The MBA 13 and MBP 14 have very similar working real estate on their displays. See their default scaled resolutions for better understanding.
The MBA 15 and MBP 16 have very similar working real estate on their displays. Again, see their default scaled resolutions for better understanding.
If someone is okay with a smaller working real estate on their display, they should consider a MBA 13 or MBP 14. If they want or need MORE working real estate, they shoud consider a MBA 15 or MBP 16.
It’s a pet-peeve of mine when people look at the price of the MBA 15 and recommend that someone get the MBP 14 instead. They are very different experiences and some people won’t be happy with the smaller working space
But you can just increase the scaled resolution on the MBP 14, and get similar working space anyway. And going for the 14" MBP gets you a screen that’s better in every way, along with more battery (esp. on the M3 model), and much more I/O.
You can adjust the Pro 14 resolution to some degree. But it won’t look as good or be as easy to read as the MBA 15. Also if someone was adjusting screens the could adjust the MBA 15 screen and get even more working real-estate than the adjusted MBP.
I have a MBP 16 and I prefer my old MBP 15 screen better. I can’t stand the halo-effect of the MiniLED. I never notice the Promotion. I rarely watch HDR. I don’t notice the supposed advantage. The avantages of MBA 15 over MBP 14 include being slimmer, better form factor, quieter, lighter, less moving parts, less dust, cheaper, bigger display, no halo-effect, higher default scaled resolution and usually better battery life (but maybe the base M3 can compete)