It's the same now … this wasn't the default until recently. Apple's support documents from November 2012 describe the process I detailed in my post. My blog posting was based on that.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4372

But apparently CalDAV support via the default Gmail icon was added in iOS 6.

Apple's automated setup for Google accounts on both OS X and iOS only configure Gmail & Notes (via IMAP), Calendar & Reminders (via CalDAV), and Messages (via XMPP).

CardDAV must be added via the “other” method as described in the post.