Both returned the same count value. One returned array was associative, the other indexed, but the values were the same.

The hexadecimal search string in the $wpdb->prepare result is a memory address pointer to where your search data is stored. Code-wise, it’s no different than having the actual value in place.

BTW, when you post code in these forums, please demarcate with backticks or use the code button. If you don’t do this, your code gets corrupted and it’s difficult for others to test your code. I fixed the code for you since I wanted to test it for myself. Regular members do not have such a luxury.