Founded in Finland in 2016, Swappie is one of the best-known online platforms in Europe for purchasing refurbished electronic devices. Recently, the company announced its entry into the PC market with the introduction of refurbished MacBooks into its product range. Vast offer that also includes refurbished iPhones, iPads and AirPods. The object of our test today is a 2024 MacBook Air M3, in the variant with a 13″ screen.
The advantages of a refurbished product
Choosing a refurbished product represents an excellent alternative to purchasing a new model, with numerous advantages even compared to a used product. Refurbished products are second-hand devices put back on the market after a series of careful checks. Products, therefore, decidedly different from classic used devices that can be purchased by private individuals which may have hardware and software problems. Refurbished devices are also covered by a warranty of at least one year and are carefully cleaned before sale.
Choosing a refurbished device means actively contributing to reducing CO₂ emissions and limiting environmental impact. Each remanufactured product avoids the production of new components, helping to preserve precious resources and limit pollution.
Refurbished MacBooks from Swappie: a wide range for all your needs
Swappie’s range of refurbished MacBooks exclusively includes models with Apple Silicon chips introduced from 2020 onwards. The offer therefore includes MacBook Air M1, available starting from around 600 euros, mid-range models with M2 and M3 processors and high-performance configurations such as MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Pro M5.
Unlike traditional marketplaces that simply act as intermediaries, Swappie manages the entire technical refurbishment process internally in its specialized centers. Each device undergoes rigorous checks, including:
- Keyboard localization: Every MacBook comes with an Italian keyboard layout.
- 86% Battery Minimum Threshold: Swappie sets a minimum battery capacity threshold of 86% for all devices. Any battery that falls below this level or exceeds the safe limit of 800 charge cycles is replaced with a new battery.
- In-depth performance diagnostics: each device is carefully cleaned and subjected to complete technical tests to verify that all hardware components work correctly, thus guaranteeing a user experience comparable to that of a new device.
As with iPhone and iPad, four levels of cosmetic condition are offered with clear descriptions of any defects such as scratches and dents: Good, Very Good, Excellent and Premium. Furthermore, it is possible to choose between the standard battery, with a capacity of at least 86%, or a new one and, obviously, colors and memory sizes. For each product, in addition to the Swappie list price, the launch price originally proposed by Apple is also indicated. There is obviously a complete technical data sheet with all the product features.
All Swappie refurbished MacBooks include a 12-month warranty and 14-day free returns. Obviously, there is no shortage of installment purchase options. Finally shipping in 1-3 working days.
Our test
To evaluate the quality of its products, Swappie sent us a refurbished 2024 MacBook Air. A model with the Apple Silicon M3 processor on board, in the variant with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16 GB of RAM and 512 GB SSD. Laptop in the Silver colour, equipped with a 13″ screen. Not a very recent product, but which still boasts very high performance and is excellent for study, work and entertainment. Notebook with a refined design, without fans, known for its high autonomy and easily transportable in a bag or backpack. Too bad for the useless notch on the display frame and for the reduced connectivity, with only two USB-C Thunderbolt ports available.
Model with new battery, in premium aesthetic condition (flawless body, screen and keyboard). Let’s not forget the package created by Swappie, containing a USB-C cable and an excellent and compact 65W charger with double charging port. New, but not original accessories, made directly by Swappie. Too bad for the absence of the MagSafe charging cable.
Let’s now move on to the analysis of the MacBook we received. In general our experience was positive: a product in perfect condition, free of scratches and signs of wear, completely clean. Notebook with 100% battery, with 13 charge cycles performed. Laptop with MacOs operating system restored to factory conditions, ready to use, version 26.5. Product like new, sold for 1,409 euros (11.90 euros shipping costs). The same configuration, but with M5 chip, is currently on sale on the Apple website for 1,624 euros with 70W power supply included.
Regarding the evaluation of the product range, Swappie offers a wide and continuously updated offer, with models for all budgets. At the time of writing, for example, a MacBook Air with M1 processor and 13″ screen is available, in very good condition, for only 579 euros. Furthermore, there is detailed information on the aesthetic conditions of the various notebooks offered and clear data relating to the battery status.
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