Is it much better than the martian? Everyone said this about that book and it frankly sucked. It was probably still true though because for a lot of people it was the only sci fi they read in years?
I'd say they're about even, it has some things I enjoy more and some places I think The Martian was better, they're very similar in how they read though, if you didn't like The Martian you almost certainly won't enjoy Project Hail Mary.
I agree with this 100%. They are very similar in idea -- I can understand why some people might feel some kinda way about Weir pushing out a samey book. I adore both though.