UNI-T MSO5104HD vs Rohde & Schwarz RTA4004
True 12-bit, far deeper memory and a faster capture rate than the 10-bit RTA4004 — for a fraction of the price.
The UNI-T MSO5104HD brings true 12-bit resolution (versus the RTA4004's 10-bit), far deeper memory (500 Mpts vs 100 Mpts/ch) and a much higher capture rate, while tying on 1 GHz bandwidth, 5 GSa/s sampling and the 10.1-inch touchscreen — for a fraction of the RTA4004's configured price. Rohde & Schwarz's honest advantage is its metrology pedigree and global calibration network; if that ecosystem is decisive, weigh it against the resolution, memory and price gap.
UNI-T MSO5104HD
- ✓ Bandwidth: 1 GHz
- ✓ Analog channels: 4 analog + 16 digital (logic option)
- ✓ Sample rate: 5 GSa/s (1-ch); 2.5 GSa/s (4-ch)
- ✓ Memory depth: 500 Mpts
- ✓ Waveform update rate: 800,000 wfms/s (1,500,000 sequence)
- ✓ Warranty: 3+2 years (5 total with registration)
Rohde & Schwarz RTA4004
- ✓ Bandwidth: up to 1 GHz
- ✓ Analog channels: 4 analog + 16 digital (MSO option)
- ✓ Sample rate: 5 GSa/s (2-ch); 2.5 GSa/s (4-ch)
- ✗ Memory depth: 100 Mpts/ch (200 Mpts interleaved)
- ✗ Waveform update rate: >64,000 wfms/s
- ✗ Warranty: 3 years (extendable)
$22,005 (RTA4K-104, 4-ch 1 GHz) (distributor listing, September 2026)
to 1 GHz
Bandwidth
500 Mpts
Memory Depth
5 GSa/s
Sample Rate
800,000 wfms/s
Capture Rate
12-bit
Vertical Resolution
True 12-bit, not 10-bit
A native 12-bit front end (16-bit with ERES) resolves 4× the vertical detail of the RTA4004's 10-bit ADC — the core reason to buy an HD scope.
Far deeper memory
500 Mpts versus 100 Mpts per channel (200 interleaved) holds much longer records at full sample rate.
Much faster waveform capture
Up to 800,000 wfms/s (1.5M sequence) versus the RTA4004's >64,000 — far more chances to catch intermittent events.
Flagship platform, five-year warranty
1 GHz, 5 GSa/s, 15-protocol decode, optional logic, power and timing analysis and a dual 50 MHz AWG — with US support and 3+2 (5-year) coverage.
Comprehensive Feature Comparison
| Feature | UNI-T MSO5104HD | Rohde & Schwarz RTA4004 | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 1 GHz | up to 1 GHz | Equal |
| Analog channels | 4 analog + 16 digital (logic option) | 4 analog + 16 digital (MSO option) | Equal |
| Sample rate | 5 GSa/s (1-ch); 2.5 GSa/s (4-ch) | 5 GSa/s (2-ch); 2.5 GSa/s (4-ch) | Equal |
| Memory depth | 500 Mpts | 100 Mpts/ch (200 Mpts interleaved) | UNI-T ✓ |
| Waveform update rate | 800,000 wfms/s (1,500,000 sequence) | >64,000 wfms/s | UNI-T ✓ |
| Display | 10.1″ 1280×800 capacitive touch | 10.1″ 1280×800 capacitive touch | Equal |
| Built-in AWG | Dual-channel 50 MHz (option) | ARB generator (option) | UNI-T ✓ |
| Serial protocol decode | RS-232/422/485/UART, I2C, SPI, CAN, LIN standard; CAN-FD, CAN-XL, FlexRay, SENT, Audio, MIL-STD-1553B, Manchester, ARINC429, 1-Wire, I3C optional | Serial decode by option | Equal |
| Brand & calibration network | US-based support; factory-calibrated & tested | R&S metrology pedigree & global cal network | Rohde & Schwarz ✓ |
| Warranty | 3+2 years (5 total with registration) | 3 years (extendable) | UNI-T ✓ |
| Price (USD) | See current price → | $22,005 (RTA4K-104, 4-ch 1 GHz) | UNI-T ✓ |
* UNI-T specifications from the MSO5000HD Series datasheet and our live product data. Rohde & Schwarz figures from published manufacturer data and authorized US distributor listings, September 2026.
The bottom line
The MSO5104HD is a 9-in-1 instrument: oscilloscope, 16-channel logic analyzer (option), serial protocol analyzer, spectrum/FFT, frequency counter, 4-digit DVM, Bode-plot analyzer, power analyzer (option) and an optional dual-channel 50 MHz AWG — all on a true 12-bit front end with 500 Mpts of memory standard.
Perfect For:
High-speed digital & SI work
1 GHz, 5 GSa/s and 12-bit resolution capture fast edges cleanly; 500 Mpts holds long, high-resolution records.
Power & conformance testing
Optional power and timing packages plus a dual 50 MHz AWG support switching-loss, ripple and conformance work at full memory depth.
Automotive & aerospace serial
Standard CAN/LIN plus optional CAN-FD, CAN-XL, FlexRay, SENT, MIL-STD-1553B and ARINC429, with deep memory for full bus sessions.
Other models in the MSO5000HD Series
MSO5034HD
MSO5034HD — 350 MHz / 5 GSa/s entry to the MSO5000HD line, 500 Mpts standard.
MSO5054HD
MSO5054HD — 500 MHz / 5 GSa/s with the full 15-protocol decode platform.
MSO5104HD
MSO5104HD — 1 GHz flagship, 5 GSa/s, 500 Mpts — the top of the HD MSO range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the UNI-T MSO5104HD a good alternative to the Rohde & Schwarz RTA4004?
On specifications and price, yes: the MSO5104HD is a true 12-bit, 1 GHz scope with far deeper memory and a much higher capture rate than the 10-bit RTA4004. What Rohde & Schwarz offers that UNI-T does not is a long metrology track record and a worldwide calibration/service network. If that ecosystem is essential to your lab, the RTA4004 earns its premium; otherwise the MSO5104HD delivers more capability for far less.
How does the MSO5000HD Series compare with the RTA4000 Series?
The MSO5000HD Series (12-bit, 350 MHz–1 GHz, 500 Mpts) outspecs the 10-bit RTA4000 line on resolution, memory and capture rate while matching its 1 GHz bandwidth and 5 GSa/s sampling. Rohde & Schwarz leads on brand and calibration support.
What do I get for the money with the MSO5104HD?
For 1 GHz, 12-bit HD work the MSO5104HD gives you 5 GSa/s, 4 analog channels with an optional logic pod, 500 Mpts of memory and nine instrument functions — 12-bit resolution where the RTA4004 is 10-bit, with a 5-year warranty.
Are UNI-T software options subscriptions?
No. Every UNI-T software option — logic, automotive/aerospace decode, power analysis, the AWG — is a permanent one-time unlock. No annual licenses, no renewal fees, and no features that expire.
Ready to compare on the bench?
True 12-bit resolution, far deeper memory and a faster capture rate than the 10-bit RTA4004 — at a fraction of the configured price.
View full specifications and current pricing for the UNI-T MSO5104HD →
Disclaimer: Rohde & Schwarz® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG. UNI-T® is a registered trademark of Uni-Trend Technology (China) Co., Ltd. The comparison provided is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. This comparison is not endorsed by, affiliated with, or sponsored by Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG. All trademarks, product names, and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.