Both cloning and copying files are used to store your data copy. However, there are slight differences between these processes:
When you clone a Mac, it copies the complete layout of your disk, including the physical location of all directories and files.
When cloning a Mac, the system copies hidden system files.
Cloning is much faster.
When you copy your Mac HD, many files are locked and cannot be copied.
With a clone, you can boot your system on another computer. With copied files, you can’t do this.