discounters
Bizarre promotional goods: Aldi sells Apple Watch, but under a different name
The Apple Watch Series 3 looks almost exactly like the two previous models, but gets a special accent with the red dot on the watch crown.
© Christoph Fröhlich/stern.de
Cheap clones of premium products have been around for years. At Aldi Süd there is currently a rather unusual campaign: The discounter sells real Apple smartwatches – but uses a different name for them.
Whether in terms of fitness tracking or smartwatch functions: the Apple Watch is still the measure of all things when it comes to smart watches. This is also confirmed time and time again by independent institutes such as Stiftung Warentest (find out more here). The biggest drawback: Compared to a classic fitness tracker, it is still quite expensive. The discounter Aldi now has the watch as an offer – but under a bizarre alias.
Because in the new Aldi brochure, the discounter will list a “Renewd Watch Series 3” as an offer from April 28 at a price of 169 euros from next week. At first glance, this is suspicious – because the picture clearly shows an Apple Watch. And a logo on the side quickly makes it clear: Despite the unfamiliar name, an original watch from Apple is being offered here.
Apple Watch at Aldi: what’s the difference?
The decision to change the unusual name is probably related to a simple fact: the Apple Watch on offer is not new. Instead, the discounter works with the Dutch refurbishment company Renewd and offers “renewed” Apple Watches. In plain language this means: The watches have already been with a customer, had to be checked for functionality and repaired if necessary. Apple itself offers such products under the term “Refurbished” or “Remanufactured”.
The technical equipment mentioned in the catalog – Retina OLED display, up to 18 hours of battery life, a swim and waterproof case, heart rate sensor and Siri – correspond exactly to the Apple Watch. The charging cable is also included. In addition, Aldi and its partner offer cautious customers a two-year guarantee.
Apple Watch at Aldi: Is the offer worth it?
However, you have to weigh up very consciously whether the offer is worthwhile. Although the Apple Watch Series 3 actually still a current model – Apple itself still offers it for 220 euros on its website – but the watch is now more than four years old. Since then, not only have the displays grown, but also numerous new sensors such as an EEG function or an evaluation of blood oxygen levels. With the current top model Apple Watch Series 7 (here in our test) it can’t even keep up. It is the simplest entry-level model.
But you also have to weigh up other offers for the Apple Watch Series 3. Because: Apple’s price is regularly undercut. According to price comparison platforms, you can currently get a new Series 3 from around 205 euros. Depending on their condition, remanufactured models are even significantly cheaper. Some offers can be found from 130 euros. Even Aldi had the watch on offer cheaper: the discounter wanted 155 euros for a campaign in December. The only difference: At that time, the watch was still officially advertised as an Apple Watch.
Source:Aldi
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