Eyeing a Pro iPhone but wondering if it’s really worth the extra cost? We get it. Pro models have impressive features, but the price can be a big jump from the standard model. Here’s the good news: getting those Pro features is smarter and more affordable than you think.
And if you want to see just how much you save with refurbished vs brand new, check out our post on exactly how much you save by buying refurbished vs brand new.
How iPhone trade-ups work at Swappie
We’ve made the process refreshingly straightforward.
- Select “Trade-In” When buying your new phone, choose the trade-in option and answer a few questions to get an instant value for your old device.
- Receive Your Kit and Your New iPhone. Your new refurbished iPhone will arrive along with a free trade-in kit and a pre-paid shipping label for your old phone.
- Send Your Old iPhone Just put your old phone in the secure kit and mail it back to us (you have 21 days) to complete your trade-in.
It’s that simple. No awkward meetings with strangers, no haggling for a fair price, just a fast, secure payment you can use for your upgrade. Did you know iPhones are great at keeping their value? That’s cash waiting for you.
How Much More Does It Cost to Go Pro?
Going Pro doesn’t mean doubling the price. When you buy refurbished, the jump is smaller than you think. And when you add the money from your trade-in, a Pro model becomes a simple, smart choice. The table below shows how much more you need to spend, in percentage terms, to upgrade from a standard refurbished iPhone to its Pro version.

Disclaimer: This comparison uses Swappie’s average global prices (as of 10 November 2025) for refurbished models in Fair condition with 256GB of storage. It gives you a quick snapshot of the upgrade cost across iPhone 13 to 16 series.
Here are a few real-world examples based on our prices:
- iPhone 13 vs. 13 Pro: An iPhone 13 starts at around €391. For just about 22% more (at €476), you can get the iPhone 13 Pro and all its benefits, like the Telephoto zoom lens and the extra-smooth ProMotion screen.
- iPhone 15 vs. 15 Pro: The jump is even smaller for newer models. An iPhone 15 starts at €654. For only about 16% more (at €756), you get the 15 Pro, which adds the Pro camera system, the powerful A17 Pro chip, and the Always-On display.
- A “Pro” for the price of a “Base”: Here’s another way to look at it. An iPhone 14 base model starts at €474. For just €2 more, you could get an iPhone 13 Pro instead. You get a Pro-level camera system and a smoother screen for essentially the same price as the newer base model.
Now, imagine you trade in your old iPhone. The cash you get could cover a huge part of that small price difference, making your smart upgrade even more affordable.
Trade smart, upgrade smarter
Upgrading to a Pro iPhone is more achievable than you think. When you trade-in, you get to upgrade smarter. It’s the perfect win-win:
- You get a more powerful Pro model with better cameras and a smoother screen.
- You save money by using your old phone’s value.
- You make a smarter investment that holds its value longer.
- You make a sustainable choice for the planet.
Why trade in with Swappie?
Choosing Swappie for your trade-in is the straightforward, smart choice.
- Instant valuation: Get a fair price for your phone in minutes online. No haggling, no hassle.
- Free & secure: We provide free, insured shipping for your old phone and perform a secure data wipe so your information stays private.
- Swift payout: Once we’ve checked your phone, we process your payment quickly. No waiting around.
- Eco-friendly: It’s the most sustainable choice. Your old iPhone is refurbished by our in-house experts and given a new life, reducing e-waste.
Frequently asked questions
Does my old iPhone have to be in perfect condition to sell?
Not at all. We accept iPhones in many different conditions, from like-new to those with cosmetic flaws (like scratches). Just answer the valuation questions honestly to get an accurate quote.
Is “trading-in” different from “selling”?
When you trade-in with Swappie, your new refurbished iPhone will arrive along with a free trade-in kit and a pre-paid shipping label for your old phone, so you’ll always have a phone the whole time.
What happens to my data?
Your privacy is our priority. After you send in your phone, our trained technicians perform a secure, factory-level data wipe to ensure all your personal information is permanently erased.
What warranty do I get on the phone I buy?
Every refurbished iPhone you buy from Swappie comes with our [12-month] Swappie Warranty and a 14-day free return policy. If it’s not right for you, you can return it, no questions asked.
Trade smart, upgrade smarter
Upgrading to a Pro iPhone is more achievable than you think. When you trade smart, you get to upgrade smarter.
It’s the perfect win-win:
- You sell your old iPhone for a fair price, fast.
- You save money on a powerful, refurbished upgrade.
- You help save on carbon emissions and make a sustainable choice for the planet.
Ready to see what your phone is worth? Explore refurbished iPhones.