Former Android User -- Question about Notifications!

Hey all,

I recently migrated from a Galaxy S3 to the iPhone 4. I am doing this as a mini-experiment to see how much I like the iOS features and interface. As with most things, there are definitely pros and cons. One thing I want to ask about is the notification system.

I seem to get push notifications with no issues (e.g. Facebook, FB messenger, Gmail, Mail, etc). However, this is where Android seem to trumps Apple. Let's take Gmail for example. I get a notification that I got the email, I swipe in and enter the Gmail app. It would take 10-15 seconds before I can actually see the email. In Android, it would be instantaneous. I know the Google Gmail app is slower than iOS... but besides that, is it normal to get the notification on the phone but the actual email itself hasn't been updated into the app?

Even when I'm swiping my Imo notification, the actual message wouldn't show up in the IM window until I wait 3-5 seconds before it actually refreshes.

So my question is... even with notifications showing front and center, is it normal for me to not see the actual event until the app actually refreshes itself?

Note that I am on a WIFI connection, so internet speed is really a non-issue. I am aware that I am on an iPhone 4, so it will naturally be slower... but it seems that iOS handles notifications a little differently...

Thanks!