Inreach Explorer plus iPhone?

[KitShickers]

So i just picked up a new Garmin Inreach Explorer+. The ability to pair with a phone for easier texting and added features are cool, but Im thinking about leaving the phone in the truck to save weight. I lose the ability to take pics too, which sucks because I love landscape photography. Just wondering how many Inreach guys leave the phone at home?

 

[rayporter]

pictures are nice.

 

[Blockcaver]

I carry both as the phone is a camera, gps with aerial photos, alarm, note book, etc. IR texting is a lot quicker on the phone to although you can do it on the IR stand-a-lone.

 

[COLOelkman]

I have the old inreach (black box) that can 2 way text with my phone. I use my phone with Backcountry Navigator for my GPS so I always have both. Considering the new InReach Mini but so far I've been told there's no difference other than weight of the mini vs the 9 yr old box I have which I'm not sure is true. I can't believe the technology would be the same as phones now have much better sat. capabilities than just a few years ago.