In fact, it not complete true, DERO is a copy of Cryptonite algorithm (Monero Project) and Criptonote Protocol. Both are written in the language C++. However, CapDero had rewrite the entire code in the language GO (GOLANG). Is important to understand what GO is, and its benefits, to see the differences. (please google it)

There are a lot of more technical explanations but this is the simple one. I think the principal benefit is that GO was entirely made to run faster applications in cluod systems and was created to resolve problems of communication that google has in cluod computing. And the reason DERO will be better than anyone for now is  that it will have the faster communications system and transactions in the network compare to the others.

This are the key features of the project posted but the official team:

•   DERO is a completely new and unique CryptoNote blockchain written in Golang
•   DERO is the first blockchain to have complete SSL in the P2P layer
•   DERO will be the first CryptoNote blockchain to have 500 transactions per second on its native blockchain without any lightning networks, validators or off-blockchain solutions
•   DERO will be first CryptoNote blockchain to have smart contracts on its native chain without any extra layers or secondary blockchains
•   CryptoNote privacy
•   Smart contracts
•   Atomic swaps
•   Mobile and offline wallets
•   Lightweight wallets
•   Subaddresses
•   Escrow services on the blockchain
•   Address signing and certifying
•   Voting on a private blockchain

Hope that with this you  judge better the project