With one big difference. Android devices don’t lock you in to the Google Play store. Third-party app stores exist and have always existed for the Android platform. It only requires one change to a standard system setting to enable side-loading any software, including third-party app stores.
Years ago, when I was using an Android device, I frequently bought software from the Amazon app store. (Sadly, Amazon will be closing their store in August.)
I would agree with you, with respect to Apple. Their support for third-party app stores is the minimum mandated by law, which isn’t nearly as robust or useful as what has always existed for Android.