Samsung Galaxy Watch8 LTE with Galaxy Watch for Kids review

Galaxy Watch for Kids is a mode rather than a separate device: it turns a Galaxy Watch8, Watch7 or Watch6 LTE into a child's watch that works without a phone. Parents manage it with Google Family Link from their own Galaxy smartphone, setting approved contacts, time limits and which apps the child can download from Google Play. Location sharing shows the last location while the watch is worn and sends alerts when a child leaves or arrives at a set place, and school time schedules Do Not Disturb. Activity tracking runs on Samsung Health, and kid apps and watch faces from Crayola, Barbie, Marvel and Unicorn Academy add appeal. The fine print matters: the watch needs initial pairing with a compatible Samsung smartphone and an LTE plan, contact limits only cover Google Messages, Phone by Google and Samsung Phone, and Samsung warns that location may not be reliable in an emergency. Samsung's US price did not show in the page text we checked.

Who it is for

Samsung phone families who want a premium smartwatch for a child with approved contacts and location alerts.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Calls and texts with a parent-chosen contact list
• Location sharing with alerts on leaving or arriving at places like home or school
• School time Do Not Disturb schedules
• Activity tracking powered by Samsung Health
• Kid content approved by parents from Google Play, including Crayola, Barbie and Marvel watch faces and apps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Works on Galaxy Watch8, Watch7 and Watch6 LTE models you may already own
• Strength: Managed with Google Family Link from the parent's phone
• Strength: LTE plans from Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile
• Weakness: Requires initial pairing with a compatible Samsung smartphone
• Weakness: Approved contacts apply only to Google Messages, Phone by Google and Samsung Phone apps
• Weakness: Location may not be reliable in an emergency, Samsung notes

Key facts

• Compatible watches: Galaxy Watch8, Watch7, Watch6 LTE
• Parent controls: Google Family Link
• Parent phone: Compatible Samsung smartphone
• Carriers: Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile
• Kids content: Crayola, Barbie, Marvel, Unicorn Academy

Where it ranks

Samsung Galaxy Watch8 LTE with Galaxy Watch for Kids is No. 8 in our Best Kids Smartwatches verdict.