Apple's latest dally into the affordable range has led to a new and improved iPhone SE 2022.

You can get this tiny beast on a phone plan from Optus since pre-orders are now open. The phone will officially go on sale starting 18 March.

How much are Optus iPhone SE 2022 plans?

This year the Apple iPhone SE comes in 3 sizes: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, with prices starting at $719 for the 64GB model. The phone also features a more powerful A15 Bionic chip, improved camera system and 5G connectivity.

You can buy any of the 3 models from Optus on a plan and split the cost over 12, 24 or 36 months to make it more affordable.

Here's a breakdown of what you'll be paying on its cheapest plan:

For the base 64GB model, prices start from:

The 128GB iPhone SE 2022 will cost you:

And the largest size variant, the 256GB, has prices starting at:

Compare Optus iPhone SE plans

Are there any Optus iPhone SE pre-order deals?

Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of pre-order offers at this stage.

However, Optus does have a pretty nifty promotion on its biggest mobile plan.

That makes the Plus Promo Plan the same price as Optus' Large Choice Plus Plan (200GB), but with over double the data.

After those 12 months of the promotion, the plan price will revert back to $115, but you have the option to switch to a different Optus plan should you wish.

What are Optus mobile plans like?

Depending on which Optus mobile plan you're after, plan costs begin at $45 per month with 20GB of monthly data all the way up to 500GB for $115 per month (this price is currently slashed down to $65).

Together with unlimited calls and texts to standard Australian numbers, you'll also get access to the following with Optus:

• 5G network access if you're within the Optus 5G coverage area.
• Access to Optus Sport and SubHub (which includes 6 months free Amazon Prime membership for new customers).
• Data sharing between Optus mobile plans under the same account.
• Endless data across all SIM-only plans. You won't get charged for going over your monthly data limit (speeds get slowed to 1.5Mbps instead).

Is Optus giving you the best iPhone SE pre-order deal?

That depends on why you're getting the iPhone SE.

If it's for 5G coverage, then Optus is the middle ground between Vodafone's affordability and Telstra's wider coverage. Vodafone is slightly cheaper, but has less coverage. Telstra has better coverage for much more money.

Since there isn't much in the way of pre-order bonus gifts with the iPhone SE 2022 launch, it does make it an even playing field for providers as it all comes down to which network and mobile plan appeals to you most.

The best deal will depend on your budget and what you need.