1. The concept is different. "Central enterprises" refer to state-owned companies directly under the relevant departments of the State Council. State-owned enterprises generally refer to enterprises with state-owned capital holding, equity participation or sole proprietorship. Central enterprises are all state-owned enterprises, but they are not necessarily state-owned enterprises.
2. The scale is different. Most central enterprises are over-planned companies with big plans, great leadership and great employee benefits. Central enterprises are real state-owned companies and the pillar of the national economy.