Is C# better than Java or are they just different?

They share a similar core OO based language, but C# went out and got a bunch of flashy add ons. C# got generics before Java did. C# added delegates, lambdas, LINQ, the async keyword... Some people see that as progress and making day to day programming easier. Some might see it as bloat(how many ways are there to do async in C# now?)

More like comparing a Braeburn Apple to a Gala Apple.

I should expand this statement. They are both two very similar languages with different pros and cons. Your statement is too broad for anyone to answer. If you state specifically what you're trying to do then we would be able to tell you better if there is an advantage of one over the other.

They are just different.