They absolutely sound different. A Fender Jazzmaster doesn't sound like a Fender Telecaster, and even within the same model, a Squier won't sound like a guitar

They absolutely sound different. A Fender Jazzmaster doesn't sound like a Fender Telecaster, and even within the same model, a Squier won't sound like a guitar build in US. A good guitarist can tell. But the most important things is that they also play differently. Some models are better suited for some genres too. This is mostly true for every acoustic or electric instrument by the way. The brand actually matters. BUT a lot of guitarists also forget is sound is as good as the weakest link in the sound chain. A $10.000 electric guitar will not sound good on a shitty amp.