As an technology product reviewer with over a decade of hands-on expertise testing the latest devices, few luxury phone brands spark my interest more than Caviar. Known for taking standard iPhone models and transforming them into ultra-exclusive, design-focused status symbols denoted by premium materials and sky-high price tags, Caviar caters to uber elite buyers wanting to stand out from the crowd.
But are these upgraded iPhones worth upwards of $10,000 when you can buy the standard version for under $1,000? I recently tested out a few of Caviar‘s signature iPhone 13 models to bring you an in-depth, hands-on review. Keep reading for the full scoop including performance benchmarks, limitations, target consumer psychology, and an expert verdict on whether these lavish phones deliver substantiate value.
Overview: The Caviar iPhone Formula
Before diving into the individual models, let‘s quickly cover the Caviar formula for pimping out iPhones. The Russian luxury brand takes standard Apple iPhones then provides aftermarket modifications to transform them into opulent accessories denoted by:
- Rare metals like gold and platinum integrated seamlessly into the phone casing
- Luxury materials like alligator leather, precious gems, and exotic stone detailing on cases
- Limited edition productions with each phone hand engraved for exclusivity, with runs ranging from 9 to 99 units
- Unique & artistic designs developed collaboratively with acclaimed industrial designers
- Higher price points make these phones prohibitive for all but the financial elite, with most models easily crossing into five-figures
Now that you‘re caught up on their trademark approach, let‘s get hands-on with some of their most buzzworthy iPhone 13 releases which I‘ll be covering in this review:
- Jobs 4 Gold
- Purple Butterfly Gold 18k
- Love Light
- Cornaline Alligator
- Black Carbon Titanium
Through extensive testing of these models and carefully examining their materials, aesthetics and performance, I‘ll provide my take on where Caviar hits and misses the mark while evaluating the overall value proposition.
Jobs 4 Gold iPhone 13 Pro: Striking Concept But Lacks Usability
The first Caviar phone I got hands-on with pays homage to the late, great Steve Jobs and the iconic iPhone 4. Here are the headline details on the Jobs 4 Gold:
- Price: $8,190 – $9,200
- Key Materials: Blackened titanium body with gold finish
- Units Available: 10 total
The moment you pick up the Jobs 4 Gold, the black titanium frame imprinted with what resembles the iPhone 4‘s steel band instantly transports you down memory lane to the Apple co-founder‘s legacy. Upon closer inspection, you‘ll notice precise laser engraved detailing like Jobs‘ printed signature and a callback to iPhone 4‘s styling on the backside. Flip the phone over and your eyes lock onto the pure 24k gold Apple logo, featuring an actual fabric cutout from Jobs‘ famous black turtleneck seamlessly embedded flush into the gold plate.
Without a doubt, holding the Jobs 4 Gold gave me an immense appreciation for the concept – transforming the iPhone into a commemorative memorabilia to one of the titans of tech. The materials feel substantial in hand and styling cues judiciously walk the line between nostalgia and sophistication.
However, once I powered it on and started putting the phone through its paces, some fatal flaws became quickly apparent. The black titanium frame, while gorgeous, utterly prevented the phone from charging wirelessly which has become a staple iOS feature. And the gold Apple logo, while a superb aesthetic touch, accidentally registered plenty of errant taps. After a few days testing, I found the Jobs 4 Gold to unfortunately deliver more on visual wow-factor than core phone functionality.
For a striking tribute piece kept on a desk, the Jobs 4 Gold hits the mark. But for upwards of $9k, consumers deserve a phone that nails both form and function.
Purple Butterfly Gold 18K: Luxurious Look & Feel With Full iPhone Capabilities
Right out the gates with Caviar‘s Purple Butterfly iPhone 13 Pro model they make a markedly better first impression by taking a two-pronged approach between case and phone modification. Here‘s what you get:
- Price: $28,080 – $36,720
- Key Materials: Fuchsia calf leather, 18K gold butterflies/vines
- Units: 38 total
Rather than completely overhauling the iPhone into an ornament like the Jobs 4 Gold, the standard iPhone 13 Pro resides inside a lavish case handcrafted from supple pink calf leather. Popping the phone in and out of the folio-style case during testing accentuated the versatility the case-based approach provides – allowing me to keep the original iPhone hardware intact when portability and protection take ultimate priority rather than flashy aesthetics.
When I did have the iPhone nestled inside the Purple Butterfly‘s leather enclosure, I appreciated the striking juxtaposition of the vibrant fuchsia case against the polished gold foil overlay stamped right into the leather depicting ornate vines dotted with delicate butterflies. The entire aesthetic gives off romantic and feminine energy with a bit of an edge. In addition to sheer opulence, holding the phone truly feels like an event.
Beyond eye-catching beauty, the Purple Butterfly also delivers excellent tactile feel with the leather casing adding enhanced durability yet negligible extra bulk. All buttons and inputs remain entirely usable. After intense testing, both the standard iPhone 13 Pro and complementing case emerged fully unscathed – surprising given the 18K gold elements I assumed at first glance would be merely decorative rather than functional.
For the steep $36k+ pricing, the Purple Butterfly hits the sweet spot of preserving all core phone utilities through the removable case while offering the ability to swiftly transform your device into a glamorous statement piece. As one of their costlier offerings, it largely justifies the exorbitance through sophisticated design and impeccable craftsmanship.
Love Light iPhone 13 Pro Max: Gorgeous Patterned Stone Case Compromised By Perplexing Apple Logo
Caviar‘s product designers typically demonstrate superb cohesion between conceptual vision and meticulous attention to detail. But with the Love Light iPhone 13 Pro Max, a puzzling design choice leaves an otherwise gorgeous phone feeling slightly off. Here‘s a brief rundown:
- Price: $5,600 – $7,540
- Key Materials: Red kirinite stone case with engraved rose pattern and gold trim
- Units: 99 total
As evidenced by the name, the Love Light draws inspiration from romance, passion and femininity. The red kirinite stone constructed case instantly catches eyes with its rich crimson hue, made even more dazzling thanks to an ornate pattern of engraved roses etched across the entirety of the stone. Gold accents lining the phone‘s edges incorporate hints of luxury, and a serial number engraving on the bottom edge underscores the exclusivity with under 100 units made.
Upon early inspection, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the cohesiveness of the Love Light‘s aesthetic motif – from crimson roses to the Tiffany-esque gold trim – the entire package seems to give a symbolic nod toward pursuing relationships kindled by adoration.
But that motif collapses when you notice the 24k gold Apple logo on the phone‘s rear, engraved not with a rose or hearts but instead…a random, standalone apple. The fruit seems cartoonishly out of sync given the romantic overtones permeating the rest of the phone‘s design. I struggled to rationalize the conflicting elements – trying to find the hidden meaning behind the apple engraving choice. Unfortunately no rationale exists other than a puzzling lack of attention to detail sabotaging the conceptual vision.
Beyond the unexplainable apple logo, the rest of the phone delivers substantive on both aesthetics and handling with the stone case adding delightful grip without overburdening bulk. But the unignorable design misstep seriously distracts from the high price tag north of $7k. For the cost, consumers deserve thoughtful attention to detail rather than bewildering discordance.
Cornaline Alligator iPhone 13 Mini: Wildly Opulent Style Statement But Lacking Refinement
Few exotic leathers exude sheer decadence quite like alligator, and Caviar capitalizes on the material‘s elite extravagance with the Cornaline Alligator iPhone 13 Mini:
- Price: $14,140 – $14,500
- Key Materials: Bronze-patina alligator leather, black PVD Titanium Apple logo with black diamonds
- Units: 19 total
I‘ll start by getting the obvious out of the way – the bronze alligator leather finish elicits visceral responses as both a sight to behold and sensation when gripped. Textured grooves of the reptile hide immediately convey luxury and attitude. Yet rather than feel ostentatious, the muted bronze tone keeps the opulence grounded through its vintage mottled effect. Complimenting the rugged leather chassis, Caviar added their signature black PVD Titanium Apple logo with black diamonds strategically placed on the rear for subtle yet seriously upscale embellishment.
Still, for a small 4.7" screen device cresting $15 grand, I couldn‘t help but scrutinize every facet of design and construction looking for weak links that might betray the sky-high pricing. And unfortunately within minutes of manipulating the miniature phone, a few flaws stood out overtly.
Most alarming came when I attempted to plug my charging cable into the Lightning input. Rather than seamlessly integrate port access into the leather design, Caviar instead cut a jagged makeshift slit for shoving the cable through. The unrefined edges and clumsy access immediately struck me as almost DIY amateurish – entirely incongruent to the five figure price tag. Additionally while undeniably handsome, the leather lacked any protective properties, with the material scratching and scuffing almost instantly under my admittedly slightly callous hands.
While certainly visually arresting, the Cornaline Alligator fails to deliver refinement worthy of the exorbitant pricing. For sublime leather aptitude and seamlessness, consumers deserve perfection pushing $15k. Unfortunately Caviar misses the mark here.
Black Carbon Titanium iPhone 13 Pro Max: Space Age Luxury Design Achieved But Lacks Allure
Drawing inspiration from aeronautic design, Caviar‘s Black Carbon Titanium iPhone 13 Pro Max encases the high powered iOS device in sleek monochromatic materials invoking interstellar travel dreams. Details below:
- Price: $14,140 – $14,500
- Key Materials: Full titanium frame with carbon fiber inlay
- Units: 9 total
In terms of sheer space age allure, no other Caviar phone visually tantalizes sci-fi sensibilities as sublimely as the Black Carbon Titanium creation. However rather than a gadget donning cheesy Star Trek kitsch, the minimalist metallic approach resonates with sumptuous sophistication – undoubtedly the most premium device I‘ve ever tested from an industrial design perspective.
Constructed entirely from grade-5 titanium other than a slick carbon fiber rear inlay, the frame exudes sturdiness and style at every angle, reminiscent of a luxurious private space jet. Surprisingly despite the ultra-premium build, buttons and inputs remain crisp and ergonomically-sound thanks to precisely machined openings and cutouts. I never struggled interfacing with the standard iPhone 13 Pro Max nestled inside.
My only serious gripe stems not from the phone‘s stellar craftsmanship itself but rather the experiential letdown from its uber pragmatic approach. Beyond sheer opulence via precious metal and inky black carbon fiber, the phone lacks any standout ornamental motifs that spark imagination. I couldn‘t envision many consumers eagerly shelling out $14 grand for such a monotonous aesthetic relative to options boasting lush leathers or shimmering jewels.
For the tiny niche craving utmost modernist extravagance, the Black Carbon Titanium surely entices. Yet its stoic personality left my underlying gadget geek largely uninspired given Caviar‘s typical audaciousness. Remarkable industrial design, but I struggled picturing the target demographic.
Who Actually Buys Caviar iPhones? Exploring the Elite Consumer Psyche
Given Caviar iPhone‘s astronomical four and five-figure price tags, purchasing motivations undoubtedly transcend practicality. Let‘s explore target consumer psychographics more closely.
Prospective buyers likely fall into a few personas:
Status Seekers
The most outwardly obvious target – those viewing the rare phones as social status symbols conveying wealth, privilege and exclusivity. Given production runs of 10 or less units, the buying experience mimics acquiring fine art. Prospects want all eyes on them.
Tech Enthusiasts
Seemingly less ostentatious yet still moneyed, this niche values cutting-edge concept phone development pushing boundaries via unprecedented materials and design. They appreciate innovative manifestation of imagination.
Gadget Collectors
Aficionados constantly scouring for standout pieces to complete their memorabilia collections – more satisfaction stemming from ownership pride rather than practical use.
Gift Givers
Those seeking completely unique presents for loved ones coalescing luxury indulgence with shared passions like tech or memorabilia. The astronomical pricing denotes immense perceived value.
Bottom Line: Stunning Concept and Craftsmanship Can‘t Mask Some Pitfalls
In closing my extensive hands-on evaluation after testing five of Caviar‘s headlining iPhone 13 offerings, the overarching takeaway remains fairly equivocal:
The Good
- Conceptually ambitious taking iOS devices into uncharted aesthetic territory
- Truly unrivaled materials and craftsmanship expertise
- Resonates strongly with niche yet financially sound personas
- Overall delivers substantive exclusivity and extravagance
The Less Good
- Design choices sometimes impair functionality
- Certain builds lack refinement to justify 5-figure costs
- Minimal post-purchase consumer support infrastructure
- Brand lacks prestige factor to compete with veteran luxury names
So ultimately are luxury electronics like the Caviar iPhone worth the price of admission – often 8X the standard retail cost? As Seen on TV infomercials love boasting…"that‘s up to you to decide!" But for the small yet financially endowed target demographic seeking the world‘s most exclusive iPhone upgrades, Caviar undoubtedly allures.
Yet the prohibitively high pricing and functionality variability means devices are as polarizing as they are provocative works encasing your everyday Apple phone in precious metals and jewels. Audaciously appointed wonderment marketable to an elite few.
