Having barely played MH4U after trying on 3DS and finding the controls to be super janky I couldn't give you a true opinion of the differences. But insect glaive plays a lot better imo (the only thing I know to compare), but that might just be that I find a dedicated controller a lot easier than the 3DS controls + touch screen shenanigans.
Compared to MH:Tri which I played a lot of on Wii you can get away with a lot more in MH:W. I don't use bombs, I don't use fluids or potions beyond healing, antidote and cold/hot drinks, you don't need baited meats, and basically its a lot easier to pick-up how to play I'd say. If you do learn to use all the array of tools available to you the hunts go a lot quicker and easier though.