Comparator does not recognise Redstone Block as side input

When using a Redstone Block as the side input for a Comparator, the side input appears to be treated as if it is unpowered. If a piece of redstone dust is placed between the side input of the comparator and the redstone block, then the input is seen as powered. (see screenshot for clarity)

According to the wiki (https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Redstone_Comparator) the side input should recognise the redstone block directly.

This also occurs on 1.16.210 on Android 10.