My US Standard has a few differences, mainly in the neck and hardware.
Hi-mass bridge (string through body or bridge), better tuners, graphite-reinforced neck (helps with stability and dead spots), compound radius (flatter up top for faster playing), finish on the back of the neck is nicer as well (half way between glossy and smooth/satin) which is very comfortable. Mine is a 2011, and they've since added Custom Shop pickups and different finish options.
I almost bought a US Special FSR with the honey finish… could'a would'a should'a.