[NewsPoster]

First purchasers of the Galaxy Note 4 are claiming that the devices have a gap between the plastic body of the phone, and the metal frame that surrounds the edge of the phone. According to reports, the gap is large enough to stick in a business card. Samsung has issued a statement about the gap, denying that it is a problem, or will affect functionality of the device in any way.

Nearly immediately after release, early purchasers in South Korea posted photos of the device showing the gap, and items that have been stuck into it. Additionally, some users are reporting that the metal bracketing the plastic is very sharp, and potentially hazardous, although the complaints of the screen gap are more prevalent.

A Samsung PR representative said of the gap that "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 the "troubleshooting" section of the user manual for the device, which as of yet remains unreleased in the US, Samsung says that "this gap is a necessary manufacturing feature, and some minor rocking or vibration of parts may occur." Furthermore, the manual claims that "over time, friction between parts may cause this gap to expand slightly."

Electronista, upon hearing these reports tested several other phones, including Apple iPhones and older model Samsung tablets and smartphones. None of the units we tested, including an original Samsung Galaxy smartphone, or original iPhone, both with significant wear, had any seams which allowed penetration of a business card.

[climacs]

all kinds of dirt and grit will get in there. Samsung's statement amounts to "we meant to do that!" Of course, fandroids will start waving their hands and pointing at a handful of bending iPhone 6 Plus' rather than ever criticize The Precious.

[DiabloConQueso]

Anyone who plays video games knows the "groove of grisly grime" in the small valley along the perimeter where the two halves of the controller meet.

Yes, a business card is damn near the perfect size for occasional grime cleaning.

[pairof9s]

Samsung: "This is to help prevent bending."

[kerryb]

Gap-gate.

[FrackingCylon1]

"The Gap" never bothered Mike Tyson much! Gap, the clothing retailer, will sue Samsung for copyright infringement.

Maybe it was meant to double as a credit card swipe terminal to compete with ApplePay?

[bjojade]

It's a feature. I wish my iPhone did that!

[cashxx]

Does it bend?

[Jeff75]

Ha ha ha ha ha Samsung! Truly third-rate craftsmanship combined with a mediocre operating system and ecosystem. THAT'S a winner (roll eyes).