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)