As software developers are wont to say, “it’s a feature, not a bug”. This might as well be Samsung‘s exact words in its response to worries about the gap that exists between the Galaxy Note 4‘s edge and its screen, assuring owners and would-be buyers that this “gapgate” is a non-issue.
This gap problem is both somewhat worrying by nature and yet, at the same time, amusing, or suspicious, in its timing. It started just days after Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus was hit by an even more worrying “bendgate” problem, where several smartphones, including Samsung’s larger Galaxy Note 3, were proven to be less yielding than Apple’s first phablet. These events have caused users to scrutinize the build quality of several popular smartphones, which is always a good thing but can also sometimes lead to witch hunting and false positives.
That may just be the case here, if Samsung’s response is to be believed. According to the manufacturer, there is nothing to worry about that gap, as it does not affect the functionality and quality of the Galaxy Note 4.
“The reported issue does not impact the functionality or quality of the Galaxy Note 4. We assure our customers that all Galaxy Note 4 units meet our strict manufacturing and quality control standards.”
In fact, the user manual for the phablet goes even further, calling it a necessary manufacturing feature.
As to what that manufacturing feature is, Samsung does not say and users will most likely clamor for a better explanation. That said, even the manual admits that there will some vibration of parts and that the gap might expand slightly over time, not exactly the reassuring statements that users will want to hear. Unfortunately as far as Samsung is concerned, there is no problem at all. Unless, of course, they count this as a PR problem.
SOURCE: Samsung Galaxy Note 4 User Manual (PDF, p. 180)
VIA: TrustedReviews
From the beginning of Galaxy Note series, I’m a fan of it, I own note 1, note 10.1 (2014), and was planning to buy note4. but gapgate makes me worried. Ok understand that it wont impact in functionality. but it must collect dust, besides this if someone pour water over the phone accidentally, the water must go inside the phone and it will damage the costly gadget
I have a note 2 for 2 years, a note 10.1 2014 and a note 8.0 no issues at all what so ever. My note 2 lives in a case and has yet to even be near any water or potential hazards, you take care of you costly gadgets. and your worries are moot, accidents do happen yes but being cautious greatly, reduces them. can’t wait to add the note 4 to the family
But his point is totally valid! I have a note 3. I don’t go out of my way to dunk it in water, however, dust and water could get into the gap and cause damage. I use otterbox, but I go without the case sometimes and you should not have to worry about a gap in a new phone. I would like to see what the “design feature” means according to Samsung.
I don’t want a feature like that…. No thanks Samsung…!
How come there has been only one photo, one report of a problem?
Samsung better fix the GAP. We do not like excuses. I am on hold until they fix the GAP.
Doesn’t look likes to be a feature
Was excited waiting for the note 4. After this news, Im done. If there is no gaps around the alpha, there shouldnt be around this. Period. Im way too meticulous about my gadgets and I know Id be thinking about these gaps everytime I looked at my phone. Sorry samsung, you completely dropped the ball on a could have been awesome device. And no, putting a case on and covering up the gaps wouldnt help just like hanging a picture over a hole in a wall wouldnt help. You still know its there and maybe getting worse.