>>713992935 (OP)Top is trying to create a holistic scene while rendering each asset as cheaply as possible. None of those models/textures are very detailed except the banana tree which serves as a focal point that your eye rests on. The rest are just close enough to give the impression of dense foliage out of your periphery.
The bottom is trying to give each individual asset as much attention as possible. Presumably so they can be integrated into the lighting model out-of-the-box and so they can rigged with some light physics animation so they softly bend and displace in response to the wind or Sam pushing past them.