Is the word usando the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the word "usando" exists in both dialects, there is a significant difference in typical usage regarding the continuous aspect (actions happening right now).

In Brazilian Portuguese, the gerund (usando) is the standard way to express an ongoing action (e.g., "I am using"). In Continental Portuguese, the standard construction for an ongoing action is the preposition a + the infinitive of the verb (a usar). While a person from Portugal might occasionally use the gerund in specific literary contexts, using "usando" to describe an action currently in progress would sound unnatural to them.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

1. Estou usando meu celular. (I am using my cell phone.)
2. Ela está usando um vestido novo. (She is wearing/using a new dress.)
3. Nós estamos usando o computador agora. (We are using the computer now.)
4. Você está usando o meu carregador? (Are you using my charger?)
5. Eles estão usando as ferramentas novas. (They are using the new tools.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

1. Estou a usar o meu telemóvel. (I am using my mobile phone.)
2. Ela está a usar um vestido novo. (She is wearing/using a new dress.)
3. Nós estamos a usar o computador agora. (We are using the computer now.)
4. Estás a usar o meu carregador? (Are you using my charger?)
5. Eles estão a usar as ferramentas novas. (They are using the new tools.)