
An inReach device lets you do two-way messaging with anyone via SMS or email, get weather reports, and lay down a breadcrumb trail in addition to contacting emergency services. That means you can send messages to another hiking group on the trail, or if you're delayed due to weather or something you can inform your contacts so they don't send out a search party. The breadcrumb tail lets people know your last-known location so if you don't check in as you're injured (or dead), they would know where to start searching.
The inReach battery also lasts far longer than a phone, and if you slipped and fell or dropped your phone screen-down and cracked the touchscreen, you're stuffed. The inReach screen is tougher and you control it with the physical buttons.
They're just different devices for different target markets. It's probably similar to phone cameras and DSLR/mirrorless cameras - both of them can take photos but some situations require a more purpose-built device.
@eug: yep.. The advantage of these (mini 2 or explorer) over PLB or emergency iPhone etc is where you need to contact someone, perhaps for help, but it's not a total life & death emergency. You can carry out a text conversation to figure out a plan. I got one for someone who would be reluctant to make a full emergency call in some cases but might still need a hand..
This is a satellite communicator, Iphone's SOS system is just that.
Think of them as pagers in the bush. They have recreational purposes as much as SOS purposes. For example, you can share your location with your family at home, and you can set that to be automated (though that can become very expensive).
Even in SOS situations, you can use these to talk to the SAR team.
@Wonderfool: Have you use a satellite communicator before? Or the iPhone Satellite services? If you haven't, at least have s look at a few of the hundreds videos on youtube about these device.
The two is not the same and the only common part is the both communicate via satellite.
For example, iPhone share location need clear view if not line of sight to the satellite, and manually initiate a location share. inReach (and zoleo) can automatically send your location in set interval. Hence device like InReach is also call Satellite tracker.
Another key feature is InReach / Zoleo SOS does not require you to hold up your phone and find the satellite. Oress a button and technically emergency services will be able to find you.I don't hike myself but my wife do a lot. When she look at the iPhone solution it is a immediate no from her. Key point from her is when you hike you have to 100% focus on the track, you have no time to worry about battery, signal, and manual operation amd these are all issue with iPhone when use as Satellite tracker.
Sounds like you have two way text with SOS providers so its an option, but i certainly wouldn't be putting my faith in such a function vs a dedicated unit like In-reach or Zoleo. Depends what you're doing really. The benefit of in-reach, Zoleo etc…is that you can actually use it to communicate as a text messaging function so you can talk to people outside of emergencies during a trip.
Imagine a trip where someone is a bit sick, do you hit the Satellite emergency on the iphone or do you wait a bit to see if they improve. In-reach/Zoleo would probably let you talk to someone and get advice - maybe its not as bad as it sounds, or do you just hit the apple SOS function and "get to da chawpah".
It works, and is totally reliable. The upside: it's free. The downside: it's tied to your phone, so no charge - no SOS.
The major downside: it's not a PLB, in fact none of the so-called satellite communicators are.@corvusman: Apple's SOS is NOT supported Globally, can't be used wet, extremely limited battery life. instant reliability failure. It only does SOS and Find My App and sits behind a $2000 paywall. Are you Apple marketing?
latest firmware and all?
Thanks for the excellent summary. Seems like the mini 2 is the one to get then!
Mini 2 has faster satellite acquisition from what I understand.
I reckon this is something to do with latest starlink news this week.
https://au.pcmag.com/networking/103407/spacexs-cellular-star…As the starlink-directed-phone connection has been successful and thus its feasibility has been proved, in the next one year or two, a wide built-in satellite connectivity 4G/5G phone chips would be widely adopted. (Even at this moment, latest Apple Huawei and Honor has been selling tens of thousands satellite supported phone per month, not to mention Xiaomi and Oppo are all planning their own satellite phone)
The stock clearance sale is apparently a step towards a gradual shift from dedicated satellite communication device to a more widely easy access within everyone's phones.
You are probably correct. Optus will have plans later this year that will allow users to send/receive SMS anywhere in Australia using Space X satellites. Voice and data will be available using the same system next year. This will make current satellite communicators obsolete as most people already have a mobile phone that will be compatible with the service.
Epirbs and PLBs will still have a market though because of their guaranteed reliability and 7(ish) year battery life. They'll also remain a requirement for marine use.
Unlikely related, it's an old model that's a relic from when Garmin bought inReach. Just clearing old stock.
The Starlink and phone services target a different user than Garmin.
Nah, it's been on sale for quite some time now. Was $440 in Nov.
It's an old model, which is superseded and is replaced with GPSMAP 6X series.
Starlink Mini is coming out in a few months. Light and small dish/usb power, that you can fold up and carry in your backpack.
Leave civilisation behind with a 150Mbps Plan B in your backpack :)
Fit in a backpack, it is the size of a backpack. It isn't portable unfortunately. It may be transported to camp, but would not be taken on hikes ect.
source?
this will be really cool when it comes out!
I regret buying mine the coverage is so terrible…
I am not even that remote, NSW coast regions and can't hold enough signal to even send the test message most of the time. Wouldn't trust it in an emergency.
What is the environment like where you're testing it? Any obstructions?
Mine worked perfectly on the Gibb River Road/the Kimberley when i went from Broome to Darwin
Is this ised as a uhf aswell if so is it 5w and better than lets say gme tx6600s
No it doesn't work as a 2-way radio. The Garmin Rino series do, but they don't have the satellite functionality.
An iridium satellite phone using your telstra 4g or 5g post paid sim (swapped out of your normal phone) is way cheaper and you can have a 2 way conversation with the emergency services operator. Eliminates any confusion and will get you the response you need in the shortest possible time. I know because that a how the RFDS found me and could update me on the situation as I could them.
Still the inreach is way way better than nothing.An iridium satellite phone using your telstra 4g or 5g post paid sim (swapped out of your normal phone) is way cheaper and you can have a 2 way conversation with the emergency services operator.
That has changed; it used to work with the old Siebel billing system but it no longer works with the new Console system.
BTW you don't need a SIM to call 000. They won't be able to call you back of course.
A Pivotel plan with a Thuraya phone is the most cost-effective way to get voice satellite comms atm.
And you ain't getting one for $400, I believe?
A Thuraya phone? You can buy them used for $400-700 depending on model and your luck.
@eug: Thuraya is different network to Iridium and in Australia it has limited range. When you are shopping for a device for emergency, price should not be the first selection criteria.
Thuraya is different network to Iridium and in Australia it has limited range.
The whole of Australia is covered.
The North and South poles and some countries like Greenland, Brazil, Botswana, and Brazil are not. If you're traveling to those locations and need satphone coverage you would of course have done your research beforehand.
@eug: Covered doesn't mean its usable, my place has Telstra 5G coverage but all tower is more than 3 Km away, one of the "few" urban area that Telstra is garbage.
Same as Thuraya, if you ready about user review online, it is not very reliable in Australia when compare to iridium. If in Australia and want to save money, maybe get a Global Star phone but it is also patchy, I have use SPOT X before so I know.
Same as Thuraya, if you ready about user review online, it is not very reliable in Australia when compare to iridium.
I have both Thuraya and Iridium (and Inmarsat) and Thuraya works fine, even down in Tasmania. It's easier to get a fix with Iridium but it's more prone to dropped calls if you're not in an open area as the satellites are constantly moving. Iridium call quality is poorer compared to Thuraya too, although they're all pretty poor compared to terrestrial networks.
If in Australia and want to save money, maybe get a Global Star phone but it is also patchy, I have use SPOT X before so I know.
Globalstar does not support voice in Australia; only data. They also have the poorest coverage compared to both Iridium and Thuraya, and their phones are incredibly old designs. I would never recommend Globalstar over any of the other networks, especially since Globalstar has abandoned voice.
I keep hearing that but it worked for me last year. I have a dedicated 4g sim for it though. Costs 40 a month but still cheap in the big scheme of things.
Valid point made when you said you dont need a sim. Thats how a mate does it.
Ok you made me try a call. Just rang my mobile and it worked fine. Maybe im still on the old billing system.
How much heavier is that and how long does the battery last?
A satellite tracker can last the whole hike without needing a recharge and only weight 100g (the heaviest one being SPOTX Messenger).
Again it is for two very different purpose, just both using satellite communication.
I charge the sat phone once a year. It holds charge really well. The most I've used it is for 10 minutes and the charge level didn't change. At $5 a minute in and out it's just for emergencies.
The size is about a can of coke or 2 to 3 modern smart phones. For hiking an inreach tracker plb would be better. For remote bike rides or just having in the car if you live in a remote area then the sat phone wins hands down.
I now have both thanks to the original poster.With a car is totally different situation. All through out I am referring to situation without vehicle and resources limited to the the backpack you carry (ok may may also a solar charging panel).
With car you have power sources, have space for gear and you are not physically exposing to nature. I would say in such situation a car tracker plus iPhone with satellite is enough.
With car you have power sources, have space for gear and you are not physically exposing to nature. I would say in such situation a car tracker plus iPhone with satellite is enough.
I think a tracker is more useful for hikers rather than cars as hikers are a lot more difficult to spot from a distance than cars. Cars will also tend to stick to known paths which makes searches easier while hikers can be anywhere - even a single tree can hide them from rescuers.
With a car you're more likely to experience a breakdown or get bogged rather than be incapacitated.
It's not an emergency as you should have supplies to last a while, so you can call for assistance with a satphone. You could use a tracker to send messages to your contacts to ask them to call for assistance, but that's a lot more roundabout than being able to simply talk directly to the right people.A tracker like this inReach can do everything the iPhone can do and more, so IMHO the iPhone is pointless. It'd make much more sense for the second device to be a PLB for real emergencies.
How much heavier is that and how long does the battery last?
A Thuraya XT Lite is 186g and is a little more compact than this inReach Explorer+ which weighs 213g. You only turn it on when you need to make an emergency call so battery life isn't a problem.
As you say, they both serve different purposes. Which one is better really depends on what you want it to do.
It needs to be made clear these are absolutely not emergency beacons aka PLB's, as suggested in the title.
They do not broadcast on the monitored PLB frequencies, will not be picked up by the relevant authorities and can not broadcast a signal to help nearby land or air assets home in on your position.
They are a satellite messenger, and the way they "call for help" is for Garmin to send messages to the relevant centre on your behalf. You're putting a 3rd party, and less reliable satellite coverage in between you and the relevant services in a life or death setting, and their service has failed (never mind coverage being spotty, less able to penetrate foilage, get out of canyons, etc). Actually I think it might even be a 4th party, ie, not garmin directly doing it.
Anyone with a need for such should get both a satellite messenger and an actual emergency beacon.
I'm not sure that PLB signal is going directly to any local authorities. Both PLBs and Satcoms send the signal to Mission control centers via satellite systems, who in turn pass the info to local Rescue coordination centers, who activate Search & Rescue operations.
You can argue that Cospas-Sarsat system is more reliable than Iridium, but in real life coverage & reliability is about the same.
Both PLB & Satcoms broadcast your position with regular intervals, once every minute for a first 10 mins, once every 10 min after that.
However there are two big real differences here (very important ones). First is the transmission power. I believe most of PLBs do 5 watt signal, while Inreach mini does 1.6. However Garmin Inreach Messenger does 3.9 which is a much stronger signal. Second, is the certification. According to Aus standards, PLBs need to float, be equipped with a long time battery and be able reliably broadcast signal for 24 hours minimum. Satellite communicators, on the other hand can do whatever they want as long as they are not called PLBs.
Does this mean that they are rubbish? Not really.
Do you have to have a proper PLB while working/hiking in remote areas? Not really, having a satcom with SOS feature is an absolutely sensible choice.
Do you want an extra guarantee? If yes, than get a PLB
Do you mind paying for additional convenience of messaging, weather reports & other perks? If no, get a Satcom, you'll be fine.but in real life coverage & reliability is about the same.
This is patently untrue, sorry. Not the least of which because of the transmission power, by your own admission.
Do you have case studies or papers to share?
but in real life coverage & reliability is about the same.
This is patently untrue, sorry. Not the least of which because of the transmission power, by your own admission.
You're also completely ignoring the localiser/beacon functionality. SAR teams on foot/vehicle/aircraft cannot home in on your inreach. They can on a plb.
@Ademos: The localiser/beacon feature is only available if PLB has a homing 121.5 Mhz transmitter. If I'm not mistaken, one of the most popular models in Aus - Arc Resqlink doesn't have it.
@corvusman: You are mistaken, the Arc Resqlink does have it.
https://www.acrartex.com/products/resqlink-plb-375/
With three levels of integrated signal technology – GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability – the ResQLink PLB quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of search and rescue satellites. A built-in strobe light provides visibility during night rescues.
The new version also has an infra-red strobe. Neat.
Even their smaller "RESCUEME PLB1" that I see a lot of the moto/camping crew with have this. https://www.acrartex.com/products/rescueme-plb1/
I used spot for a remote trip over months and never again, I use a PLB now. If you need it then you want it to work, none of the flakey satellite stuff.
For emergencies, just a heads-up the latest two generations of iPhones have this feature:
Use Emergency SOS via satellite on your iPhone
With iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Pro, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to text emergency services when you're off the grid with no mobile and Wi-Fi coverage.
Thanks @eug! Missed that comment. I've found friends aren't aware of the feature, so glad people are talking about it in case they ever need it for an emergency outside of a mobile coverage area.
Which satellite does iPhone use for this? Something to note, Apple only provide it free for two years. Not sure pricing or what happens after that.
SPOT use the same network, when I test before giving it to my wife to use, took the SPOT X a minute to lock the satellite. Never use that again. Don't fool by the coverage, it is way behind iridium.
I have a similar SPOT device that I have had for many years. I have it as I do 4x4 trips into areas with no mobile coverage . Also my partner who is an ecologist takes it with her when she is doing field work in remote areas. A very important feature for me is the regular tracking where it automatically sends your position every 10 minutes or so . This enables others to keep track of where you are when you are in a remote area. Does Garmin in reach have this sort of facility ?
InReach Mini and Mini 2 does exactly the same as SPOT. As other mentioned Mini 2 is the best and has improved antenna design but it only works with iridium. SPOT runs on Global Star.
Spot is probably the worst performer between sat communicators, BTW.
Has a history of sending wrong location data, the most famous case was death of Kate Matrosova: https://www.catskillmountaineer.com/reviews-winterhikingKM.h…
for those who keep mentioning use iPhone as Satellite communication, I can't stress enough that may be it is ok for a casual solution and when others traveling with you. It is however 100% not suitable as a dedicated SOS device. I don't know what people are thinking? Some YouTuber even start post video with the upcoming Space X upgrade and start calling InReach useless, which is irresponsible and dangerous when viewers are looking for life saving advice.
Take a look at this video which gives you a detail breakdown on the difference between the two
https://youtu.be/rZcpthsNTVY?si=5gJ9DU719qYXK4k-
I do have to say the price tag of the subscription is expensive (hence I have not buy one for long term yet). unfortunately iridium has a monopoly in this when you factor in reliability and it is not going to change soon. If you are shopping for casual use then maybe worthy to look around but if the primary goal is for tracking, safety and emergency, I don't think there is anything better than InReach 2 for now.
Satphone. If I'm bush and get bitten by a snake I need to let rescue know I'm not just stuck with a vehicle breakdown or sprained ankle.
Satellite phone at it current state is classed as to heavy and bulky by hikers. Also InReach and most other communicator, you can send message to rescue network.
I am not sure if the satellite services in iPhone can do voice, if it can then may be keep that as a backup for situation that you really need to talk. It still cannot replace InReach for what its does due to its antenna design and power consumption.
I agree with you re size for hiking. However if you are in a group where you share the load then having a sat phone wouldn't be an issue. If you are by yourself I'd probably leave it at home as long as my inreach had a current subscription.
The sat phone is definately the cheapest and best solution as it is free (except for calls) once purchased (about $400) but you do need to be with telstra for your 4/5g.
Do you hike and tried to convince a team mate to carry the load of a satellite phone? Everyone packs in different style / priority. I look at my wife's different teams pack, no one ever will prioritise a satellite phone.
Also (again) it does not replay the function of InReach. You can't hang an iridium phone on your backpack and let it broadcast your location, you battery will be gone in a day.
Like my reply above, i a car yes, hiking (and camping), I don't think so.
@syswong: So if you are on a 20 person club hike you take 20 first aid kits? Hiking must have changed a lot recently.
@feisty: No I never say that but i have come over half a dozen hiking groups my wife is in. Somehow there is at least one person has a PLB or a sate communicator, but I have never seen them carry a satellite phone. Only once her friend has that satellite attachment (not sure what it is call) that turn your phone into a satellite phone. That time they were in a caravan, so total different situation.
Their briefing is always a pair sharing the load of a tent, then who carry water and who carries food. Add clothes, accessories and bits and bots, can't blame her not even willing to carry a 20000mah power bank and you expect them to carry a sate phone? At least the hiking people I come across all think like that.
Also the costing just make it not a financially sound solution for most people.
https://www.pivotel.com.au/products-iridium-extreme.html
Modern satellite phones are neither bulky nor heavy - about the size of a medium TV remote and weigh around 300g with battery. While we each choose what we consider essentials according to our tolerance for risk, virtually everyone is capable of carrying that on a hike along with other "essentials". Utility and cost are the primary reasons sat phones aren't common among walkers. For experienced bushwlkers, a PLB is more than adequate for the vast majority of hiking needs
Satellite phone at it current state is classed as to heavy and bulky by hikers.
This inReach Explorer+ weighs 213g, a Thuraya XT Lite weighs 186g, an Iridium 9555 weighs 286g. The Thuraya is lighter and the Iridium isn't much more.
An inReach Mini 2 weighs 100g. After you type out your first text message with the tiny buttons you'll wish you bought the bigger one. :) (You can link it to your phone to type out messages so it's not that bad, it just another thing to keep charged)
Garmin maps can be downloaded to your phone then the garmin bluetooth connects and sends a position to your phone and map, you can also text via connection to the phone, a couple of very handy features beyond just messaging the mapping is very detailed
For the cost of the subscription required to use this you may as well look at a proper satellite phone
https://www.pivotel.com.au/plans-thuraya-satellite-phone-pla…
Legacy Telstra plans also allowed global roaming into the Iridium network so you can buy an Iridium phone and use your existing Sim (or add to the Garmin if is takes a Sim card)
They're really for different uses. This provides features that satphones don't, while satphones let you talk via voice which these devices can't do. It's really up to the user to decide which one suits their use case better.
This provides features that satphones don't
But not really any features that a smartphone doesn't, and you can carry a sat phone and smartphone at the same time.
Or use a SatSleeve to only carry one device.
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Great price, good find ! feedback on the subscription service is terrible. Seems about $25/mth minimum charge.
https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/garmin-inreach-exp…
I’ve been looking at the zoleo but even that $300ish, they all have quite costly subscription plans :/ just for when I go remote camping to send a ping home to confirm my safety. What are you using the Garmin for?