Blocks can be placed without aiming at the side of the block

As shown, there's no need to aim at the side of the block, and blocks can be placed when the aim is about 45° diagonally below.

This has nothing to do with the control method. Whether using touch screens, keyboards & mouses, or controllers and Split controls is on or off, it's able to place blocks in this way.
For example, if using the controller:

The Controller Hint shown means blocks can be placed. ("放置" means "Place" in Chinese)
(The button to Use Item/Place Block has been changed from LT to RT by the player who taking the screenshot)