The difference is it just uses bank accounts, instantly. You don't have to wait 3 days to get the money, or remember to regularly withdraw money from the app (then wait 3 days for it to arrive).
Venmo has been next day for me for years (which OP mentions in the article)
Tikkie, iDeal, and IBAN transfers (within the country) are essentially instant. Additionally they are universally supported by all mainstream banks.
It's operated by the banks themselves, rather than a third party.