Swappie is the store that sells guaranteed refurbished iPhones. Do you really save money by buying an iPhone with Swappie? But above all: are the products in good condition?
A couple of weeks ago we decided to test the refurbished iPhone resale service Swappie. We tell you how it went in ours review, in which we will discover the pros and cons of buying the Refurbished iPhones.
Swappie: Refurbished iPhones for everyone
Some consider it a status symbol, others the most updated and performing device ever. What am I talking about? Obviously of iPhone, the most coveted smartphone in the realm.
However, being able to buy one is not particularly easy. The price is in fact quite high: it starts at 1.189 euros for the latest iPhone 11 model. A figure not exactly within everyone's reach.
For this reason the services of resale of refurbished (or regenerated) smartphones. What is meant? We are talking about "second hand" devices, purchased and put back on sale, after careful checks and sometimes cleaned of any damage or imperfections. The origin can be multiple: devices displayed in the window, on test counters for customers, smartphones that return to the store after the return of an unsatisfied customer or, simply, resold to be able to buy another model.
And this is where it comes into play Swappie, a Finnish company that has developed an e-commerce centered precisely on the sale of Refurbished iPhones.
READ ALSO: Refurbished devices: what they are and why to buy them
Swappie review: so many grades to perfection
We have decided to aim for the maximum. Our intent was to understand if the service Swappie offered a smartphone as good as a fresh model from the Apple Store. That's why, once inside the e-commerce site, we chose iPhone 11 Pro Max da 512 GB. Having selected the device, we were faced with several proposals, based on as many degrees that define the status of the device:
- Grade A ++ (Like new): Perfect condition from both a technical and aesthetic point of view. The phone is indistinguishable from a new one.
- Grade A + (Top Grade): Excellent conditions both from a technical and aesthetic point of view. It may have some small flaws that distinguish it from "As new".
- Grade A: Excellent condition from a technical point of view. From an aesthetic point of view, more visible defects may be found compared to Grade A + (scratches / dents on the body and / or screen). However, these cosmetic defects do not compromise the functioning in any way.
- Grade B: Excellent condition from a technical point of view. There may be aesthetic defects visible to the naked eye but they do not compromise operation. The competitive price reflects the non-optimal aesthetic conditions.
- Grade C: Excellent condition from a technical point of view. It shows signs of wear and visible and more marked aesthetic defects than all other grades.
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It goes without saying that going down a level, the price of the model we are going to buy also decreases. Our idea, as mentioned before, was to evaluate the goodness of an A ++ grade and see the differences with a totally new model. We then placed the order and, after only 2 days, a iPhone 11 Pro Max it was in our hands.
What certainties do we have? Are refurbished iPhones checked?
Before being offered for sale by Swappie, the smartphones in their possession go through a long series of checks that certify their functionality and goodness from an aesthetic point of view. At this point the degree of wear is defined - or perfection, if you prefer - and then it is put on sale. The technical verification declared by Swappie includes 52 phases, such as the battery check and the LCD / AMOLED panel check.
Compared to an iPhone sold to us by a private individual, we therefore have the advantage and the certainty that everything is in order and that the rip-off is not around the corner. By the way, the smartphone comes to us with a certificate of warranty lasting of 12 months, offered by Swappie. It will be the responsibility of the company, during this period, to repair and replace the device following any unexpected damage or defects (not accidental).
Swappie review: our smartphone verification
Our iPhone 11 Pro Max arrived really fast. The company delivers very quickly - from 1 to 3 working days - despite the shipment being made from Finland It comes in a well amortized package and inside a package made by Swappie. Sure, we don't have the original Apple one, but it's a minor detail. The only flaw is the absence of 2 components usually present in the original packaging: the earphones and the charger. The only survivor is the USB-A / lightning cable.
The reason for this choice? Swappie decided to follow a particular recycling philosophy, so they chose not to include these accessories to encourage users to use the ones they already own.
But now let's talk about the protagonist.
iPhone 11 Pro Max (in the Grade A ++ version) received by Swappie is truly indistinguishable from a new product. We have not been able, even with our efforts, to find a defect on the entire body.
Once the configuration of the device was started, we put it to the test by testing the camera, fluidity and battery life. Again, iall was comparable to the model we previously bought at an Apple Store. No surprises, no disappointments, indeed, just amazement.
About recycling
The theme of recycling and environmental well-being is central to the Swappie "mission". Buying a refurbished cell phone rather than a new one definitely has less impact on the environment. In addition, the tiny electronic components of smartphones contain small amounts of precious metals. By reusing them, we reduce the impact on our planet. This means that if everyone started using and considering refurbished smartphones, the exploitation of rare resources would decrease.
What if I want to sell to Swappie my iPhone purchased long ago and then buy a new one? It's possible, and it is a service usually offered by the company. However it is currently suspended, but the Swappie team let us know that it will be restored soon.
When active, just follow one simple procedure and send the used iPhone to the company headquarters. After careful evaluation you will be reimbursed with an amount consistent with the state of the device.
Swappie, COVID-19 updates
The Swappie team is working hard to support both customers and employees. Deliveries in Italy continue as the decree of 22.03.2020 does not concern postal services and couriers.
Security with the coronavirus?
Swappie refurbishes and tests all phones in-house, and can therefore ensure that the entire process, whether it be phones, spare parts or packaging, complies with guidelines from the World Health Organization and local authorities. Before shipping the phone / accessory is completely cleaned and disinfected. According to studies, the chance that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted via packaging materials is very low, but even the latter are disinfected before shipping.
Returns
There are delays and difficulties all over the country, also at the moment Swappie ships in 1-4 working days due to the quarantine situation also in Finland.
DHL normally delivers in almost all of Italy but provides an extra working day for all deliveries on the national territory compared to the norm.
In addition, in these areas the municipality has blocked deliveries, so all packages are in storage until the end of the quarantine.
- Agira (94011)
- Appiano Gentile
- Ariano Irpino
- arsita
- Bellagio
- Bisenti
- Campagnano di Roma
- Canzo
- Castiglione Messer Raimondo
- castilenti
- celleno
- Cenadi
- Chiaravalle Centrale
- Cospaia
- Cusano Milanino
- Cutro
- Dongo
- Fabrizia
- Gravedona
- Livraga
- Medicine
- Melito di Porto Salvo
- Montebello Ionico
- Montefino
- Monza
- Paolisi
- Rogliano (postal code 87054)
- Salemi
- San Damascus
- San Rocco al porto
- San Stefano di Rogliano
- Saviano
- Soverato
- Torre di Ruggiero
- Troina
- Flowery Valley
- Villafrati (90030)
In these areas, further delays in delivery are expected:
- Lombardy (with additional delays for Bergamo - from postal code 24010 to 24069 and from 24121 to 24129 and Lecco - from 23801 to 23838 and from 23552 to 23855, in addition to 23900)
- S. Lucido
- Montebello Ionico
- Caulonia
- Pescara
- Avellino
- Salerno
- Verona
- Bologna
UPS delivers throughout Italy with these exceptions. At the moment UPS reports delays and difficulties throughout the national territory, so Swappie advises to favor DHL at the time of purchase.
Swappie review: do we recommend it?
After a careful evaluation and the necessary "field tests", we would like to recommend this service. After all, the only real difference between a new device and a high-grade one purchased on Swappie, lies in the packaging and its contents. Your user experience will be totally identical and you will not notice the difference in everyday use. However, you will have a great advantage: you will save a fair amount that will remain in your wallet (obviously depends on the degree of "maintenance" of the device). We just have to say Swappie: Passed!
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