Suntech ST4315 vs Rinho Zero IoT: Entry-Level Trackers 2026
👉 Who this article is for: Integrators and fleet managers looking for budget GPS trackers for light vehicle fleets, delivery, or basic tracking projects in Mexico and LATAM.
⚠️ Note: We are Rinho manufacturers. This analysis is based on official technical specifications from both devices. We include cases where the competitor may be a better option depending on the project.
The Suntech ST4315 is one of the most popular trackers in Mexico and Central America. Suntech ranks second globally among Wialon hardware manufacturers, with over 44,000 ST4315 units connected. It uses LTE Cat-M1/NB-IoT connectivity optimized for low power consumption and battery life.
The Rinho Zero IoT competes in the same entry-level segment but adds integrated WiFi (unique in its category), factory BLE 5.0, and a 196-rule programmable engine. Let's look at the technical differences.
Technical Comparison Table
| Feature | Suntech ST4315 | Rinho Zero IoT | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular connectivity | LTE Cat-M1/NB-IoT + 2G | LTE Cat 1 + 2G | Zero (Cat-1 faster) |
| WiFi | ❌ Not available | ✅ 2.4 GHz integrated | Zero |
| BLE for sensors | Only ST4315B variant (BLE 5.3) | ✅ Factory BLE 5.0 | Zero |
| Digital inputs | 2-3 (varies by variant) | 2 | Tie |
| Analog inputs | 1 | 2 | Zero |
| Digital outputs | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| 1-Wire | Only W/RW variants | ❌ No | ST4315W |
| RS232 | Only R/RW variants | ❌ No | ST4315R |
| Event engine | Geofencing + DPA | 196 programmable rules | Zero |
| Voltage range | 8-32V DC (typical) | 9-90V DC | Zero |
| Backup battery | 220 mAh (B variant) | 500 mAh | Zero |
| IP rating | IP67 | IP65 | ST4315 |
| Accelerometer | 3-axis | 3-axis (8G) | Tie |
Cellular Connectivity: Cat-M1 vs Cat-1
A fundamental difference is the LTE type:
Suntech ST4315: LTE Cat-M1/NB-IoT
- Optimized for low-power IoT
- Limited bandwidth (~375 kbps)
- Lower latency than 2G but inferior to Cat-1
- Better for simple periodic reports
Rinho Zero IoT: LTE Cat 1
- Higher throughput (~10 Mbps)
- Better for real-time data transmission
- Faster firmware updates
- Ideal for complex event engine
When does the difference matter?
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Reports every 30+ seconds | Both work |
| Real-time alerts | Zero - Cat-1 faster |
| OTA firmware updates | Zero - Cat-1 faster |
| Maximum battery autonomy | ST4315 - Cat-M1 lower consumption |
Integrated WiFi: The Key Difference
The Zero IoT is the only entry-level tracker with integrated 2.4 GHz WiFi. The ST4315 doesn't offer this feature in any variant.
Use cases where WiFi makes a difference
Delivery fleets with central base: Vehicles download accumulated data and receive updates when arriving at the depot, without consuming mobile data.
Areas with limited cellular coverage: If you operate with Starlink at the base, vehicles report upon arrival even if they had no signal during the route.
Data cost reduction: In large fleets, WiFi can significantly reduce monthly mobile data consumption.
BLE: Factory vs Specific Variant
Suntech ST4315: Only the ST4315B variant includes BLE 5.3. Other variants (ST4315, ST4315U, ST4315W, ST4315R) have no Bluetooth.
Rinho Zero IoT: All units include factory BLE 5.0.
| Compatible sensor | Application |
|---|---|
| Rinho Condition (L02S) | Food temperature, cargo humidity |
| Rinho ID Band (W6) | Driver identification, SOS button |
| Mokosmart sensors | Temperature, door, TPMS |
Use case: Food delivery with temperature monitoring
With Zero IoT you can monitor cargo temperature with a wireless BLE sensor. With the base ST4315 you would need:
- Buy the specific ST4315B variant, or
- Use a wired 1-Wire sensor (ST4315W variant)
Event Engine: Geofencing vs 196 Rules
Suntech ST4315 includes:
- Circular and polygonal geofencing
- DPA (Driving Pattern Analysis) for driving behavior
- Accelerometer-based ignition detection
- Basic configurable events
Rinho Zero IoT has a 196-rule programmable engine with combined logic (AND, OR, NOT) without nesting limits.
Example: Prolonged stop alert outside route
In Zero IoT:
IF speed = 0 for more than 15min
AND NOT in geofence "authorized_route"
AND time between 06:00 and 22:00
THEN
Alert "Unscheduled stop"
SMS to supervisor
With the ST4315, this logic requires server-side processing or isn't possible directly on the device.
ST4315 Variants: Understanding the Model
Suntech offers multiple ST4315 variants:
| Variant | Additional Features |
|---|---|
| ST4315 | Base, basic I/O only |
| ST4315U | 5-pin connector (different wiring) |
| ST4315W | Adds 1-Wire for temperature |
| ST4315R | Adds RS232 |
| ST4315RW | RS232 + 1-Wire |
| ST4315B | BLE 5.3 + 220mAh battery |
| ST4315BN | NTN satellite connectivity |
Zero IoT includes factory: WiFi + BLE 5.0 + 500mAh battery. No variants, all units have the same capabilities.
Need 1-Wire, CAN Bus or serial port with Rinho?
If 1-Wire interface for Dallas temperature sensors is important for your project, but you prefer Rinho's WiFi/BLE/196-rule capabilities, consider:
- Spider IoT: Includes 1x 1-Wire + CAN Bus (OBDII, J1939) + WiFi + BLE + 196 rules
- Smart IoT: Includes 2x 1-Wire + CAN Bus + serial TTL port + WiFi + BLE + Dual SIM + 196 rules
If you also need serial connectivity for peripherals or Dual SIM for redundancy, the Smart IoT is the most complete option in the Rinho lineup.
IP Rating: IP67 vs IP65
| Feature | ST4315 (IP67) | Zero IoT (IP65) |
|---|---|---|
| Dust protection | Total | Total |
| Water protection | Immersion 1m / 30min | Water jets |
If you need to install the tracker exposed to direct rain or possible immersion, the ST4315 with IP67 offers better protection. The Zero IoT with IP65 is adequate for protected installations inside the vehicle.
Extended Voltage: Electric Motorcycles
| Device | Voltage Range |
|---|---|
| ST4315 | 8-32V DC (typical) |
| Zero IoT | 9-90V DC |
The Zero IoT supports up to 90V DC, allowing direct installation in:
- High-voltage electric motorcycles
- Electric vehicles with 48V/60V/72V systems
- Industrial machinery with non-standard voltages
When to Choose Suntech ST4315
There are scenarios where the ST4315 is the best option:
| Scenario | Why ST4315 |
|---|---|
| Existing Suntech fleet in Mexico | Maintain ecosystem and local support |
| Maximum battery duration | Cat-M1 consumes less than Cat-1 |
| Exposed installation (IP67) | Better protection against immersion |
| Need RS232 or 1-Wire | Specific variants available |
| Very tight budget | Base ST4315 may be cheaper |
When to Choose Each One?
Choose Suntech ST4315 if:
- You already have deployed Suntech infrastructure
- You need IP67 for exposed installation
- You require RS232 (ST4315R variant)
- You prioritize battery autonomy over features
Choose Rinho Zero IoT if:
- You need WiFi for areas without cellular coverage
- You want factory BLE without choosing a variant
- Fleets with electric motorcycles (up to 90V)
- Complex automation with 196 rules
- Real-time data transmission (Cat-1)
Conclusion
The ST4315 is a reliable tracker with strong presence in Mexico and Central America, optimized for low consumption with LTE Cat-M1 and good IP67 protection. The Zero IoT stands out for:
- ✅ Integrated WiFi - unique in entry-level
- ✅ Factory BLE 5.0 - without choosing variant
- ✅ LTE Cat-1 - higher throughput
- ✅ 196 rules - complete edge automation
- ✅ 9-90V DC - high-voltage electric motorcycles
- ✅ 500 mAh - more than double backup battery
For new fleets seeking advanced features (WiFi, BLE, event engine), the Zero IoT offers more capabilities. For projects with existing Suntech infrastructure or requiring IP67/RS232/1-Wire, the ST4315 with the appropriate variant is a valid option.
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