On the surface, yeah, but a bit deeper it allows a more web-style development flow; you as a developer only deal with the Javascript part, nothing about the native part. Expo is a runtime, whereas React Native / Metro is a full mobile app stack.

Likewise, with Expo it's easier to do code push, that is, just release a new JS bundle for over-the-air updates without going through the app store. Again, this is possible in RN as well, but it's a bit more involved.

Finally, Expo allows for easier (internal) demos; anyone with the Expo app installed can scan a QR code during your internal demo to install the app over the air, again without having to go through app stores. This can score you points depending on where you work.

Personally I'm still convinced 'real' native apps are better, but few companies want to invest in development & developers for that. My experience with React Native (not Expo) has been positive so far though, with very little issues between iOS and Android - actually, for me personally it's mainly been figuring out how to install custom fonts (custom fonts and Font Awesome for icons). I hope to not have to touch that again, lol.