Q: iCloud and iCloud Drive

One way to (sort of) see the difference is to log in to https://www.icloud.com

Information in iCloud that is not in iCloud Drive includes Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Photos, Notes, Reminders, etc. iCloud Drive is a separate app or section within iCloud.

It is possible to upload photos to iCloud Drive but they won't be in the Photos app at iCloud.com and not integrated with the Photos app on your Mac or iPhone. For that you would want to use iCloud Photo Library: iCloud Photo Library - Apple Support

If you backup any iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) that is part of iCloud but isn't available by logging in to https://www.icloud.com/

For me, it isn't a case of "one over the other" regarding iCloud and iCloud Drive, it is both.

As FoxFifth points out, you can store photos in either location, but the iCloud Photo Library is designed and has been optimized for storing and managing photos. iCloud Drive is not.

I would say they are -- both are part of iCloud. The iCloud Photo Library needs to tightly sync or coordinate with the Photos app on the Mac and i devices and the other types of files do not.

Send Apple feedback. They won't answer, but at least will know there is a problem or a suggestion for improvement. If enough people send feedback, it may get the problem/suggested change solved sooner.

Feedback