In general, sdcards are slow... most use kernel cache lazy page flush if the pi4 has 8GB ram, and F2FS to improve flash reliability.

After, "sudo apt-get install preload" it will cause previously used programs from the last session to auto-cache into ram. Combined with the above setting, the usual programs will launch much faster.

There is also the option to use an external SSD drive for better performance.

Part of the fun of pi4 was getting the OS optimized, but unless you have a legitimate "Sandisk Extreme Pro U3" or >30MB/sec rated sdcard it can still be slow (people have seen 4MB/sec on old counterfeit cards.)

sdcard bus overclocking is a thing as the pi tries to maximize slow hardware compatibility by default. Note this feature is limited on the pi4, but can significantly decrease boot times on older models.

YMMV =)