is life really getting better for the animals? if it is, how is it better? if not, explain whether it is about the same or worse than when jones was in charge.

No, life isn't getting better for the animals. True, the farm is "theirs" but Napoleon is quickly becoming more like farmer Jones. Animals are being worked harder and the commandments are subtly being changed to suit pigs. Certain animals are being treated better while others work had and receive little reward. At least with farmer Jones, the animals shared a common misfortune.